Common Laboratory Hazards and Symbols

Besides the laboratory acting as a store for chemicals and apparatus, many experiments are done in the laboratory. Hence there are many hazard symbols in the laboratory to help learners take necessary precautions against dangers and hazards.

The following are hazard symbols, their meaning and interpretations.

Hazard Symbol	Meaning	Intepretation
Corrosive	Corrosive	The substance can destroy living tissues and equipment on contact. Caution! Do not breathe in vapour; avoid contact with skin and eyes.
Oxidizer		The substance can ignite flammable and combustible materials or worsen existing fires thus make firefighting more difficult. Caution! Keep away from such flammable and combustible materials.
Poisonous	Poisonous	The substance is hazardous when inhaled, swallowed or exposed to the skin. It may even lead to death. Caution! Avoid contact with the human body and immediately consult a physician in case of contact.
Radioactive	Radioactive	The substance has measurable radioactivity. Caution! Avoid exposure to the substance.
Flammable	Flammable	ü The substance can easily catch fire. Caution! Keep away from open flames, sources of heat and sparks.
Toxic	Toxic	ü The substance is toxic, will contaminate the environment and affects aquatic animals. Caution! Avoid contact with human body and water bodies. Immediately consult a doctor in case of contact.
Harmful or irritating.	Harmful or irritating.	ü This substance can cause harm or irritation to human beings. Caution! Avoid contact with the human body and immediately consult a doctor in case of contact.
Carcinogenic	Carcinogenic	ü This substance is capable of causing cancer. Caution! Avoid exposure to the substance.