SAFETY SYMBOLS
What is this?
Disposal
Special disposal procedures need to be
followed
Ex. Certain chemicals, living organisms
Do not dispose these into the trash can
Dispose of waste as directed by your teacher
What is this?
Biological Hazard
Organisms that might be harmful to humans
Ex. Bacteria, fungi, blood,etc
Avoid skin contact by wearing mask and
gloves
Notify your teacher if you suspect contact with
material.
Wash hands thoroughly
What is this?
Extreme Temperature
Objects that can burn skin: Hot or Cold
Ex. Boiling liquids, hot plates, dry ice, etc
Use proper protection when handling
Go to your teacher for first aid
What is this?
Sharp Object
Use of tools or glass that can easily puncture
skin
Razor blades, pins, BROKEN GLASS!, etc
Practice common sense behavior and ask
teacher to help clean
Go to your teacher for first aid
What is this?
Fume
Possible danger to respiratory tract
Ammonia, acetone, heated sulfur, etc
Check for good ventilation
Never smell fumes and always wear a mask
Leave foul area and notify teacher immediately
What is this?
Electrical
Possible danger from electric shock or burn
Liquid spills, short circuits, exposed wires, etc
Double-check set up with teacher.
Check condition of equipment
DO NOT TRY TO FIX!
Notify teacher immediately
What is this?
Irritant
Substance that can irritate skin or mucus
membranes of respiratory tract
Fiber glass, potassium permanganate, etc
Wear dust mask and gloves
Practice extra care
Go to teacher for first aid
What is this?
Chemical
Chemicals that can react with and destroy
tissue and other materials
Bleaches, acids, and bases
Wear goggles, gloves, and an apron
Immediately flush the affected area with water
and notify your teacher
What is this?
Toxic
Substance may be poisonous if touched,
inhaled, or swallowed
Mercury, iodine, metal compounds, etc
Follow your teacher’s instructions
Always wash hands thoroughly after use.
Go to teacher for first aid
What is this?
No Open Flame
Open flame may ignite flammable chemicals,
loose clothing, or hair
Ex. Alcohol, hair, clothing, etc
Avoid wearing loose clothing
Be aware of safety equipment locations
Tie back loose hair
Notify teacher immediately
Goggles: Eye Safety
Proper eye protection should be worn at all
times by anyone performing or observing
science activities
Apron: Clothing Protection
This symbol appears when substances could
stain or burn clothing
Animal Safety
This symbol appears when safety of animals
and students must be ensured
Radioactivity
This symbol appears when radioactive
materials are used
MSDS
Material Safety Data Sheet
A Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) is a
document that gives detailed information
about the nature of a chemical, such as
physical and chemical properties
health, safety, fire, and environmental hazards of a
chemical product.
They are designed for:
workers who may be exposed to hazardous
materials
emergency personnel (for example, firefighters),who
may have to clean up a spill or release.
Hazard Diamond: On MSDS
The four divisions are typically color-coded,
Blue: health hazard
Red: flammability
Yellow: (chemical) reactivity
White: special codes for unique hazards.
Each is rated on a scale:
from 0 (no hazard; normal substance) to 4 (severe risk).
