General Lab And

Safety rules

JOSEMARI M. RONQUILLO

BET-CPET 1I (NS)
The following are rules that relate to almost every laboratory and should be included in most safety
policies. They cover what you should know in the event of an emergency, proper signage, safety
equipment, safely using laboratory equipment, and basic common-sense rules.

1.Be sure to read all fire alarm and safety signs and follow the instructions in the event of an
accident or emergency.

2.Ensure you are fully aware of your facility's/building's evacuation procedures.

3.Make sure you know where your lab's safety equipment—including first aid kit(s), fire
extinguishers, eye wash stations, and safety showers—is located and how to properly use it.

4.Know emergency phone numbers to use to call for help in case of an emergency.

5.Lab areas containing carcinogens, radioisotopes, biohazards, and lasers should be properly
marked with the appropriate warning signs.

6.Open flames should never be used in the laboratory unless you have permission from a qualified
supervisor.

7.Make sure you are aware of where your lab's exits and fire alarms are located.

8.An area of 36" diameter must be kept clear at all times around all fire sprinkler heads.

8.If there is a fire drill, be sure to turn off all electrical equipment and close all containers.

9.Always work in properly-ventilated areas.

10.Do not chew gum, drink, or eat while working in the lab.

11.Laboratory glassware should never be utilized as food or beverage containers.

12.Each time you use glassware, be sure to check it for chips and cracks. Notify your lab supervisor
of any damaged glassware so it can be properly disposed of.

13.Never use lab equipment that you are not approved or trained by your supervisor to operate.

14.If an instrument or piece of equipment fails during use, or isn't operating properly, report the
issue to a technician right away. Never try to repair an equipment problem on your own.

15.If you are the last person to leave the lab, make sure to lock all the doors and turn off all ignition
sources.

16.Do not work alone in the lab.

17.Never leave an ongoing experiment unattended.

18.Never lift any glassware, solutions, or other types of apparatus above eye level.
19.Never smell or taste chemicals.

20.Do not pipette by mouth.

21.Make sure you always follow the proper procedures for disposing lab waste.

22.Report all injuries, accidents, and broken equipment or glass right away, even if the incident
seems small or unimportant.

23.If you have been injured, yell out immediately and as loud as you can to ensure you get help.

24.In the event of a chemical splashing into your eye(s) or on your skin, immediately flush the
affected area(s) with running water for at least 20 minutes.

25.If you notice any unsafe conditions in the lab, let your supervisor know as soon as possible.
Science Laboratory
Safety Symbols and
Hazard Signs,
Meanings
1. Gloves Required

Look for the gloves safety symbol to identify when hand protection
should be worn for handling hazardous materials, even in small
quantities. It is important to choose the appropriate type of glove
for the hazard present, such as chemical resistant gloves, heat
resistant gloves, etc. Be aware that no chemical resistant glove
protects against all chemical hazards. Read the Material Safety
Data Sheet for guidance on the appropriate type of glove to wear,
or consult with lab supply distributors for glove vs. chemical
comparison charts when choosing chemically resistant gloves. Be
aware that some materials may cause reactions in some workers
such as allergies to latex. Make sure the gloves fit properly.
2. Boots Required

The laboratory boots required safety symbol indicates when street

shoes are not adequate for certain lab-related tasks. Chemical
resistant overshoes or boots should be used to avoid possible
exposure to corrosive chemicals or large quantities of solvents or
water that might penetrate normal footwear. Leather shoes tend
to absorb chemicals and may have to be discarded if
contaminated with a hazardous material. In a lab, dropping a
beaker of acid will soon destroy an ordinary pair of shoes.
Specialized laboratory footwear is designed for specific
applications and settings.
3. Protective Clothing

The protective clothing safety symbol indicates that a lab coat or

other protective clothing needs to be worn. There are several
types of lab coats for different types of protection. Cotton protects
against flying objects, sharp or rough edges, and is usually
treated with a fire retardant. Since many synthetic fabrics can
adhere to skin when burning, cotton is the most preferred
laboratory clothing fabric. Wool protects against splashes of
molten materials, small quantities of acid, and small flames.
Synthetic fibers protect against sparks and infrared or ultraviolet
radiation. Aluminized and reflective clothing protect against
radiant heat.
4. Safety Glasses

The eye protection safety sign indicates there is the possibility of

chemical, environmental, radiological, or mechanical irritants and
hazards in the laboratory. Eyeshields, also called safety glasses,
goggles, or spectacles, not only provide protection against flying
debris and chemical splashes in the lab, but may also protect
against visible and near visible light or radiation from UV rays,
depending on the lens material. The most popular lens material
for lab safety eyewear is polycarbonate. This material has less
than half the weight of glass, making the eyewear more
comfortable to wear. Modern eyeshield designs offer anti-slip
nose bridges, anti-fog lenses, and coatings, which make them
resistant to acids, caustics, and hydrocarbons.
5. Breathing Masks

Respirators are designed to prevent contaminated air from

entering the body. “Half mask” respirators cover just the nose and
mouth; “full face” respirators cover the entire face; and “hood” or
“helmet” style respirators cover the entire head. Respirators can
protect the user in two ways: By cleaning the “dirty” outside air
that passes through a filter or adsorption bed or both when one
inhales; or by supplying clean breathing air from a remote source.
The clean air can either be delivered via a supply line, or the
clean air is packaged and carried with you in a tank. The
breathing mask safety sign lets you know that you’re working in
an area with potentially contaminated air.
6. Face Shields

The face protection safety symbol lets lab personnel know that a
large face shield, similar to the glass shield on a motorcycle
helmet, must be worn when executing experiments that carry the
potential of causing an explosion inside of the hood. Full face
(and possibly throat) protection from splash and/or impact is
commonly required for work on or in the presence of human
pathogens, some laboratory chemicals, explosion hazards, heavy
grinding and heavy spraying or splashing, and with large (2 L and
larger) quantities of dangerous liquids such as acids, bases, and
many organic liquids. A face shield can also afford extra
protection against extreme temperatures.
7. Hearing Protection

Noise in laboratories has become a growing concern. While the

noise levels in most laboratories are below the threshold level that
damages hearing, laboratory noise can be fairly loud. The
operation of large analyzers (e.g., chemistry analyzer), fume
hoods, biosafety cabinets, incubators, cell washers, tissue
homogenizers, and stirrer motors, all contribute to the noise level.
There is a wide variety of hearing protection devices available.
Different devices are designed to protect against different
severities of noise. The ear protection safety symbol indicates that
lab workers are in a dangerously high decibel noise range.
8. Eye Wash Station

The eye wash safety sign indicates the location of an eyewash

station. Eye wash stations provide a continuous, low-pressure
stream of aerated water in laboratories in which chemical or
biological agents are used or stored and in facilities where
nonhuman primates are handled. The eyewash station should be
easily accessible from any part of the laboratory and, if possible,
located near the safety shower so that, if necessary, the eyes can
be washed while the body is showered.
9. Safety Shower

Safety showers need to be installed in all areas where laboratory

employees may be exposed to splashes or spills of materials that
may be injurious to the eyes and body. As a general rule, new
shower installations should adhere to the recommendations for
shower location and minimum performance requirements
established in American National Standard Z-358.1 (1998).
Showers should be placed as close to the hazard as possible, but
in no case more than 10 seconds' travel time from the hazard.
Safety shower signage should be prominently displayed close to
the shower.
10. Wash Hands

Hand washing is a primary safeguard against inadvertent

exposure to toxic chemicals or biological agents. The wash hands
safety sign lets lab personnel know to wash their hands after
removing soiled protective clothing, before leaving the laboratory,
and before eating, drinking, smoking, or using a rest room.
Workers should also wash their hands periodically during the day
at intervals dictated by the nature of their work. Wash with soap
and running water, with hands held downward to flush the
contamination off the hands. Turn the tap off with a clean paper
towel to prevent recontamination, and dry hands with clean
towels.
11. Food & Drink Prohibited

A no food and drink safety sign lets lab personnel know that
eating and/or drinking where hazardous materials are used,
handled, or stored is not permitted, as such activity can result in
the accidental ingestion of hazardous materials (chemical,
biological, and/or radiological). Food or beverage containers may
not be stored in the laboratory and washed drinking cups, food
containers, or eating utensils may not be dried on laboratory
drying racks. Refrigerators used for storage of research materials
must not be used for storage of food or beverages.
12. No Pacemakers or Metallic Implants

The no pacemakers or metallic implants lab safety sign is used to

warn lab staff of a strong magnetic field hazard. This is caused by
lab instruments that use superconducting magnets such as
nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometers (NMR). Staff with
pacemakers or metallic implants cannot work in such areas of the
lab and other staff should take care to remove metal objects such
as jewellery, watches, loose change, etc. before entering these
areas, in order to prevent injuries.
13. Fire Extinguisher

Fires can happen anywhere, but lab fires can be even more
dangerous due to Bunsen burners, flammable liquids, research
documents, laptops, and lab equipment that might be present at
any given time. Due to these unique circumstances, it’s important
that every lab be prepared with the correct fire extinguisher,
inspection requirements, and training. It is essential that the
occupants of a laboratory are fully aware of the risks and the
appropriate extinguishing media. A fire extinguisher safety sign
indicates the exact location of a lab’s fire extinguisher.
14. Fire Blanket

The fire blanket safety sign indicates where a fire blanket is

located in the lab. Housed in a case or not, the woolen blanket is
used for smothering fires and for containing and controlling
chemical spills.

If someone in the lab should catch fire, he or she should get on

the ground and start rolling to extinguish the flames. Lab
personnel can assist by using the blanket to speed extinguishing
the fire, preventing further injury. Fire blankets are large enough
to entirely cover most people, depriving the fire of the oxygen that
it needs to continue burning.
15. Fire Hose

A fire hose connection safety sign informs individuals of the

location of hose connections in their lab. Those locations should
be clearly and accurately marked so they can easily be found.
The best safety practice is to post a fire hose location sign above
the actual equipment and then install directional versions of the
fire hose location sign (which point towards the direction to the
equipment) wherever people cannot actually see a fire hose’s
location or its “above-the-equipment” sign.
16. No Open Flames

Bunsen burners, lighters, matches, and any other flame-

producing devices are considered “open flame devices.” Open
flame devices carry with them the risk of unintentional fire and
serious consequences when not used appropriately. Most organic
chemicals are flammable. The chance of a fire is substantially
increased when open flames are present. No open flames safety
signage indicates to lab personnel the risk and prohibition of open
flame devices.
17. First Aid Station

The first aid station safety symbol indicates the availability of a

first aid kit. The kit should be easily accessible to other lab
locations that belong to a particular group. The first aid kit should
contain the items recommended in the First Aid Kit Policy and
Guidelines for Laboratories. It should be inspected monthly to
ensure that no items are missing and that none of the remedies
(e.g., saline solution, ointment) in the kit have expired.
18. AED or Defibrillator

The AED or defibrillator safety sign indicates the location of the

laboratory’s automated external defibrillator (AED) so that it can
be found quickly in the event of an emergency. This portable
device, used to treat sudden cardiac arrest, checks the heart
rhythm and can send an electric shock to the heart to try to
restore a normal rhythm. Ideally, lab staff should be trained on
how to use the AED, but each unit comes with instructions so that
even untrained staff can operate it if necessary. Doing CPR in
conjunction with using the AED can also improve chances of
survival for someone experiencing sudden cardiac arrest in the
lab.
19. Emergency Meeting Point

The emergency meeting point sign marks a safe place, either

inside or outside the building, where laboratory employees should
meet in the event of an actual emergency (chemical spill, fire,
etc.) or emergency drill. In their safety training, employees should
be made aware of the location of the emergency point, or the
meeting point closest to their location if there are multiple meeting
points. Such locations should be large enough to accommodate
all employees in the event of an evacuation. It’s always a good
idea to have a backup meeting point in case the primary one has
been destroyed or is inaccessible due to the emergency taking
place.
20. General Warning

The general warning lab safety symbol consists of a black

exclamation point in a yellow triangle. As you’d expect, it is a
general warning to laboratory staff that a hazard exists. This
symbol can be found on equipment, doorways, cupboards or
other areas of the lab. It provides a good reminder to work safely
and check if you are not sure of the safety procedures for certain
equipment or areas in the lab.
21. Health Hazard

The health hazard sign denotes chemicals in the lab that can
cause serious, often long-term health problems. Hazards include
carcinogens, respiratory sensitizers, reproductive toxins,
aspiration toxins, target organ toxins, and mutagens. An important
step in protecting worker health is recognizing the various health
hazards in the lab, as ignorance of the harmful effects of
laboratory materials can have serious and even fatal
consequences.
22. Biohazard

The biohazard lab safety sign warns of lab equipment such as

fridges or freezers that either contains biohazardous materials or
could be contaminated with biohazardous material such as blood
samples. This sign also marks entire areas of the lab that either
contain or are exposed to biohazards, for example, a lab working
with infectious agents. Workers should always wear the proper
PPE and follow proper procedures when working with such
agents. Managers should also have an effective exposure control
plan in place in case of an emergency. Regular cleaning and
decontamination of areas and equipment that are exposed to
biohazards is also a must.
23. Harmful Irritant

Substances labelled with the irritant symbol are not corrosive, but
they can cause discomfort and reddening, irritation, or blistering of
the skin. Laboratory workers should handle irritants carefully.
Working with irritants in the fume hood can help individuals avoid
inhalation. Examples of irritant substances include ammonia,
chloroform, and chlorine.
24. Poison/Toxic Material

The toxic material symbol indicates the presence of substances

that may harm an individual if they enter the body. Possible routes
of exposure to toxic materials are through inhalation, skin contact,
and ingestion. The hazards and health effects associated with
toxic materials depend on the specific material in question, the
route of exposure, and the concentration of the material.
25. Corrosive Material Hazard

The corrosive material hazard laboratory safety sign indicates

corrosive substances in the lab that can eat away the skin if you
come into direct contact with them. Such materials should always
be stored at the proper humidity and temperature conditions in the
proper cabinets. All employees who handle corrosive substances
should be properly trained and wear gloves, protective clothing,
and face protection.
26. Carcinogen Hazard

Carcinogen signs in a laboratory indicate the use of known human

carcinogens. Carcinogenic substances commonly used in the lab
include formaldehyde, methylene chloride, and benzene. When
handling carcinogens, appropriate personal protective equipment
must be worn. To keep carcinogens contained, thereby limiting
unnecessary exposure, devices such as fume hoods, glove
boxes, and HEPA filters are often used.
27. Explosive Hazard

The exploding bomb symbol will appear on chemicals in the lab

that have explosive properties; these include unstable explosives
(solid or liquid chemicals capable of a chemical reaction that
damages surroundings), self-reactive substances and mixtures
(substances and mixtures that may cause fire or explosion in the
absence of air), and organic peroxides.
28. High Voltage

The high voltage warning symbol, which includes a lightning bolt

arrow in a yellow triangle, warns of voltage high enough to cause
serious injury or death. In general, you should stay away from
equipment or areas of the lab marked with this symbol, though if
you do need to work close to such hazards, protective clothing
and rubber gloves should be worn.
29. Electrical Hazard

The electrical hazard safety symbol, which typically includes a

frayed wire and a hand with a lightning bolt across it, indicates
any electrical hazards in the lab. Such hazards can cause
anything from a mild tingling to death. With direct current, a
person can detect a "tingling" feeling at 1 mA and the median "let-
go" threshold (the current at which one cannot release the
conductor) is 76 mA. For 60 Hertz alternating current, the values
are 0.4 mA and 16 mA, respectively. If an electrical hazard is
suspected, the device in question should be disconnected
immediately and the cause determined by a qualified technician.
Equipment should always be turned off and unplugged when any
work is being done on it.
30. Laser Beam Hazard

The laser beam hazard sign in the laboratory lets staff know that
hazards from laser beams are present. Both the eyes and skin
can be damaged from direct exposure to laser beams so proper
eye protection and non-flammable clothing should always be worn
at all times in these areas of the lab, whether the laser is being
operated or not.
31. UV Light Hazard

The UV light hazard symbol will appear near ultraviolet (UV) light
areas to warn personnel of the potential dangers. UV light is a
type of electromagnetic radiation with a wavelength between 180
and 400 nm, which is shorter than those of visible light, but longer
than those of X-rays. Health effects due to acute exposure to UV
light include redness or ulcerations on the skin, while chronic
exposure can lead to skin cancer.
32. Glassware Hazard

The broken glassware symbol may be placed on a container

designated for the disposal of broken glass in the lab. Broken
glass is a physical hazard and has the potential to be a health
hazard if it is contaminated with toxic chemicals or infectious
substances. Wherever possible, laboratories should use
plasticware instead of glassware to avoid hazards. Laboratory
workers should use appropriate gloves to handle broken glass, or
use forceps, tongs, or a dustpan and brush to clean up pieces of
broken glass.
33. Hot Surface

As you’d expect, the hot surface safety sign warns laboratory

employees of burn hazards from hot surfaces. Such hazards can
come from lab equipment such as lab ovens and autoclaves or
from the building itself—if there are steam pipes, etc. Lab workers
should avoid touching such surfaces, but if they could come into
contact with hot surfaces during their daily work or must handle
hot equipment, they should first be trained on how to properly use
such equipment and always wear the correct PPE (ex. heat-
resistant gloves, lab coats, eye protection, and closed-toed
shoes).
34. Low Temperature Warning Symbol

The low temperature warning symbol warns staff of low

temperature or cryogenic hazards in the lab. Such temperatures
are usually much lower than freezing point and can be found in
cold storage areas of the lab or where chemicals such as liquid
nitrogen are stored. PPE for working with cryogenic or low
temperature hazards may include: gloves designed for this
purpose (thick and made from rubber and cloth, covering the skin
up to the elbow), long pants, closed-toe shoes or boots, a rubber
apron, and face shield.
35. Ionizing Radiation Hazard

The ionizing radiation hazard safety sign indicates the presence

of ionizing radiation. Ionizing radiation is radiation that carries
enough energy to liberate electrons from atoms or molecules,
thereby ionizing them. Sources of ionizing radiation in the lab
include X-ray apparatus, medical beam cannons, and particle
accelerators. Any laboratory possessing or using radioactive
isotopes must be licensed by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission
(NRC) and/or by a state agency that has been approved by the
NRC, 10 CFR 31.11 and 10 CFR 35.12. Labs must limit entry of
radionuclides into the human body to quantities as low as
reasonably achievable and always within the established limits,
and limit exposure to external radiation to levels that are within
established dose limits and as far below these limits as is
reasonably achievable.
36. Non-Ionizing Radiation Hazard

The non-ionizing radiation hazard sign warns staff of sources of

non-ionizing radiation in the lab. Such radiation has a higher
frequency and shorter wavelength than non-ionizing radiation.
Non-ionizing radiation includes the spectrum of ultraviolet (UV),
visible light, infrared (IR), microwave (MW), radio frequency (RF),
and extremely low frequency (ELF). Lasers, fluorescent lamps,
and some photosensitive chemicals are examples of non-ionizing
radiation hazards in the lab. Employee exposure to non-ionizing
radiation from any source cannot exceed OSHA standards.
Biological safety cabinets, PPE, and engineering controls are
some of the measures used to minimize exposure to such
hazards.
37. Optical Radiation Hazard

Optical radiation is another term for light, covering ultraviolet (UV)

radiation, visible light, and infrared radiation. The optical radiation
hazard safety signs warns of equipment that produces this type of
radiation in the lab, such as high-powered lasers. When working
with such hazards, proper eyewear should always be worn. For
lasers in particular, proper SOPs should be in place, the beam
path for the laser system should be enclosed, and users should
perform a physical survey for any unwanted reflections before
using the laser.
38. IAEA Ionizing Radiation Hazard

The International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) ionizing

radiation hazard symbol supplements the regular trefoil symbol for
radiation. It includes radiating waves, a skull and crossbones, and
a running person to warn of large sources of ionizing radiation.
The symbol is aimed more toward the general public, who may
not be aware that the trefoil indicates radiation hazards, and is
placed on sources of radiation that can cause death or serious
injury. Typically it is placed on the device housing the radiation
source, rather than doors or containers, to warn people not to
take the device apart or get any closer to it.
39. Dangerous to the Environment

This symbol indicates that the substance in question can cause

damage to the environment, and is most often used to label
chemicals that are toxic to aquatic wildlife. Environmental hazards
are classified as either acute or chronic. Lab workers should
dispose of environmentally hazardous materials properly, and
ensure that they do not get washed down the drain.
40. Flammable & Combustible

The flammable and combustible symbol signifies substances that

will ignite and continue to burn in air. Substances in this category
may be gases, aerosols, liquids, or solids, and include many
solvents and cleaning materials that are commonly used in the
laboratory. Workers should always keep flammable materials
away from open flames, heat, sparks, and ignition sources.
41. Oxidizing Agent

The symbol for oxidizing materials indicates the presence of

chemicals that readily give off oxygen or other oxidizing
substances. Oxidizing materials may intensify fires and cause
explosions, and also may be toxic or corrosive. Although air is the
usual source of oxygen for burning, oxidizing materials can
support a fire even in the absence of air. Some common oxidizing
liquids and solids found in laboratories are bromine, chlorates,
nitrates, perchloric acid, and peroxides.
42. Compressed Gas

Compressed gases, as indicated by the symbol, are routinely

used in laboratories. There are three major types of gases that
get stored under pressure in cylinders: liquefied gases (gases that
can become liquids when compressed at room temperature), non-
liquefied gases (gases that do not become liquids when
compressed at room temperature), and dissolved gases (gaseous
reservoir hydrocarbons dissolved in liquid reservoir
hydrocarbons). The high pressure within a cylinder makes
compressed gases hazardous, as gas can flow rapidly from the
cylinder and cause injury, fires, or explosions.
43. Flammable Gas

The flammable gas symbol represents gases that will burn or

explode if mixed with air, oxygen, or other , in the presence of a
source of ignition. Flammable gases used in laboratories include
ethyl chloride, aerosols, and liquefied petroleum gas.
Compressed flammable gases are common in many labs, and
they are extremely dangerous to work with and around.
44. Non-Flammable Gas

The symbol for non-flammable gases signifies a division of gases

found in labs that encompass compressed gases, liquefied gases,
cryogenic gases, compressed gases in solution, and oxidizing
gases. Specific examples of non-flammable gases include air,
carbon dioxide, Freon, helium, and nitrogen. Although they are
not a fire hazard, non-flammable gases displace oxygen and
cause asphyxiation or death.
45. Strong Magnetic Field

Certain pieces of laboratory equipment generate strong magnetic

fields. The strong magnetic field sign alerts lab members to the
dangers that this type of equipment can pose. The risks are
especially imminent for people wearing pacemakers and implants,
which will tend to align themselves with the magnetic field lines,
as will watches, clipboards, and certain tools.
46. Recycling symbol

The internationally recognized recycling symbol is formed of three

arrows that point in a never-ending loop. The arrows form a
triangle shape. The recycling sign is used in labs to indicate
where recyclable items are gathered and sorted. Such items can
include any plastic that is not characterized as a biohazard or
radioactive hazard, Types 1 and 2 laboratory plastics, gloves,
pipette tip boxes, Styrofoam containers, cardboard—all of these
are readily recyclable in most lab facilities. Ask your EH&S or
Facility Management representative about recycling in your
facility.