Lab Signs

As all of us already understand, a laboratory is the place where mankind takes its giant strides forward in technology and these strides are not really risk-free. Conducting experiments, taking the risks of hazards involved and moving forward is no easy task. However, the risks and hazards can be reduced drastically by using proper lab signs and making sure that they are displayed in the right areas.

A laboratory, depending upon the experiments conducted and the kind of research being done, use s a variety of equipment and dangerous consumables that might include but are not limited to radioactive substances, toxic and inflammable chemicals, fragile glassware and sharp and sensitive instruments. These materials pose dangers to the people working in it and in a few cases tot eh whole locality.

Taking care that everyone is aware of the dangers involved and reminding them to keep away form places where there could be a risk is the task well done by lab signs. In this article, let us take a look at a few safety lab signs and understand them:

1. Danger: The universal symbol that shouts “Danger” is the skull and the crossbones and it is one most well recognized safety signs across the globe. Once you see this sign anywhere, on a test tube or on a bottle in the laboratory, it is best to follow the safety guidelines before handling it.
2. Radioactive: Radioactive and radiation are two facets of the same risk and the thus the symbols are also similar. This lab sign is usually bright in color and shows rays emanating form the centre. The bright color is used to make sure that the symbol is viewable from far.
3. Thermal safety: Symbolized by a hand glove, this tells the onlooker to handle the equipment or material after wearing gloves since it involves high temperature exposure. This thermal safety lab sign is one of the most often used.
4. Eye safety: Symbolized by a pair of goggles, this symbol tells the onlooker to wear glasses before entering the area. The risk of not wearing them can be anything from chemical exposure to bright light that can irreparably damage the eyes.
5. Fire safety: This symbol is very simple and shows flames on a bright backdrop. It symbolizes the risk of fire and thus taking care or wearing a fire suit may be required to enter the area.
6. Open flame: This symbol means that the area is experimenting with flames and one should be careful. The symbol is a simple flame crossed with a diagonal line. Always be cautious in such areas since where there is fire, there could also be explosions.
7. Chemical safety: Symbolized by a bottle pouring out liquid, this lab sign indicates that dangerous chemicals are at work in the area. Do not anything here without a protective gear.
8. Sharp objects: A hand with a cut in the forefinger means that dangerous instruments are in play in the area. Make sure you do not touch anything unless you know what you want to play with.
9. First aid: A green background with a white hospital cross (very similar to the red cross symbol) symbolizes help at hand. A lot of other symbols are also used to signify first aid; however, if you feel anything is amiss, you will need to get here quickly.
10. Biohazard: This is one symbol that you cannot afford to neglect. This symbol means that the danger comes from other living forms, micro, macro or huge. Usually found in biotech labs, this sign is danger in living form.