Skip to Main Content Accessibility Statement
menu barsmenu menu close
Bulk Order Pad
Enter full and exact Brady part #'s below:
Ex: M210, 99048, SDPL-RED-38ST-KD6
 
neutral icon This product is in your cart. We'll update the quantity.
Add icon Add Line
Correct or remove part #s that can't be found.

Labels

Printers

Barcode & RFID

Software

Floor Tape

Lockout Tagout

Signs

Pipe & Valve

Tags

Absorbents

Solutions

Resources

Decoding Laboratory Safety Symbols: A Comprehensive Guide

Laboratory safety is of paramount importance; not only to ensure the well-being of personnel, but also to preserve the integrity of the research. One crucial aspect of maintaining safety is the use of lab safety symbols. These symbols provide clear and concise visual cues that help identify potential hazards and how to mitigate them. This guide will help you effectively understand these symbols, creating a safer environment for all.

Types of Laboratory Safety Symbols

Laboratory safety symbols are essential for preventing accidents and promoting a safe working environment. OSHA requires labs to provide safety symbols in environments where hazardous chemicals are present. There are many different types of safety symbols in labs, each with its own meaning. Some of the most common symbols include:

Chemical Hazards

These symbols identify chemicals that are flammable, corrosive, toxic, or otherwise hazardous.

  • Flammable

    A flame symbol is used to warn personnel that there are flammable materials or chemicals in the area. It can also mean that these hazardous materials may emit flammable gas or self ignite when exposed to water or air. Anyone working with a flammable substance should wear eye protection and handle it with care.

    A flammable materials safety symbol commonly seen in laboratory settings.

  • Corrosive

    The corrosive symbol indicates the presence of chemicals that are strong enough to corrode skin or surfaces upon contact. Personal protective equipment (PPE) — including special gloves, eye protection and lab coats — should always be worn, and working surfaces should be chemical resistant.

    A corrosive symbol that visually indicates the danger of a material when in contact with a surface or skin.

  • Toxic

    A skull and crossbones represents a substance that’s poisonous or has an immediate and severe toxic effect. These chemicals can be fatal after just one exposure so it’s crucial to wear proper PPE, including a respirator, to prevent serious harm.

    A skull and crossbones represents the toxic safety symbol.

Biohazards

These symbols identify biological materials that could pose a risk to human health such as bacteria, viruses, bodily fluids and other microorganisms.

  • Biohazard

    The biohazard symbol is commonly placed in larger areas of a lab that either contain or are exposed to biohazards. It can also be used to indicate where to put waste that contains biological materials or infectious agents. Proper protection and decontamination of exposed equipment is a must in these areas.

    An orange biohazard symbol, a safety symbol commonly seen in the lab.

  • Ionizing Radiation

    Some lab equipment can emit radiation, which can cause burns or even radiation poisoning after prolonged exposure. The ionizing radiation symbol is placed by equipment like an x-ray apparatus, medical beam cannons or particle accelerators as a warning; and lab personnel should be properly trained and protected before operating.

    A yellow ionizing radiation symbol indicates dangerously high levels of radiation in the lab.

  • Laser Beam Hazard

    This symbol indicates the presence of laser beams that have the potential to damage eyes, skin and even clothing with direct exposure. Protective eyewear is required and, in some cases, fire-retardant clothing is necessary to keep everyone safe.

    A yellow laser beam hazard safety symbol.

Physical Hazards

These symbols identify physical hazards such as high voltage, slip hazards, and hot surfaces.

  • High Voltage

    A lighting bolt symbol means a piece of equipment has a high enough voltage to seriously — maybe fatally — injure staff. Anyone using this equipment should be properly trained and wear rubber gloves to avoid electrocution.

    The high voltage lab safety symbol is shaped like a lightning bolt.

  • Slip Hazard

    This symbol is used to mark areas that pose the risk of slipping or tripping. It serves as a reminder for personnel to proceed with caution.

    A yellow slip hazard safety symbol with a stick-man falling.

  • Hot Surface

    The hot surface symbol warns lab personnel of potential harm from hot surfaces. In a lab, this hazard could come from lab ovens or autoclaves, and heat-resistant PPE should always be worn.

    A yellow hot surface safety symbol depicts a hand hovering over a scorching hot surface.

Fire and Explosion Hazards

These symbols identify materials that are explosive or have the potential to oxidize.

  • Oxidizing Agent

    This symbol represents the presence of chemicals that have the potential to intensify fires, cause explosions, and may be toxic or corrosive. Since they provide oxygen to flammable substances, these chemicals should always be stored separately and handled with care.

    The oxidizing agent lab safety symbol depicts a spherical material on fire.

  • Explosive Hazard

    Any chemical with explosive properties will have this symbol. The explosion hazard can come from a variety of reasons including high heat, self-reactive substances or environmental conditions.

    An explosive material safety symbol commonly seen in lab environments.

Additional Lab Safety Symbols

In addition to the primary lab safety symbols, there are a number of additional symbols and laboratory labels that are common in a laboratory setting. These symbols typically provide information about specific entry requirements, the location of safety equipment and other important safety information.

PPE Symbols

  • Gloves Required

    This symbol indicates that gloves must be worn when working in a particular area. Be sure to wear the appropriate glove designed for that specific hazard — chemical resistant, heat resistant, disposable, etc.

    A yellow caution sign indicates that gloves are required to enter the laboratory.

  • Eye Protection Required

    This symbol indicates that eye protection, such as safety glasses or goggles, must be worn when working in a particular area. In a lab, eye protection is used for a variety of reasons from chemical splashes to flying debris to harmful UV radiation from lasers.

    An eye protection lab safety symbol indicates eyewear is required.

  • Lab Coat Required

    This symbol indicates that a lab coat must be worn when working in a particular area. Depending on the hazard, lab coats are made of different materials that are designed to be flame retardant, resist chemical spills or offer protection from biological materials.

    The lab coat PPE safety symbol is stamped outside an entryway.

  • Closed-Toe Shoes Required

    This symbol indicates that closed-toe shoes must be worn when working in a particular area where there’s a danger of falling or rolling objects. There may also be electrical hazards at the ground level that require proper foot protection.

    A lab safety symbol indicating that proper shoes should be worn.

Station Symbols

  • Hand Wash Station

    This symbol indicates the location of a hand wash station, which is important to prevent contamination, maintain a clean environment and comply with regulations.

    A blue and white hand washing station safety symbol that is commonly seen in laboratories.

  • Eye Wash Station

    This symbol indicates the location of an eye wash station so personnel know where to go for immediate first aid for eye injuries or to flush out harmful chemicals.

    A green and white lab safety symbol reads: 'Emergency Eyewash Station'

  • Safety Shower

    This symbol indicates the location of a safety shower in case of chemical spills or fires. If a chemical comes into contact with the skin, the safety shower can be used to quickly rinse off the chemical, preventing serious injury. Safety showers are typically located near hazardous chemical storage areas and work areas where chemicals are used.

    An emergency shower sign that indicates a place to rinse off chemicals in a laboratory.

Object Location Safety Symbols

  • Fire Extinguisher

    This symbol indicates the location of a fire extinguisher, which needs to be located quickly to prevent fire spread, protect equipment and research, ensure personnel safety and provide immediate response before firefighters arrive.

    An emergency fire extinguisher sign. A safety symbol often required in laboratories.

  • First Aid Kit

    This symbol indicates the location of a first aid kit. Labs require first aid kits to treat minor injuries, respond to chemical spills, handle medical emergencies and promote a safe working environment.

    A green and white first aid kit safety symbol.

  • Spill Kit

    This symbol indicates the location of a spill kit to clean up hazardous material spills. These kits contain absorbent materials to help contain spills, and personal protective equipment to quickly protect lab personnel and the environment.

    A yellow spill kit symbol indicates equipment to clean up hazardous materials in the lab.

Understanding and Implementing Lab Safety Symbols

Understanding how to read and implement safety signage is essential for keeping lab personnel safe. Here are some guidelines for using and placing safety symbols:

  • Use standard symbols that are easily recognizable.
    This will help ensure that everyone who works in the laboratory can understand the safety symbols and their meanings.
  • Place symbols in a prominent location where they can be easily seen.
    Symbols should be visible to everyone who works in the laboratory, regardless of their position or task. This may include placing symbols on doorways, walls, equipment and containers.
  • Make sure that symbols are well-lit.
    Symbols should be easily seen, even in low-light conditions. This may include using reflective materials or backlighting.
  • Use consistent colors and shapes for symbols.
    This will help to make symbols more recognizable and easier to understand. For example, all warning symbols should be red and triangular, and all prohibition symbols should be black and circular.
  • Provide additional information to explain the symbols.
    In some cases, it may be helpful to provide additional information to explain the symbols. This information can be in the form of text, pictograms or both.
  • Train employees on the meaning of the symbols.
    It’s crucial that employees understand the potential hazards and how to mitigate them. This training should be provided when employees first start working in the lab, and should be repeated on a regular basis.

Looking for more related information for lab safety symbols and workplace safety symbol standards? Check out our guide to workplace safety signs and symbols.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When working with symbols, it’s important to avoid certain mistakes that could lead to confusion or errors. By avoiding these common mistakes, you can ensure that symbols are used effectively and accurately in your lab:

  • Don’t use symbols that aren’t standard.
    Symbols should be universally recognized and understood in order to be effective. Using non-standard symbols can lead to miscommunication and misunderstandings.
  • Don’t place symbols in a location where they could be easily missed.
    Symbols should be placed in a prominent location where they will be easily visible. If a symbol is hidden or obscured, it may not be noticed or understood.
  • Don’t cover up symbols with other objects.
    Symbols shouldn’t be covered up by other objects, text, images or other symbols. If a symbol is covered there’s a good chance it will be missed, which wouldn’t be doing any good.
  • Don’t allow symbols to become damaged or dirty.
    Symbols should be kept clean and in good condition. A damaged or dirty sign can be difficult to see or understand. If a sign is scratched or faded, it’s time to replace it.

Examples of Lab Incidents Where Safety Symbols Can Play a Critical Role

  • Chemical spill: A researcher accidentally spilled a corrosive chemical on their hand. They quickly identified the nearest safety shower symbol and rinsed off the chemical before it caused any serious damage.
  • Electrical shock: A lab technician was working on a piece of electrical equipment when it started sparking. Luckily it was marked with the high voltage symbol and the technician already had on protective rubber gloves. They immediately shut it off, preventing any injuries.
  • Eye injury: A scientist was working with a laser when a piece of debris flew into the air toward their face. Thanks to the laser beam hazard symbol, they already had on the proper safety glasses, preventing serious eye damage.
  • Fire: A Bunsen burner was left on unattended and caused a fire. A nearby employee saw the fire extinguisher symbol and was able to quickly put out the fire before it spread.

Laboratory safety symbols are essential for preventing accidents and promoting a safe working environment. By understanding and following these symbols, laboratory workers can help to protect themselves and others from harm.

By staying vigilant and prioritizing safety in the laboratory, you can create an environment where accidents are minimized, and research activities can be conducted safely and efficiently. Remember, laboratory safety symbols are not mere decorations but vital tools that safeguard the health and well-being of everyone in the lab.

Keep Your Lab Safe With Brady

Brady has a variety of products that can help create lab efficiencies and further safety efforts. Look for these Brady products to meet the unique safety needs of your lab.

  • Safety Signage: Brady offers a wide range of safety signs and labels that can be used to communicate important safety information to lab personnel. Our signs and labels can be customized to meet the specific needs of your laboratory.
  • GHS Labels: GHS & OSHA compliant hazardous chemical labels for communicating dangers in the lab. Blank pre-printed diamonds are also available in various sizes and materials for custom applications and work seamlessly with our GHS label printers.
  • Label Printers: Safety and communication go beyond lab safety symbols alone. Make clear communication a simple, efficient process in your laboratory with our J7300 label printer. Perfect for vessels, tubes, and specimen labeling of all kinds!

Product recommendations

White lab coats hang next to a laboratory safety sign that indicates 'no lab coats or gloves beyond this point.'

Safety Signs

Our safety sign selection includes signage for biohazard and hazardous materials, electrical safety,and more! Many of these signs are OSHA/ANSI compliant allowing you to be properly prepared for safety inspections.

Shop Safety Signs
Four GHS wash bottles are labeled appropriately to meet safety standards.

Hazardous Material Labels

Chemical and hazardous materials labels will allow you to quickly identify dangerous materials and keep your employees safe from harm. Browse our selection of GHS, Right-to-Know, shipping, PB Free and WEEE RoHs compliant labels.

View Hazardous Material Labels
The BradyJet J7300 printing lab tube labels for laboratory technicians and automates lab labeling.

J7300 for Labeling & Printing

With the power of automatic LabelSense™ print technology, the J7300 stands ready to print whatever you need at a moment's notice.

Automate Laboratory Labeling

Learn more about barcode labels

Two laboratory test tubes are labeled with a color coded label that includes a qr code.

Laboratory Labeling Automation

Technology. It’s ever evolving. And automation plays a key role in streamlining many business and manufacturing processes. But automation goes broader. Laboratories look to automating processes to help them streamline sample prep and reduce manual work.

Optimize your lab workflow
Five cryogenic vials are labeled with color coded labels that include patient name and specimen type.

Guide to Laboratory Labels

When considering information in the lab, almost everything involves identification. From patient data to expiration dates on chemicals, we rely on labels. Without them, it would be next to impossible to perform lab tests, identify batches, determine which equipment has been sterilized … and the list goes on.

Learn what to label in a lab
A blood tube is getting a barcode label with patient information applied.

Laboratory Sample Management

Precise and accurate lab sample management is not a nice-to-have in scientific research and analysis – it’s a must-have. Each lab sample holds vital information, a critical result, a potential breakthrough or more. And all it takes is a single bad label, mishandle or lost-in-the-shuffle moment to lead to disaster.

Best practices for lab management
Success

{{itemAddedCount}} item added to cart.

{{itemAddedCount}} items added to cart.

Cart Subtotal ({{totalItemCount}}): {{subtotal}}
View Cart
Products Added
QTY
Price
{{item.DisplayName}}
{{item.CustomerSpecificDisplayName || item.DisplayName}}
{{item.CustomerSpecificDisplayName || item.DisplayName}}
{{item.DisplayName}}
Part Number: {{item.CatalogNumber}}
Your Part Number: {{item.CustomerSpecificCatalogNumber}}

Thou shalt ship ship by ground only

test
QTY: {{item.ProductQuantity}}
QTY: {{item.Quantity}}
Price: {{item.FormattedProductPrice}}

Sorry, there was a problem adding your item. Please try again.