Safety Sign Facts for Science

Symbols in science are important.

There are a number of signs used for safety purposes in and around science labs, both in professional and educational settings. The signs usually have a symbol or a small amount of information that demonstrate their purpose and element of safety that needs to be observed. Science experiments require different levels of safety equipment and behavior, depending on the experiment. The signs around a lab inform scientists and students of the required gear and safety precautions.

Goggles

Safety goggles protect eyes against chemical splashes.

Safety signs on cabinets containing chemicals and posted throughout many classrooms or laboratories remind individuals to wear safety goggles when working with chemicals. Many chemicals used in scientific experiments can cause blindness or severe eye and skin irritation if the chemicals come into contact with an exposed part of the body. Signs will remind workers to put on goggles before handling chemicals.

Shower Station

Emergency showers are important for labs.

Signs for a shower station frequently show a picture of eyes or running water, marking the location of the lab's emergency shower. An emergency shower or faucet is used when a person spills or splashes a dangerous chemical on himself. The shower sign is often displayed near the shower, making it easy to find in an emergency.

Disposal

Lab safety extends to garbage disposal.

When disposing of used or damaged lab materials, some objects and substances that must be handled differently to avoid exposing others to dangerous chemicals or causing environmental damage. These signs denote what to do with hazardous chemicals. In some cases, certain disposal containers are used for specific items. Images show the type of objects or waste allowed.

Biohazards

The biohazard symbol requires greater care.

Bacteria, fungi and tools that have been used on biohazards--dangerous organic materials or chemicals--are represented by the biohazard sign. When a scientist is exposed to biohazards, she's normally required to wear protective gear. The hazardous material is often contained to specific sealed locations or inside containers that prevent the material from being exposed to the open air. Rooms that contain biohazards clearly display a sign on doors.

Considerations

There other important safety signs, including the radioactivity image used when scientists work with radioactive material, the open flame sign that warns fire could cause an explosion and safety clothes signs that remind students and scientists to wear aprons or other gear for their safety and others. Safety signs are designed to warn and protect people conducting scientific experiments and others nearby by making everyone aware of any potential dangers associated with a classroom or laboratory.

References

• Angel Fire: Safety Symbols and Meanings
• Cornell: Lab Safety Signs and Labels

Resources

• Lab Safety