Understanding what the various laboratory safety symbols means

Labsoko in this guide has outlined various laboratory safety symbols that you can find in your school labs in Kenya, Hospital Labs in Kenya and across all laboratories in Kenya. This symbols highlighted below are the most common

General Warning

 The sign is a broad reminder that the area you’re working in is likely to contain hazards and risks and you should work accordingly.

Flammable Material

 This sign commonly occurs in labs and means that flammable materials are likely to be present.

Toxic Material

 You’ll find this sign-in areas where substances are held that could prove harmful to humans if they are inhaled, ingested or they come into contact with skin.

Low Temperature

 The symbol denotes low temperature or cryogenic hazards.

Non-Ionising Radiation

 You’ll find this symbol in areas where non-ionising radiation is present.

Biohazard

 Items in this area have likely been in contact with biohazardous materials and therefore run the risk of being contaminated.

Oxidising Material

 Oxidising materials such as bromine, chlorates, nitrates, perchloric acid and peroxides.

Ionising Radiation

 Ionising radiation (in other words, radiation that has enough energy to liberate electrons from atoms or molecules and ionise them) is present.

Laser Beam Hazard

 The sign denotes the presence of laser beams.

UV Light Hazard

 Ultraviolet light is present.

Explosive Material Hazard

 This symbol denotes that chemicals with explosive properties are present in the area including unstable explosives that can cause dangerous chemical reactions.