Lab safety symbols

Lab safety symbols

Middle School

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Learning Objectives

• Identify common lab safety symbols and the hazards they represent.

• Describe the necessary precautions to take when a specific safety symbol is shown.

• Explain the appropriate remedy or first aid response for accidents related to different hazards.

Key Vocabulary

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Toxic

A substance that may be poisonous if touched, inhaled, or swallowed by an organism.

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Flammable

A chemical or material that can be easily ignited by an open flame, spark, or heat.

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Corrosive Chemical

A chemical, such as an acid or bleach, that can react with and destroy tissues and materials.

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Irritant

A substance that can cause irritation to the skin or the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract.

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Biological Hazard

Organisms or biological materials, such as bacteria or fungi, that might be harmful to humans.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

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Safety Goggles & Apron

• ​Safety goggles protect your eyes from chemicals, fumes, and flying objects.

• ​​A lab apron protects your skin and clothing from spills or stains.

• ​You must wear them at all times during your science activities.

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Plastic Gloves

• ​Use plastic gloves to protect hands from harmful chemicals or organisms.

• ​​These gloves are disposable and should be thrown out after use.

• ​They keep your hands clean and safe from various dangerous substances.

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Heat-Resistant Gloves

• ​Use heat-resistant gloves to safely handle hot objects in the lab.

• ​​They are designed to protect your hands from getting seriously burned.

• ​These thicker gloves are reusable and not used for handling chemicals.

Multiple Choice

Which piece of PPE is essential for protecting your skin and clothing from chemical spills?

• Lab Apron

• Heat-Resistant Gloves

• Safety Goggles

• Plastic Gloves

Chemical & Fume Hazards

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Corrosive Chemical

• A corrosive chemical can destroy tissue or other materials upon contact.

• Always wear your goggles, gloves, and an apron for protection.

• If contact occurs, flush the area immediately with lots of water.

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Poison / Toxic

• This substance is poisonous if touched, inhaled, or even swallowed.

• You must follow all of the safety instructions very carefully.

• Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after use.

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Dangerous Fumes

• Dangerous vapors or fumes may be present in the air.

• Ensure good ventilation, and wear a mask to avoid inhaling them.

• Never smell fumes directly; waft them toward you instead.

Multiple Choice

If you see the "Fumes" symbol, what is the correct way to smell a chemical?

• Inhale deeply directly from the container.

• Waft the vapors toward your nose.

• Heat the chemical to get a better smell.

• Ask your lab partner to smell it first.

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Fire & Electrical Hazards

Fire & Heat Hazards

• ​The open flame symbol means a fire is in use, so tie back your long hair and loose clothing.

• ​​A flammable symbol means a chemical can be ignited by a flame, spark, or heat source.

• ​The extreme temperature symbol means things may be hot or cold enough to burn your skin, so use gloves.

Electrical Hazards

• ​This symbol warns you about a possible danger from electrical shock, which can be very harmful.

• ​​Before you plug anything in, always check for any frayed or exposed wires on the cord.

• ​Spilling liquids near electrical outlets or equipment is very dangerous and should always be avoided.

Multiple Choice

What is the main precaution you should take when you see an "Open Flame" symbol?

• Tie back long hair and loose clothing.

• Wear disposable plastic gloves.

• Double-check for exposed wires.

• Work near a water source.

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Physical & Biological Hazards

Physical Hazards

• Handle sharp tools like scalpels and breakable glassware with care, following all safety rules.

• Always inform your teacher right away if any glass breaks during a lab activity.

• A physical safety symbol serves as a general warning to use caution during an activity.

Biological Hazards

• This symbol warns of harmful biological materials like bacteria. Avoid skin contact and wear gloves.

• Treat live animals with care and respect to avoid injury to them or to yourself.

• Handle plants and other living things only as your teacher directs you to do so.

Multiple Choice

The "Biological" safety symbol would be used for an activity involving which of the following?

• Hot plates or boiling liquids

• Bacteria or fungi

• Acids or bases

• Razor blades or scalpels

Procedural Safety

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Disposal

• ​This symbol means there are special procedures for disposing of materials.

• ​​Never throw these materials away in the sink or the trash.

• ​You should always follow your teacher's instructions for proper disposal.

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Hand Washing

• ​You must wash your hands thoroughly after every single lab activity.

• ​​Always wash your hands with soap and water after the lab.

• ​Wash your hands before you even remove your safety goggles if they are covered with chemicals.

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General Safety

• ​This is a reminder to always follow all specific safety rules.

• ​​Follow all safety instructions that are given by your science teacher.

• ​You can also find instructions written in your school lab manual.

Multiple Choice

According to the "Hand Washing" procedure, when should you wash your hands?

• Only if you spill something on them.

• After you have already removed your goggles.

• After the lab is finished, before removing goggles.

• Before the lab begins.

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Common Lab Misconceptions

Misconception	Correction
You can skip goggles if you're just watching or wear glasses.	Safety goggles must always be worn by everyone in the lab.
You only need to wash your hands if you touch a chemical.	Wash your hands with soap and water after every lab activity.
Hot glassware looks different from cool glassware.	Hot glass looks the same as cool glass. Use tongs to handle.
It is okay to pour all liquid waste down the sink.	Some waste needs special disposal. Follow your teacher's instructions.

Multiple Choice

A student is working with a chemical that has both "Flammable" and "Fumes" symbols. What combination of precautions is most important?

• Work in a well-ventilated area and avoid open flames.

• Use a fire extinguisher and wash hands.

• Wear heat-resistant gloves and an apron.

• Double-check the setup with a teacher and avoid spills.

Multiple Choice

If a lab procedure involves dissecting a preserved frog, which two safety symbols are most likely to be displayed?

• Sharp Object and Biological

• Electrical and Fumes

• Disposal and Poison

• Open Flame and Heat-Resistant Gloves

Multiple Choice

A student accidentally breaks a beaker. Analyze the situation and determine the correct sequence of actions.

• Clean it up with your hands, then notify the teacher.

• Notify the teacher, then get a new beaker.

• Immediately notify the teacher and wait for instructions.

• Use a dustpan to sweep it into the trash can.

Multiple Choice

Predict the potential outcome if a student ignores the "Corrosive Chemical" symbol and does not wear gloves or an apron while pouring acid.

• The student might inhale poisonous vapors.

• A fire could start unexpectedly.

• An electrical shock could occur.

• The student could suffer a chemical burn to their skin or damage their clothing.

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Summary

• Safety symbols are visual warnings for potential hazards in the lab.

• Use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) like goggles to protect yourself.

• Be careful with chemical, fire, and biological hazards and sharp objects.

• Always follow instructions, dispose of waste properly, and wash your hands.

Poll

On a scale of 1-4, how confident are you in identifying and understanding lab safety symbols?

• 1

• 2

• 3

• 4