LABORATORY TOOLS

Laboratory equipment refers to the various tools and equipment used by

scientists working in a laboratory: The
classical equipment includes tools such as Bunsen burners and
microscopes as well as specialty equipment such as operant conditioning
chambers, spectrophotometers and calorimeters.

REAGENTS
A reagent is an integral part of any chemical reaction. A reagent is a
substance or compound that can facilitate a reaction, and they are used in
most widely used tests. This includes, for example, pregnancy tests, blood
glucose tests, and most COVID-19 test kits.

LABORATORY RULES
A standard list of basic laboratory safety rules are given below, and must be followed in
every laboratory that uses hazardous materials or processes. These basic rules provide
behavior, hygiene, and safety information to avoid accidents in the laboratory. 
Laboratory specific safety rules may be required for specific processes, equipment, and
materials, which should be addressed by laboratory specific SOPs.
Basic Safety Rules
Basic safety rules for laboratory conduct should be observed whenever working in a
laboratory. Many of the most common safety rules are listed below.

 Know locations of laboratory safety showers, eyewashstations, and fire

extinguishers. The safety equipment may be located in the hallway near the
laboratory entrance.
 Know emergency exit routes.
 Avoid skin and eye contact with all chemicals.
 Minimize all chemical exposures.
 No horseplay will be tolerated.
 Assume that all chemicals of unknown toxicity are highly toxic.
 Post warning signs when unusual hazards, hazardous materials, hazardous
equipment, or other special conditions are present.
 Avoid distracting or startling persons working in the laboratory.
 Use equipment only for its designated purpose.
 Combine reagents in their appropriate order, such as adding acid to water.
 Avoid adding solids to hot liquids.
 All laboratory personnel should place emphasis on safety and chemical hygiene
at all times.
 Never leave containersof chemicals open.
 All containersmust have appropriate labels. Unlabeled chemicals should never be
used.
  Do not taste or intentionally sniff chemicals.
 Never consume and/or store food or beverages or apply cosmetics in areas
where hazardous chemicalsare used or stored.
 Do not use mouth suction for pipetting or starting a siphon.
 Wash exposed areas of the skin prior to leaving the laboratory.
 Long hair and loose clothing must be pulled back and secured from entanglement
or potential capture.
 No contact lenses should be worn around hazardous chemicals – even when
wearing safety glasses.
 Laboratory safety glasses or goggles should be worn in any area where
chemicals are used or stored. They should also be worn any time there is a
chance of splashes or particulates to enter the eye. Closed toe shoes will be
worn at all times in the laboratory. Perforated shoes or sandals are not
appropriate.
 Determine the potential hazards and appropriate safety precautions before
beginning any work.
 Procedures should be developed that minimize the formation and dispersion of
aerosols.
 If an unknown chemical is produced in the laboratory, the material should be
considered hazardous.
 Do not pour chemicals down drains. Do NOT utilize the sewer for chemical waste
disposal.
 Keep all sink traps (including cup sink traps and floor drains) filled with water by
running water down the drain at least monthly.
 Do not utilize fume hoods for evaporations and disposal of volatile solvents.
 Perform work with hazardous chemicalsin a properly working fume hoodto reduce
potential exposures.
 Avoid working alone in a building. Do not work alone in a laboratory if the
procedures being conducted are hazardous.
 The PEL and the Threshold Limit Values (TLV) will be observed in all areas. If
exposure above a PEL/TLV is suspected for an ongoing process, please contact
EHS immediately.
 Laboratory employees should have access to a chemical inventory list, applicable
SDSs, Department Laboratory Safety Manual, and relevant SOPs.
 Access to laboratories and support areas such as stockrooms, specialized
laboratories, etc. should be limited to approved personnel only.
 All equipment should be regularly inspected for wear or deterioration.
 Equipment should be maintained according to the manufacturer’s requirements
and records of certification, maintenance, or repairs should be maintained for the
life of the equipment.
 Designated and well-marked waste storage locations are necessary.
 No cell phone or ear phone usage in the active portion of the laboratories, or
during experimental operations.
 Clothing made of synthetic fibers should not be worn while working with
flammable liquids or when a fire hazard is present as these materials tend to melt
and stick to exposed skin.
 Laboratory coats should not be stored in offices or break rooms as this spreads
contaminates to other areas.
 Computers and instrumentation should be labeled to indicate whether gloves
should be worn or not. Inconsistent glove use around keyboards/keypads is a
source of potential contamination.
 Avoid wearing jewelry in the lab as this can pose multiple safety hazards.

Laboratory Specific Safety Rules

Safety rules for laboratory specific operations will be provided in appropriate laboratory
SOPs.
LABORSTORY SYMBOLS
n order to maintain a safe workplace and avoid accidents, lab safety
symbols and signs need to be posted throughout the workplace

Depending upon the scientific research being conducted, a lab can be filled with
dangerous chemicals, radioactive substances, biological specimens, sharp
instruments, breakable glassware, and flammable objects. Thus, those working in
labs need to be keenly aware of the many dangers associated with these items. In
order to maintain a safe workplace and avoid accidents, lab safety symbols and signs
need to be posted throughout the workplace. Researchers, staff, and visitors should
note and understand the hazard communication information on the laboratory
safety signs, including specific hazardous agents (biological, chemical, radiological),
physical hazards (lasers, magnetic fields) present in the space, stated precautions (no
food or drink allowed), and required personal protective equipment (lab coats, eye
protection, gloves, etc.).

The following laboratory safety symbols warn of possible dangers in the laboratory
to help lab professionals keep safe and informed.

Physical Safety Symbols

1. Gloves Required

Look for the gloves safety symbol to identify when hand protection should be worn
for handling hazardous materials, even in small quantities. It is important to choose
the appropriate type of glove for the hazard present, such as chemical resistant
gloves, heat resistant gloves, etc. Be aware that no chemical resistant glove protects
against all chemical hazards. Read the Material Safety Data Sheet for guidance on
the appropriate type of glove to wear, or consult with lab supply distributors for
glove vs. chemical comparison charts when choosing chemically resistant gloves. Be
aware that some materials may cause reactions in some workers such as allergies to
latex. Make sure the gloves fit properly.  
2. Boots Required

The laboratory boots required safety symbol indicates when street shoes are not
adequate for certain lab-related tasks. Chemical resistant overshoes or boots should
be used to avoid possible exposure to corrosive chemicals or large quantities of
solvents or water that might penetrate normal footwear. Leather shoes tend to
absorb chemicals and may have to be discarded if contaminated with a hazardous
material. In a lab, dropping a beaker of acid will soon destroy an ordinary pair of
shoes. Specialized laboratory footwear is designed for specific applications and
settings. 

3. Protective Clothing

The protective clothing safety symbol indicates that a lab coat or other protective
clothing needs to be worn. There are several types of lab coats for different types of
protection. Cotton protects against flying objects, sharp or rough edges, and is
usually treated with a fire retardant. Since many synthetic fabrics can adhere to skin
when burning, cotton is the most preferred laboratory clothing fabric. Wool protects
against splashes of molten materials, small quantities of acid, and small flames.
Synthetic fibers protect against sparks and infrared or ultraviolet radiation.
Aluminized and reflective clothing protect against radiant heat.

4. Safety Glasses
The eye protection safety sign indicates there is the possibility of chemical,
environmental, radiological, or mechanical irritants and hazards in the laboratory.
Eyeshields, also called safety glasses, goggles, or spectacles, not only provide
protection against flying debris and chemical splashes in the lab, but may also
protect against visible and near visible light or radiation from UV rays, depending on
the lens material. The most popular lens material for lab safety eyewear is
polycarbonate. This material has less than half the weight of glass, making the
eyewear more comfortable to wear. Modern eyeshield designs offer anti-slip nose
bridges, anti-fog lenses, and coatings, which make them resistant to acids, caustics,
and hydrocarbons.

5. Breathing Masks

Respirators are designed to prevent contaminated air from entering the body. “Half
mask” respirators cover just the nose and mouth; “full face” respirators cover the
entire face; and “hood” or “helmet” style respirators cover the entire head.
Respirators can protect the user in two ways: By cleaning the “dirty” outside air that
passes through a filter or adsorption bed or both when one inhales; or by supplying
clean breathing air from a remote source. The clean air can either be delivered via a
supply line, or the clean air is packaged and carried with you in a tank. The breathing
mask safety sign lets you know that you’re working in an area with potentially
contaminated air. 

6. Face Shields
The face protection safety symbol lets lab personnel know that a large face shield,
similar to the glass shield on a motorcycle helmet, must be worn when executing
experiments that carry the potential of causing an explosion inside of the hood. Full
face (and possibly throat) protection from splash and/or impact is commonly
required for work on or in the presence of human pathogens, some laboratory
chemicals, explosion hazards, heavy grinding and heavy spraying or splashing,
and with large (2 L and larger) quantities of dangerous liquids such as acids, bases,
and many organic liquids. A face shield can also afford extra protection against
extreme temperatures.

7. Hearing Protection

Noise in laboratories has become a growing concern. While the noise levels in most
laboratories are below the threshold level that damages hearing, laboratory noise
can be fairly loud. The operation of large analyzers (e.g., chemistry analyzer), fume
hoods, biosafety cabinets, incubators, cell washers, tissue homogenizers, and stirrer
motors, all contribute to the noise level. There is a wide variety of hearing protection
devices available. Different devices are designed to protect against different
severities of noise. The ear protection safety symbol indicates that lab workers are in
a dangerously high decibel noise range.

8. Eye Wash Station

The eye wash safety sign indicates the location of an eyewash station. Eye wash
stations provide a continuous, low-pressure stream of aerated water in laboratories
in which chemical or biological agents are used or stored and in facilities where
nonhuman primates are handled. The eyewash station should be easily accessible
from any part of the laboratory and, if possible, located near the safety shower so
that, if necessary, the eyes can be washed while the body is showered. 

9. Safety Shower

Safety showers need to be installed in all areas where laboratory employees may be
exposed to splashes or spills of materials that may be injurious to the eyes and body.
As a general rule, new shower installations should adhere to the recommendations
for shower location and minimum performance requirements established in
American National Standard Z-358.1 (1998). Showers should be placed as close to
the hazard as possible, but in no case more than 10 seconds' travel time from the
hazard. Safety shower signage should be prominently displayed close to the shower. 

10. Wash Hands

Hand washing is a primary safeguard against inadvertent exposure to toxic chemicals
or biological agents. The wash hands safety sign lets lab personnel know to wash
their hands after removing soiled protective clothing, before leaving the laboratory,
and before eating, drinking, smoking, or using a rest room. Workers should also wash
their hands periodically during the day at intervals dictated by the nature of their
work. Wash with soap and running water, with hands held downward to flush the
contamination off the hands. Turn the tap off with a clean paper towel to prevent
recontamination, and dry hands with clean towels. 

11. Food & Drink Prohibited

A no food and drink safety sign lets lab personnel know that eating and/or drinking
where hazardous materials are used, handled, or stored is not permitted, as such
activity can result in the accidental ingestion of hazardous materials (chemical,
biological, and/or radiological). Food or beverage containers may not be stored in
the laboratory and washed drinking cups, food containers, or eating utensils may not
be dried on laboratory drying racks. Refrigerators used for storage of research
materials must not be used for storage of food or beverages. 

12. No Pacemakers or Metallic Implants

The no pacemakers or metallic implants lab safety sign is used to warn lab staff of a
strong magnetic field hazard. This is caused by lab instruments that use
superconducting magnets such as nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometers
(NMR). Staff with pacemakers or metallic implants cannot work in such areas of the
lab and other staff should take care to remove metal objects such as jewellery,
watches, loose change, etc. before entering these areas, in order to prevent injuries.

Fire Safety Symbols

13. Fire Extinguisher

Fires can happen anywhere, but lab fires can be even more dangerous due to Bunsen
burners, flammable liquids, research documents, laptops, and lab equipment that
might be present at any given time. Due to these unique circumstances, it’s
important that every lab be prepared with the correct fire extinguisher, inspection
requirements, and training. It is essential that the occupants of a laboratory are fully
aware of the risks and the appropriate extinguishing media. A fire extinguisher safety
sign indicates the exact location of a lab’s fire extinguisher. 

14. Fire Blanket

The fire blanket safety sign indicates where a fire blanket is located in the lab.
Housed in a case or not, the woolen blanket is used for smothering fires and for
containing and controlling chemical spills.

If someone in the lab should catch fire, he or she should get on the ground and start
rolling to extinguish the flames. Lab personnel can assist by using the blanket to
speed extinguishing the fire, preventing further injury. Fire blankets are large enough
to entirely cover most people, depriving the fire of the oxygen that it needs to
continue burning.

15. Fire Hose

A fire hose connection safety sign informs individuals of the location of hose
connections in their lab. Those locations should be clearly and accurately marked so
they can easily be found. The best safety practice is to post a fire hose location sign
above the actual equipment and then install directional versions of the fire hose
location sign (which point towards the direction to the equipment) wherever people
cannot actually see a fire hose’s location or its “above-the-equipment” sign.

16. No Open Flames

Bunsen burners, lighters, matches, and any other flame-producing devices are
considered “open flame devices.” Open flame devices carry with them the risk of
unintentional fire and serious consequences when not used appropriately. Most
organic chemicals are flammable. The chance of a fire is substantially increased
when open flames are present. No open flames safety signage indicates to lab
personnel the risk and prohibition of open flame devices.

First Aid Symbols

17. First Aid Station

The first aid station safety symbol indicates the availability of a first aid kit. The kit
should be easily accessible to other lab locations that belong to a particular group.
The first aid kit should contain the items recommended in the First Aid Kit Policy and
Guidelines for Laboratories. It should be inspected monthly to ensure that no items
are missing and that none of the remedies (e.g., saline solution, ointment) in the kit
have expired.  

18. AED or Defibrillator

The AED or defibrillator safety sign indicates the location of the laboratory’s
automated external defibrillator (AED) so that it can be found quickly in the event of
an emergency. This portable device, used to treat sudden cardiac arrest, checks the
heart rhythm and can send an electric shock to the heart to try to restore a normal
rhythm. Ideally, lab staff should be trained on how to use the AED, but each unit
comes with instructions so that even untrained staff can operate it if necessary.
Doing CPR in conjunction with using the AED can also improve chances of survival for
someone experiencing sudden cardiac arrest in the lab.

19. Emergency Meeting Point

The emergency meeting point sign marks a safe place, either inside or outside the
building, where laboratory employees should meet in the event of an actual
emergency (chemical spill, fire, etc.) or emergency drill. In their safety training,
employees should be made aware of the location of the emergency point, or the
meeting point closest to their location if there are multiple meeting points. Such
locations should be large enough to accommodate all employees in the event of an
evacuation. It’s always a good idea to have a backup meeting point in case the
primary one has been destroyed or is inaccessible due to the emergency taking
place.

Hazard Symbols
20. General Warning
The general warning lab safety symbol consists of a black exclamation point in a
yellow triangle. As you’d expect, it is a general warning to laboratory staff that a
hazard exists. This symbol can be found on equipment, doorways, cupboards or
other areas of the lab. It provides a good reminder to work safely and check if you
are not sure of the safety procedures for certain equipment or areas in the lab.

21. Health Hazard

The health hazard sign denotes chemicals in the lab that can cause serious, often
long-term health problems. Hazards include carcinogens, respiratory sensitizers,
reproductive toxins, aspiration toxins, target organ toxins, and mutagens. An
important step in protecting worker health is recognizing the various health hazards
in the lab, as ignorance of the harmful effects of laboratory materials can have
serious and even fatal consequences.

22. Biohazard 
The biohazard lab safety sign warns of lab equipment such as fridges or freezers that
either contains biohazardous materials or could be contaminated with biohazardous
material such as blood samples. This sign also marks entire areas of the lab that
either contain or are exposed to biohazards, for example, a lab working with
infectious agents. Workers should always wear the proper PPE and follow proper
procedures when working with such agents. Managers should also have an effective
exposure control plan in place in case of an emergency. Regular cleaning and
decontamination of areas and equipment that are exposed to biohazards is also a
must.

23. Harmful Irritant 

Substances labelled with the irritant symbol are not corrosive, but they can cause
discomfort and reddening, irritation, or blistering of the skin. Laboratory workers
should handle irritants carefully. Working with irritants in the fume hood can help
individuals avoid inhalation. Examples of irritant substances include ammonia,
chloroform, and chlorine.

24. Poison/Toxic Material

The toxic material symbol indicates the presence of substances that may harm an
individual if they enter the body. Possible routes of exposure to toxic materials are
through inhalation, skin contact, and ingestion. The hazards and health effects
associated with toxic materials depend on the specific material in question, the route
of exposure, and the concentration of the material. 

25. Corrosive Material Hazard

The corrosive material hazard laboratory safety sign indicates corrosive substances
in the lab that can eat away the skin if you come into direct contact with them. Such
materials should always be stored at the proper humidity and temperature
conditions in the proper cabinets. All employees who handle corrosive substances
should be properly trained and wear gloves, protective clothing, and face protection.

26. Carcinogen Hazard

Carcinogen signs in a laboratory indicate the use of known human carcinogens.

Carcinogenic substances commonly used in the lab include formaldehyde, methylene
chloride, and benzene. When handling carcinogens, appropriate personal protective
equipment must be worn. To keep carcinogens contained, thereby limiting
unnecessary exposure, devices such as fume hoods, glove boxes, and HEPA filters are
often used. 

27. Explosive Hazard

The exploding bomb symbol will appear on chemicals in the lab that have explosive
properties; these include unstable explosives (solid or liquid chemicals capable of a
chemical reaction that damages surroundings), self-reactive substances and mixtures
(substances and mixtures that may cause fire or explosion in the absence of air), and
organic peroxides.

28. High Voltage

The high voltage warning symbol, which includes a lightning bolt arrow in a yellow
triangle, warns of voltage high enough to cause serious injury or death. In general,
you should stay away from equipment or areas of the lab marked with this symbol,
though if you do need to work close to such hazards, protective clothing and rubber
gloves should be worn.

29. Electrical Hazard

The electrical hazard safety symbol, which typically includes a frayed wire and a hand
with a lightning bolt across it, indicates any electrical hazards in the lab. Such hazards
can cause anything from a mild tingling to death. With direct current, a person can
detect a "tingling" feeling at 1 mA and the median "let-go" threshold (the current at
which one cannot release the conductor) is 76 mA. For 60 Hertz alternating current,
the values are 0.4 mA and 16 mA, respectively. If an electrical hazard is suspected,
the device in question should be disconnected immediately and the cause
determined by a qualified technician. Equipment should always be turned off and
unplugged when any work is being done on it.
30. Laser Beam Hazard 

The laser beam hazard sign in the laboratory lets staff know that hazards from laser
beams are present. Both the eyes and skin can be damaged from direct exposure to
laser beams so proper eye protection and non-flammable clothing should always be
worn at all times in these areas of the lab, whether the laser is being operated or
not.

31. UV Light Hazard 

The UV light hazard symbol will appear near ultraviolet (UV) light areas to warn
personnel of the potential dangers. UV light is a type of electromagnetic radiation
with a wavelength between 180 and 400 nm, which is shorter than those of visible
light, but longer than those of X-rays. Health effects due to acute exposure to UV
light include redness or ulcerations on the skin, while chronic exposure can lead to
skin cancer.

32. Glassware Hazard

The broken glassware symbol may be placed on a container designated for the
disposal of broken glass in the lab. Broken glass is a physical hazard and has the
potential to be a health hazard if it is contaminated with toxic chemicals or infectious
substances. Wherever possible, laboratories should use plasticware instead of
glassware to avoid hazards. Laboratory workers should use appropriate gloves to
handle broken glass, or use forceps, tongs, or a dustpan and brush to clean up pieces
of broken glass.

33. Hot Surface

As you’d expect, the hot surface safety sign warns laboratory employees of burn
hazards from hot surfaces. Such hazards can come from lab equipment such as lab
ovens and autoclaves or from the building itself—if there are steam pipes, etc. Lab
workers should avoid touching such surfaces, but if they could come into contact
with hot surfaces during their daily work or must handle hot equipment, they should
first be trained on how to properly use such equipment and always wear the correct
PPE (ex. heat-resistant gloves, lab coats, eye protection, and closed-toed shoes).

34. Low Temperature Warning Symbol

 

The low temperature warning symbol warns staff of low temperature or cryogenic
hazards in the lab. Such temperatures are usually much lower than freezing point
and can be found in cold storage areas of the lab or where chemicals such as liquid
nitrogen are stored. PPE for working with cryogenic or low temperature hazards may
include: gloves designed for this purpose (thick and made from rubber and cloth,
covering the skin up to the elbow), long pants, closed-toe shoes or boots, a rubber
apron, and face shield.

Radiation Hazard Symbols

35. Ionizing Radiation Hazard

The ionizing radiation hazard safety sign indicates the presence of ionizing radiation.
Ionizing radiation is radiation that carries enough energy to liberate electrons from
atoms or molecules, thereby ionizing them. Sources of ionizing radiation in the lab
include X-ray apparatus, medical beam cannons, and particle accelerators. Any
laboratory possessing or using radioactive isotopes must be licensed by the Nuclear
Regulatory Commission (NRC) and/or by a state agency that has been approved by
the NRC, 10 CFR 31.11 and 10 CFR 35.12. Labs must limit entry of radionuclides into
the human body to quantities as low as reasonably achievable and always within the
established limits, and limit exposure to external radiation to levels that are within
established dose limits and as far below these limits as is reasonably achievable.

36. Non-Ionizing Radiation Hazard 

The non-ionizing radiation hazard sign warns staff of sources of non-ionizing
radiation in the lab. Such radiation has a ;ower frequency and longer wavelength
than ionizing radiation. Non-ionizing radiation includes the spectrum of ultraviolet
(UV), visible light, infrared (IR), microwave (MW), radio frequency (RF), and
extremely low frequency (ELF). Lasers, fluorescent lamps, and some photosensitive
chemicals are examples of non-ionizing radiation hazards in the lab. Employee
exposure to non-ionizing radiation from any source cannot exceed OSHA standards.
Biological safety cabinets, PPE, and engineering controls are some of the measures
used to minimize exposure to such hazards.  

37. Optical Radiation Hazard

Optical radiation is another term for light, covering ultraviolet (UV) radiation, visible
light, and infrared radiation. The optical radiation hazard safety signs warns of
equipment that produces this type of radiation in the lab, such as high-powered
lasers. When working with such hazards, proper eyewear should always be worn. For
lasers in particular, proper SOPs should be in place, the beam path for the laser
system should be enclosed, and users should perform a physical survey for any
unwanted reflections before using the laser.

38. IAEA Ionizing Radiation Hazard

The International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) ionizing radiation hazard symbol
supplements the regular trefoil symbol for radiation. It includes radiating waves, a
skull and crossbones, and a running person to warn of large sources of ionizing
radiation. The symbol is aimed more toward the general public, who may not be
aware that the trefoil indicates radiation hazards, and is placed on sources of
radiation that can cause death or serious injury. Typically it is placed on the device
housing the radiation source, rather than doors or containers, to warn people not to
take the device apart or get any closer to it.

Other Symbols
39. Dangerous to the Environment

This symbol indicates that the substance in question can cause damage to the
environment, and is most often used to label chemicals that are toxic to aquatic
wildlife. Environmental hazards are classified as either acute or chronic. Lab workers
should dispose of environmentally hazardous materials properly, and ensure that
they do not get washed down the drain.

40. Flammable & Combustible

The flammable and combustible symbol signifies substances that will ignite and
continue to burn in air. Substances in this category may be gases, aerosols, liquids, or
solids, and include many solvents and cleaning materials that are commonly used in
the laboratory. Workers should always keep flammable materials away from open
flames, heat, sparks, and ignition sources.

41. Oxidizing Agent

The symbol for oxidizing materials indicates the presence of chemicals that readily
give off oxygen or other oxidizing substances. Oxidizing materials may intensify fires
and cause explosions, and also may be toxic or corrosive. Although air is the usual
source of oxygen for burning, oxidizing materials can support a fire even in the
absence of air. Some common oxidizing liquids and solids found in laboratories are
bromine, chlorates, nitrates, perchloric acid, and peroxides.

42. Compressed Gas

Compressed gases, as indicated by the symbol, are routinely used in laboratories.
There are three major types of gases that get stored under pressure in cylinders:
liquefied gases (gases that can become liquids when compressed at room
temperature), non-liquefied gases (gases that do not become liquids when
compressed at room temperature), and dissolved gases (gaseous reservoir
hydrocarbons dissolved in liquid reservoir hydrocarbons). The high pressure within a
cylinder makes compressed gases hazardous, as gas can flow rapidly from the
cylinder and cause injury, fires, or explosions.

43. Flammable Gas

The flammable gas symbol represents gases that will burn or explode if mixed with
air, oxygen, or other , in the presence of a source of ignition. Flammable gases used
in laboratories include ethyl chloride, aerosols, and liquefied petroleum gas.
Compressed flammable gases are common in many labs, and they are extremely
dangerous to work with and around.

44. Non-Flammable Gas 

The symbol for non-flammable gases signifies a division of gases found in labs that
encompass compressed gases, liquefied gases, cryogenic gases, compressed gases in
solution, and oxidizing gases. Specific examples of non-flammable gases include air,
carbon dioxide, Freon, helium, and nitrogen. Although they are not a fire hazard,
non-flammable gases displace oxygen and cause asphyxiation or death.    

45. Strong Magnetic Field

Certain pieces of laboratory equipment generate strong magnetic fields. The strong
magnetic field sign alerts lab members to the dangers that this type of equipment
can pose. The risks are especially imminent for people wearing pacemakers and
implants, which will tend to align themselves with the magnetic field lines, as will
watches, clipboards, and certain tools.

46. Recycling symbol

The internationally recognized recycling symbol is formed of three arrows that point
in a never-ending loop. The arrows form a triangle shape. The recycling sign is used
in labs to indicate where recyclable items are gathered and sorted. Such items can
include any plastic that is not characterized as a biohazard or radioactive hazard,
Types 1 and 2 laboratory plastics, gloves, pipette tip boxes, Styrofoam containers,
cardboard—all of these are readily recyclable in most lab facilities. Ask your EH&S or
Facility Management representative about recycling in your facility.