7 Common Lab Safety Symbols
In any lab setting, the highest priority must always be safety. It’s no secret that lab personnel regularly handle dangerous equipment, flammable agents, volatile chemicals, and even biohazardous substances. Whether it’s a pharmaceutical lab, research facility, or medical testing center, the risks are real—and ongoing. That’s why maintaining rigorous safety standards isn’t just best practice; it’s essential.
At Cryostar Industries, we’ve provided expert lab equipment calibration, repair, and maintenance services across New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut for nearly 20 years. While our reputation has been built on reliability and precision, lab safety remains at the core of our mission. Ensuring labs operate safely and effectively means staying informed, up-to-date, and proactive in all areas of facility management.
One of the easiest and most effective ways to promote lab safety is understanding and adhering to lab safety symbols. These symbols offer visual cues that quickly communicate potential dangers. Knowing what they mean can reduce injuries, avoid costly accidents, and protect your staff.
Below, we’ve outlined the most common—and most critical—lab safety symbols that every worker, technician, or visitor should know. We’ll present a comprehensive guide to understanding the most common safety symbols. We break down precisely what they mean, plus how to stay safe and eco-friendly.
1. General Warning
Of course, the General Warning symbol is perhaps the most recognizable in any lab environment. It doesn’t point to one specific danger—instead, it serves as a broad caution to remind individuals to be alert and follow all safety guidelines in the area.
You’ll often find this symbol on entrance doors, equipment panels, storage cabinets, and restricted access zones. When you see it, take a moment to review the safety requirements specific to that location. Every lab is different—know the protocols before beginning any procedure.
2. Biohazard
What does the Biohazard symbol actually mean?
This universal symbol warns of the presence of biohazardous materials, including infectious agents or contaminated tools. Facilities handling blood samples, viruses, or other pathogens must follow biosafety level (BSL) protocols to ensure containment and decontamination.
In labs with this sign, wearing proper personal protective equipment (PPE) is non-negotiable. This may include goggles, respirators, gloves, full-body suits, and strict sanitization protocols. Proper waste disposal and sterilization of instruments are critical to prevent contamination.
3. Explosive Materials
This Explosive Materials symbol signifies a serious risk: explosives or chemicals prone to violent reactions. That includes peroxides, nitrates, and compounds that may combust under certain conditions. These substances require special storage conditions and extremely careful handling.
Ensure that your staff receives ongoing safety training specific to explosive materials. Implement emergency response drills and routine inspections of chemical storage areas. At Cryostar, we help labs maintain accurate equipment calibration and secure containment systems to minimize these risks.
4. Flammable Materials
You can find this sign in many labs around the country. This symbol indicates the presence of easily ignitable substances, like solvents, alcohols, and cleaning agents. Proper ventilation, storage, and temperature control are critical when working with or around flammable materials.
Store flammable agents in designated flammable storage cabinets, and always ensure they’re kept away from open flames, sparks, or heat-generating devices. Our team can assess your lab’s storage solutions to make sure your facility meets OSHA standards and NFPA regulations.
5. Toxic Materials
In addition to labs, you can find this in most garages or workshops around the country. Whenever you see this symbol, it means that nearby you’ll find toxic, lethal substances. They can harm you if ingested, inhaled, or even if they make direct contact with skin.
Each agent’s toxicity varies depending on what it is. Also, it depends on precisely where it makes contact and its concentration. Naturally, you should always have the appropriate gear within reach when handling these substances. Whether it’s gloves, goggles or respirators, staff should always have the necessary PPE and have safety protocol memorized.
6. Non-Ionizing Radiation
This symbol signals the use of non-ionizing radiation, such as UV light, infrared waves, microwaves, or radiofrequency energy. These are commonly used in sterilization, diagnostics, and some imaging equipment.
If any of these apply to your lab, be sure to have all sources properly marked. Biological safety cabinets, PPE and environmental controls can limit exposure.
7. Low Temperature (Cryogenic Hazards)
Used to denote extremely low temperatures, this symbol is becoming more prevalent—especially in vaccine storage. Specific equipment, such as ultra-low temperature (ULT) freezers, maintain temperatures well below freezing. They often contain liquid nitrogen or dry ice. This can cause cold burns or equipment malfunctions if not handled properly.
As seen during the COVID-19 vaccine rollout, storing materials at ultra-low temperatures is critical to preserving potency.In the event of ULT failure, the vaccines will lose their efficacy and are, essentially, worthless. Cryostar ensures your cryogenic equipment remains calibrated and functional—so your assets remain viable.
Use thick gloves, face shields, closed-toe footwear, and thermal aprons when working with cryogenic systems. Also, routinely inspect storage areas to ensure all equipment is functioning optimally.
Why Do Lab Safety Symbols Matter?
Understanding and responding appropriately to lab safety symbols is more than compliance—it’s a commitment to protecting lives, resources, and research. By fostering a culture of awareness and preparedness, labs can significantly reduce the risk of accidents.
At Cryostar Industries, we don’t just provide maintenance—we help labs stay compliant, efficient, and most importantly, safe. Our certified technicians ensure your equipment meets regulatory standards, is properly calibrated, and is in optimal condition for daily use. We proudly serve labs across New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. Cryostar offers responsive support and long-term reliability.
Conclusion
Lab safety is everyone’s responsibility, from entry-level technicians to lab managers and service providers. Whether you’re working with chemicals, biological samples, or high-tech equipment, knowing how to identify and respond to lab safety symbols is a foundational part of running a secure, compliant facility.
Trust Cryostar Industries for expert lab equipment support and service, so your team can focus on science—safely.
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