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Chemical Safety Symbols Explained

PoisonousSelf explanatory. Whereas mostchemicals are fairly dangerous if

ingested or inhaled, many of these aredangerous even on contact.

Stow away from foodstuffsHarmful material to be kept away fromedible material.

Environmental hazardRelatively rare with laboratorychemicals (most of which pose someenvironmental hazard if not got rid of correctly), these require particular careto be taken on disposal.

Dangerous when wetThis generally means that it will reactfairly violently with water.

CorrosiveAvoid contact with the skin. Bear in

mind that these can (under somecircumstances) rust chemical cupboards.

Flammable GasSafety symbol used for the transport or

storage of a flammable gas.

ExplosiveAgain, fairly self-explanatory, thoughfairly seldom seen in the average lab.Bear in mind that noise and movementcan also trigger explosion (not justsparks/flames!).

Non flammable gasSafety symbol used in the transport of non flammable (and hence often nonhazardous, at least out in the open)gases.

Flammable or extremely

flammableChemicals to be stored in flame-resistantcupboards. Volatile solvents can be a

particular problem as they are prone tospread around from unsealed containers.This also covers pyrophoric materials(that catch fire spontaneously onexposure to air).

Organic PeroxideChemical safety symbol used in thetransport and storage of organic

peroxides.

Irritant or HarmfulThis symbol covers a wide range of (sometimes relatively minor) hazards -with precautions such as avoid contactwith the skin, do not breathe, etc. - bestto refer to relevant data sheet for details.

CorrosiveTransport of corrosive materials - again,avoid contact with the skin.

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Oxidising chemicalOxidising chemicals are materials thatspontaneously evolve oxygen at roomtemperature or with slight heating, or that promote combustion. To be keptaway from flammable chemicals at all

costs!

Inhalation HazardInhalation hazard transport/storagesymbol.

Poisonous GasUsed for transport of a poisonous gas -on gas cylinders, or sometimes as anindicator on vehicles.

Marine PollutantMarine pollutant - do not dispose of insewer system.

Miscellaneous dangerCatch-all symbol for all other dangers(usually specified in the space).

ExplosiveUsed in the transport of explosivematerials.

PoisonMore general symbol for the transport of

poisonous materials (not necessarily agas).

Spontaneously CombustibleSpontaneously combustible material(treat with great caution!...).

Flammable SolidFlammable solid.

Flammable LiquidUsed in the transport of flammableliquids.

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