LABORATORY WARNING SIGNS

 Laboratory Warning Signs

Identify warning signs

Warning signs are signs on the containers of chemicals as warnings about the danger of the contained chemical. There are six warning signs.

Explosives

These are substances can explode. An explosion is a forceful rapid reaction which involves the throwing off particles at high speeds.

The sign means that it is dangerous to keep explosives in glass containers.

Oxidant

This is a chemical/substance that helps a burning substance to burn faster.

Oxidising agent makes a small fire to become bigger. Heating a mixture of an organic material with an oxidising agent may cause explosion. Eg; heating potassium permanganate with saw dust.

Flammable

These substances catch fire easily. They should not be kept near open flames. If heated,anelectric heater should be used.

Corrosive

These substances burn skin as well can corrode floors and desktops.

If by accident, a corrosive substance comes into contact with your skin, go to the sink and wash your skin with a lot of water. Examples; Concentrated mineral acids like HCl and HNO3 II. Concentrated alkalis like NaOH and KOH

Toxic

These are very poisonous and can cause death immediately after use or after a few days. They should not be allowed to come into contact with you.

-If you come into contact with such a chemical accidentally, wash it away with a lot of water.

Harmful/irritant

Harmful - these substances may cause illness or endanger your health. They won’t kill instantly but they are lethal. Irritating substances- cause pain in eyes or on your skin and can endanger your health if you are in contact with them doe too long.

They should be handled according to the stipulated instructions.