⚗️ Lab Safety

GHS Symbols · Equipment · Safety Quiz · Procedures

The Globally Harmonized System (GHS) of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals uses standardized symbols called pictograms. Click any symbol to learn more.

Click on any piece of equipment to learn what it's used for, how to use it safely, and common mistakes to avoid.

🧩 Identify the Hazard Symbol

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🥽 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Always wear these in a chemistry or biology lab:

✓ Safety goggles — protect eyes from splashes and particles

✓ Lab coat or apron — protect skin and clothing

✓ Chemical-resistant gloves — protect hands from corrosives/toxins

✓ Closed-toe shoes — protect feet from dropped equipment

✗ Never wear contact lenses with chemical fumes

✗ Never wear sandals, open-toe shoes, or loose clothing

🧪 Handling Chemicals

✓ Read the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) before using any chemical

✓ Add acid to water, NOT water to acid (exothermic)

✓ Work in a fume hood with volatile chemicals

✓ Label all containers with contents, concentration, date

✗ Never smell chemicals directly — waft toward you

✗ Never pipette by mouth

✗ Never return unused chemicals to original containers

✗ Never mix bleach with ammonia or acids (toxic gas)

🔥 Heating & Flames

✓ Point test tubes away from people when heating

✓ Use heat-resistant gloves or tongs

✓ Allow hot glassware to cool before touching

✓ Keep flammables away from open flames

✗ Never heat a sealed container

✗ Never leave a lit Bunsen burner unattended

✗ Never use cracked or chipped glassware

🚨 Emergency Procedures

✓ Know the location of: fire extinguisher, eyewash station, safety shower, first aid kit, emergency exit

✓ Chemical in eyes: flush with water for 15 minutes, seek medical attention

✓ Chemical spill on skin: remove clothing, rinse 15–20 minutes

✓ Fire: notify teacher immediately, evacuate if necessary

✗ Never try to clean up a major spill alone

✗ Never ignore warning signs or unusual smells

🗑️ Waste Disposal

✓ Follow your lab's specific disposal guidelines

✓ Neutralize acids/bases before disposal when appropriate

✓ Dispose of sharps (broken glass) in designated sharps containers

✓ Biological waste goes in biohazard bags

✗ Never pour solvents, heavy metals, or toxic chemicals down the drain

✗ Never put broken glass in regular trash

🧹 Lab Cleanup

✓ Wash hands thoroughly with soap before leaving

✓ Clean and return all equipment to proper storage

✓ Wipe down lab benches with appropriate cleaner

✓ Turn off gas valves and electrical equipment

✗ Never leave contaminated equipment for the next user

✗ Never eat, drink, or apply cosmetics in the lab

Why is lab safety critical?

Thousands of lab accidents occur every year, many preventable. The most common: chemical burns, eye injuries, fires, and cuts from broken glass. All are avoidable with proper training and habits.

Key terms

GHS — Globally Harmonized System; international standard for chemical hazard labeling
SDS — Safety Data Sheet; 16-section document with chemical hazard info
PPE — Personal Protective Equipment (goggles, gloves, coat)
Fume hood — ventilated enclosure for working with volatile chemicals
OSHA — Occupational Safety and Health Administration (US regulator)
Pictogram — standardized graphic symbol representing a hazard class
Signal word — "Danger" (severe hazard) or "Warning" (moderate hazard)

The most important rule

If you don't know — ASK. Never guess with unknown chemicals. Never try to identify unknowns by smell or touch. When in doubt, treat any substance as potentially hazardous until proven otherwise.

🎯 Try this challenge

You find an unlabeled bottle in a lab. What should you NEVER do? According to GHS guidelines, what are the first steps for identifying an unknown chemical? Name 3 pieces of personal protective equipment (PPE) you should always wear.

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