Hazard warning symbols and their meanings

There are many different signs and symbols thatrepresentative of those substances and areas
are used to identify containers and areas that arethat are biochemical hazards that can be
a hazard to your health. From construction sitestransmitted through the air or by contact with the
to household cleaners, these signs contain theskin.
symbols that allow you to readily recognize themHigh voltage is often present when storms
and to avoid the hazards that they pose if notcreated downed power lines. Power centers are
handled properly. The use of these signs isthe source of a great deal of electricity and
regulated by organizations that enforce theshould be respected as such. Construction sites
proper handling and protection, thus the symbolscan also have high voltage areas when there is a
are uniform with some difference in backgroundsneed for electricity to power the site. This symbol
or colors to specify the particular hazard.puts one in mind of a lightning bolt or a staggered
Perhaps the most common hazard sign is the skullexclamation point.
and crossbones. Historically this sign has been aWarning signs can be posted for many different
symbol for the indication of poison. Over thehazards since they tend to have a generic
years, however, the symbol has also come tomeaning. The hazard can be anything from a
stand for a generic meaning of lethal hazards. Thefalling debris alert to slippery pavement and
skull and crossbones can often still be found onbeyond. A simple exclamation point inside a
many containers as an indication that the contentstriangle is the symbol that alerts all who see it to
can be fatal if ingested, inhaled or improperlythe possibility of a hazard or danger.
mixed with other hazardous substances.Chemical hazards are also identified by a hazard
Resembling the blades of a black fan on a yellowsymbol placed on the container or signage in the
background is the symbol that is placed on signsvicinity. Although the standards differ depending
where there is danger of radiation. Althoughon the location, there is uniformity within the
radiation is successfully used to treat cancervarious countries on how such listing are made. In
patients, it is a hazard to people and protectivethe U.S., a diamond shape with four partitions. The
clothing must be worn in areas where radiation isdegree of the hazard is defined in the categories
used to avoid injury to healthy parts of the body.which are specific to flammability, health risks,
This symbol can be found in plain black and whitereactivity and hazard details.
and well and carries the same meaning andThere are many other hazard sign symbols that
warning indications.are used and it is important to understand what
Biohazard risks are identified by a symbol that isthese symbols me. As a rule, however, if you are
three interwoven arcs with a bell shape in theunsure of what a symbol means, you should
middle. This sign can be black with a yellowmove away from the area as soon as possible.
background or black and white and is