Lab Safety Quick-Read (GHS + Spill)

Reference

Pictograms

• Health Hazard Danger / WarningHazards: Carcinogen, mutagenicity, reproductive toxicity, respiratory sensitizer, target organ toxicity, aspiration toxicity.
• Flame Danger / WarningHazards: Flammables, self-reactives, pyrophorics, self-heating, emits flammable gas, organic peroxides.
• Exclamation Mark WarningHazards: Irritant (skin / eye), skin sensitizer, acute toxicity (harmful), narcotic effects, respiratory tract irritant.
• Gas Cylinder WarningHazards: Gases under pressure (compressed, liquefied, refrigerated, dissolved).
• Corrosion DangerHazards: Skin corrosion / burns, eye damage, corrosive to metals.
• Exploding Bomb DangerHazards: Explosives, self-reactives, organic peroxides.
• Flame Over Circle DangerHazards: Oxidizers.
• Skull and Crossbones DangerHazards: Acute toxicity (fatal or toxic).
• Environment (non-mandatory in US) WarningHazards: Hazardous to aquatic environment.

Decision tree

• Assess Stop. Identify the chemical from the SDS. Note quantity, location, ventilation, and people in the area. If unknown agent or quantity exceeds your spill-kit capacity, stop here and call EH&S or 911.
• Evacuate Alert nearby workers. Restrict access to the spill area. Move uphill / upwind if outdoors; close doors if indoors. Account for everyone in the work area.
• Contain Within your training and PPE: control the source, dike with absorbent, prevent migration to drains. Use the appropriate spill-kit (acid, base, solvent, mercury) for the agent.
• Report Document the spill. Notify supervisor and EH&S. Reportable-quantity spills (CERCLA / SARA Title III, state lists) trigger external notification within statutory windows.

Related tools

• Molarity and Dilution (C1V1=C2V2)
• Serial Dilution Planner
• PPE Selection
• Field First Aid Triage Quick-Read