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Safety symbols are used across the world, and in different sectors. Let it be industrial, construction, school (educational facilities), or any workplace, these symbols can be understood in any part of the world. As there are thousands of languages spoken around the world, these symbols help in the communication process easily. In this article, you will find a list of safety symbols and their meanings. Some or many of these symbols are fairly simple to understand. Although the symbols are used and accepted in various health and safety sectors, they are often times governed by law and organized by standard organizations. These symbols come in different colors, backgrounds, and added data that describe the severity of a potential hazard (if proper care is not administered). Safety and Heath Symbols and Meanings There can be various, unforeseen dangers when it comes to handling chemicals. As a precautionary method or step, each of these chemicals or hazardous materials are recognized by a specific symbol. Some of these safety signs and symbols can be poisonous, cause burn marks, may catch fire instantly, or even explode. These symbols are placed to warn us beforehand. Biohazard Symbol Also known as biological hazard, this symbol is placed when there is danger or risk to health. When there is any medical waste or virus or toxins present in particular areas, and they can be of any danger to human or any other living organisms, the biohazard symbol is placed. This way, you can take necessary precautions and not be exposed to the harmful substances; actually, only authorized personnel are allowed in this area. Caution Symbol Also called a warning sign, the caution symbol is placed to make people aware of possible dangers or hazards ahead. Typically, using a yellow triangle with an exclamation mark means it is warning us about any potential dangers in the vicinity. Other than the symbol given here, a caution or warning symbol can also be represented by a triangular sign with orange-yellow background and exclamation mark, triangular sign with white background and exclamation mark, and triangular sign with yellow background and exclamation mark. Danger Symbol This is a more well-known symbol; this sign basically tells bystanders that there may be dangerous chemicals, hazardous machines and equipment, or trenches in a particular area. Apart from this sign, another sign is also used where there is a skull with two bones in a shape of an X. This sign usually means that there is a possibility of loss of life in that particular area. Which is why, mandatory precautions and safety measures should be followed. Electrical Safety Also called the high voltage sign, this sign usually has an electric wire with the plug attached to it or a zigzag arrow as shown here. It is used to tell people there may be certain electrical machines and/or equipment in the vicinity. Which is why, keeping utmost care is necessary as there can be danger of getting an electric shock. After a particular capacity of voltage, if you come in contact with the energy, you can suffer sever injuries or even death. Environmental Hazard Symbol This sign has a withered tree and a dead fish symbol; this explains that there may be certain materials or chemicals capable of causing environmental damage or pollution. Loss of either human lives and/or other living organisms is possible. Which is why, proper care should be followed while in the vicinity. Eye Safety The sign shows a pair of snow goggles. This suggests that there may be hazardous materials which can cause irritation to the eyes. Hence, wearing protective eye goggles is necessary in that particular vicinity. It is necessary because there can be substances that can damage or cause injury to your eyes. You have to wear the suggested eye goggles required in the area at all times. First Aid Symbol A square box with a green + sign, usually indicates medical emergency. This is an internationally indicate the first aid sign. At times, the Red Cross symbol is also used, but it is to let people know that there is an ambulance service in the nearby vicinity. Fire Safety The fire sign is pretty self-explanatory. It is one of the most important signs to keep in mind. Usually, this sign is kept near the exits or to indicate which way to use in case of a fire. Hence, if you are entering the area, you're not supposed to wear any loose-fitting clothes or keep your hair down. Flammable Symbol Again, a sign of fire which usually means that in that particular vicinity, it is possible to catch fire fairly easily. This sign can be indicated through various symbols. Although, a yellow or white background with flames is typically shown to indicate the possible danger. The substance/chemical in that area is the reason for the risk of fire. Harmful/Irritant Symbol Harmful symbol is denoted by an X with a small 'h' on the bottom-right corner and the irritant symbol is denoted by an X with a small 'i' on the bottom-right corner. This harmful substance or material can cause irritation to your eyes, skin, or anywhere inside the body. Poison Symbol Somewhat similar to the danger symbol, the poison symbol also has a skull with two bones. This symbol usually means that there may be poisonous materials in the vicinity and extra care and precautions are to be taken. Wearing proper clothes, as mentioned or advised, should be on at all times. Radioactive Symbol This is another well-known symbol. This sign usually tells that there may be radioactive substances or materials in the area. Due to exposure to radiation, a person may suffer damage to their cells and it may cause cancer as well. Extreme care is to be taken while in the area; actually, only authorized personnel are allowed in this area. Thermal Safety Thermal sign basically suggests that there may be objects or materials in a particular area. These materials can be too cold or extremely hot to touch with bare hands. As it can cause the skin to burn, wearing protective gloves over your hands, while handling these materials, is mandatory at all times. Perhaps you may also require to wear safety eye goggles and proper attire while in the area. "No Cell Phone Usage" Sign This sign doesn't always have to be a trigger to let people know of danger. However, caution should be followed. The 'no cell phone' sign can either mean that there is no cell phone coverage in the area or there are substances that can turn lethal due to cell phones. For example, while getting gas for your car, there are times when the 'no cell phone' signs are up.
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=izeWHwDCUes
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