Lab Hazards Assessments

Laboratory Hazard Assessment Signs are intended to provide rapid hazard awareness for individuals entering laboratory and engineering spaces within the William States Lee College of Engineering. These signs serve several administrative and emergency purposes, including:

1. Providing responsible party contact information
2. Listing hazards that may affect maintenance or emergency response
3. Provide a quick-access QR code to other critical safety information

These signs are not intended to list every hazard that may exist within a given space. Nor are they a replacement for laboratory-specific training.

All laboratory and engineering spaces are access-restricted. All faculty, staff, and students must receive permission to enter a given lab from that lab’s PI or the Research Operations Manager/Lab Manager.

Non-Hazardous Area

This icon indicates that during the hazard assessment no hazardous activities or materials were noted. This sign should not be interpreted to mean that it is impossible to be injured in a space. NO SPACE IS PERFECTLY SAFE.

Compressed Inert Gas

Wherever compressed, bottled air, nitrogen, argon, or other intert gas is present. Refer to the University’s Compressed Gas fact sheet. In case of an equipment failure, an oxygen deficient atmosphere may be created.

Compressed Gas Fact Sheet

Flammable Gas

Compressed, flammable gasses are present. Refer to the University’s Compressed Gas fact sheet. In case of an equipment failure, an explosive atmosphere may be created.

Compressed Gas Fact Sheet

Oxygen

Pure oxygen is in-use or being stored. Refer to the University’s Compressed Gas fact sheet. In case of an equipment failure, an oxygen-rich atmosphere may be created.

Compressed Gas Fact Sheet

Corrosives

Any space where strong acids or bases are used or stored. Must be enrolled in University’s Chemical Hygiene Plan. Unknown spilled liquids must be identified prior to cleaning to prevent accidental reactions.

Chemical Hygiene Plan

Flammable Liquids

Flammable liquids or solvents are stored or used. Unknown spilled liquids must be identified prior to cleaning to prevent accidental reactions.

Oxidizer

Any chemical, other than pure oxygen, that is classified as an oxidizer. Unknown spilled liquids must be identified prior to cleaning to prevent accidental reactions.

Biohazard

Any space handling biologic material that is subject to the University biosafety program (University policy 714). A BSL lab sign, provided by the University’s biosafety office, must accompany the COE’s lab door sign.

University Biosafety Program

Live Circuits

Manipulation of live electrical circuits at 60 Volts or greater may be occurring. Treat any exposed conductor as live unless confirmed deenergized with a multimeter.

Laser

Class 3b or 4 laser may be in use. Subject to the University’s Laser Safety Program. A laser safety sign, provided by the University Laser Safety Officer, must accompany the Lab Hazard Assessment door sign. Injury could result if persons unknowingly walk into the path of a laser.

University Laser Program

Radiation Production

Any space where ionizing radiation is produced, or radioactive materials are handled or stored. A radiation safety sign, provided by the University’s Radiation Safety Officer, must accompany the Lab Hazard Assessment door sign. Refer to the University’s Handbook for Radiation Safety.

Handbook for Radiation Safety

Lithium-Ion Batteries

250 Ah, or greater, worth of lithium-ion batteries are in use or being stored.

Reactive Solid 

Materials are in use that could be unstable if they come in contact with water.

Report any water leaks affecting the space immediately! In case of fire do not use water!