The Household Hazardous Product Symbols (HHPS) are symbols used on most household products to indicate the safety or hazards associated with those products. Each hazard symbol shows two types of information; 1) The type of hazard and 2) The degree of hazard.

1. The degree/severity of the hazard.

1. Yellow triangle: The container is dangerous.
2. Red Octagon: The contents inside the container are dangerous.

2. The type of hazard: Chemicals can cause hazards in various ways either as they are, or as fumes emanating from the substances. For example,

1. The products smell or taste can cause illness or death
2. The product can damage skin and/or eyes.
3. The product or its fumes can cause fire.
4. The container can explode causing injury.

Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) contains a wider array of chemical hazards that may be used in an industrial scale or in workplaces. These are the symbols that are used in chemistry. For example,

1. Flammable or combustible materials such as gasoline
2. Corrosive materials that can damage metals and body tissue such as bleach, battery acid.
3. Biohazard - Contains a biological hazard that can cause disease in humans or animals such as pathogenic viruses and bacteria.
4. Oxidizing material that may contribute to combustion - such as ozone.
5. Toxic substances that can cause effects other than poisoning such as cigarette smoke.
6. A compressed gas such as propane. Has the potential to explode the container. Also includes Oxygen tanks used in hospitals.
7. Materials that are poisonous when ingested - such as bleach.

WHMIS symbols

Other Considerations

1. Dress appropriately: Long pants (trousers) are required, no shorts. Wear closed shoes, not open sandals. Long hair should be tied back and well restrained; in some cases a hair net could be used. A lab coat should be worn and buttoned up. Gloves may be necessary in some cases especially when dealing with hazardous material. Contact lenses are discouraged. Splash goggles may be needed for some experiments.
2. Know, beforehand, what the lab experiment will involve. Read all the instructions before you begin the work. Do not perform experiments that are not authorized for that session. Never work alone in the lab and if any accident occurs, report immediately to the instructor.
3. No food in the lab: no food, no drinks, no chewing gum.
4. Wait for permission before starting the lab work.
5. Ensure your work area is clean.
6. Be careful and think before you act. Do not run in the lab, use designated aisle spaces to walk. Do not leave experiments unattended. Bring to the lab only those items necessary for the experiment.
7. Watch out for the WHMIS symbols: do not smell or touch a chemical until you are told to do so. When smelling a chemical do not place the chemical in front of your nose to inhale. Instead, the proper technique is to cup your hand above the container and waft the air toward your face. When you have to pour substances, do it appropriately and carefully.
8. Use the appropriate laboratory equipment. For example if you require heating, use heat resistant pyrex glass, and beware of how to handle hot glass. No not use cracked or broken equipment. Ensure the open end of the tube is facing away from everyone.
9. Clean up, when there is a spill, and when you are done with your experiments. Wash glassware and place them in drying racks. When glassware is dry, return to their appropriate storage cabinets.

First Aid in the Lab

1. Know the location of safety equipment in the lab, e.g. safety shower, eye wash, fire blankets, fire extinguisher, fire exits, telephone and the first aid kit.
2. Rinse your skin or clothing immediately with plenty of water if it comes in contact with chemicals. Wash hands before and after contacting lab chemicals. Treat burns using ice or cold water. Seek medical attention when necessary.