Hazard and Caution Signs

Biohazard labels and stickers

Biohazard labels and stickers feature the international biohazard symbol (black on fluorescent red) to indicate the use or storage of infectious agents, human materials, and other biological materials or agents that require Biosafety Level 2 or higher.

Containment of biohazardous material is strictly managed, and researchers are trained to disinfect work areas including equipment after use.

Biohazard labels and stickers are placed on:

• Laboratory room sign, 
• Equipment that is used with materials designated BSL-2 or greater; 
  • i.e., centrifuges, water baths, refrigerators, freezers, incubators, biosafety cabinets, etc.
• Storage containers for materials designated for BSL-2 or greater,
• Biohazard waste bags and containers, 
• Biohazard sharps containers, 
• Biohazard liquid waste, 
• Biohazard waste accumulation sites, 
• Transport or Shipping containers.

See the UC San Diego Biosafety Program for more information.

Biosafety Level Signs

A laboratory room sign is posted at the entrance to the room specifying the biosafety level (BSL) of containment and operational precautions observed within.

A facility may be BSL 1, 2, 2+, or 3, with 3 indicating the highest level of hazard. BSL 3 labs are rare at UC San Diego. Unauthorized entry into BSL 3 labs is strictly prohibited.

Specialized laboratory room sign featuring a large biohazard symbol is posted for high-risk facilities detailing enhanced requirements for entry such as specialized training, medical surveillance, etc. Contact the lab contact for approval prior to entry. 

• See the Biosafety Level (BSL) Practices Chart for UC San Diego's laboratory containment requirements and practices.

Carcinogen signs indicate the use of known human carcinogens.

Carcinogens are strictly regulated and are generally well-contained. Researchers are trained to carefully identify where carcinogens are being used and to decontaminate work areas after their use.

• See Chemical Carcinogens for more information.

Fall hazards exist when you see this sign declaring that fall protection is required to enter the work area.

• See the Fall Protection Program for more information.

Hazardous waste signs identify collection areas for hazardous wastes. Treat hazardous waste containers with the same caution used for other stored chemicals and hazardous materials.

• Learn more about Hazardous Waste management at UC San Diego.

High voltage signs signal a sustained voltage of more than 600 volts. High voltage systems may be accessed only by a qualified electrician.

• See Electrical Safety Guidelines for more information.

All labs must have a Laboratory Room Sign posted at all lab entrances into the location. This sign details the responsible persons, contacts for the lab, and location hazards including: physical hazards, chemical hazards, biohazards, biosafety level (when applicable), and entry requirements. Internal rooms with hazards must also have a room sign.

The room sign alerts personnel, visitors, first responders, facilities support staff, etc about the hazards present in the space. 

Labs are responsible for posting current and accurate Laboratory Room Signs. Color print a sign using My Research Safety in the My EH&S Profile. Lab Locations section (click on the Room Sign PDF icon, print, and post) and post it at entrances to the laboratory. 

This sign must be updated anytime users make changes to information displayed on the sign.

If the room sign contains missing or inaccurate information, verify that the content in My Research Safety and associated EH&S Authorization applications accurately reflects the current work being conducted in the laboratory. Once verified and corrected, reprint and post the updated sign. For assistance with discrepancies or technical issues, contact your individual RAP specialist or ehsrap@ucsd.edu.

Note: As applications are updated, changes may temporarily affect the accuracy of laboratory room signs. 

Example of a Laboratory Room Sign:

Eating, drinking, food storage, application of cosmetics, and handling of contact lenses in research laboratories is permitted only in approved, posted Clean Areas.

Clean Areas are not permitted in rooms where Aerosol Transmissible Pathogens are manipulated or rooms approved at biosafety level 2+ or 3.

• See Laboratory Clean Areas for more information.

Laser signs indicate the presence of high energy laser equipment. Unauthorized entry is prohibited. Appropriate eye protection may be required.

• See the UC San Diego Laser Safety Program for more information.

Lockout/ tagout (LOTO) practices ensure that all energy sources are disengaged or blocked, and that electrical sources are de-energized and locked in the "off" position during work or repair.

This sign is posted by machines, systems, or equipment that require LOTO procedures.

• See the UC San Diego Lockout/ Tagout Program for more information.

Magnetic field signs designate facilities housing large research magnets that create a powerful static magnetic field.

Unauthorized entry is prohibited.

People with cardiac pacemakers or other implanted medical devices should keep out. Check with your physician if you have questions about working in the vicinity of powerful magnets.

• See Magnet Safety Guidelines for Researchers for more information.

Radiation signs indicate that the room contains certain quantities of radioactive material. Strict requirements govern use, storage, and disposal of radioactive materials and equipment. All labs are regularly checked by laboratory staff and Environment, Health & Safety (EH&S) to make sure they are not contaminated.

• See the UC San Diego Radiation Safety Program for more information.

Clearance tags communicate whether a vacated facility has or has not been cleared for entry. (When a research group vacates a laboratory, EH&S performs a clearance survey to ensure hazards are not left behind.)

• A red clearance tag indicates EH&S clearance procedures are in progress. It is safe for custodians to enter and empty regular trash, but not for trades employees to begin work.

• A green clearance tag, posted after hazards are removed, indicates the facility is safe for trades employees to enter and begin work. Green clearance tags are also used on decontaminated equipment.

Report hidden hazards discovered after work begins (such as broken glass, needles, or small amounts of mercury metal in drain traps) to your supervisor or the responsible Department Safety Coordinator (DSC). Do not resume work until the hazard has been corrected.

• See Decontamination Clearance for Equipment or Facilities for more information.