The generic warning symbol typically consists of a red triangle, in the center of which is a black-colored exclamation mark, surrounded by a white background. This symbol indicates that there is a hazard or danger nearby which the observer should be aware of. This symbol is often spotted by roadsides, where it can warn oncoming traffic of possible safety risks.
A skull and crossbones motif is used to indicate chemicals and other materials which are toxic and therefore considered harmful to human health. Items marked with a toxic symbol should not be consumed and individuals should be wary when handling or transporting them. This symbol is colored white, while the skull's details, such as its eye sockets, are colored black.
Areas containing a high-voltage electrical charge, such as electric stations, are likely to carry this warning symbol, which consists of a lightning bolt zigzagging downward. Sometimes the bolt is striking a human figure, while at other times the symbol carries a brief written description, indicating the voltage level, for example. High-voltage symbols may be attached to pieces of equipment or electrical components.
The internationally recognized symbol for the presence of radiation is known as the "tri-foil." This symbol consists of a red circle in its center, with three curved shapes positioned around it. The radiation warning symbol is used to indicate that a particular area, for instance, an x-ray room in a hospital, is likely to contain radiation and is therefore unsafe for prolonged human exposure. The source of the radiation might be a piece of equipment or a radioactive material.
The biohazard symbol consists of three incomplete circles attached at a center point, while a fourth circle resides in the middle of the symbol. This warning symbol indicates that a container or area contains biologically hazardous materials which might be dangerous if not handled correctly. The symbol typically appears in either red --- a color often associated with danger --- or orange, a color judged to be most easily seen in a range of conditions, as noted by the Harvard University Biosafety website.
This warning symbol is typically found on pieces of equipment such as DVD players. The symbol indicates that the device emits a beam which can be harmful to an individual's eyesight with undue exposure. The laser radiation symbol is colored yellow, with a black border and a black circle in its center, from which protrude many lines, representing the laser.
