Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS) Practice Exam

What is the meaning of the biohazard symbol?

1. Compressed gas

2. Flammable

3. Corrosive

4. Biohazardous

The correct answer is: Biohazardous

The biohazard symbol serves an important role in identifying materials that are potentially dangerous to human health and the environment due to biological risks. Specifically, this symbol signifies the presence of pathogens—such as bacteria, viruses, or other microorganisms—that can pose a threat to individuals who come into contact with them. In laboratory settings, the biohazard symbol is crucial for maintaining safety protocols, ensuring that personnel are aware of and prepared for hazards associated with handling biological materials. This awareness is essential for proper handling, storage, and disposal practices, minimizing risk of exposure or contamination. The other options pertain to different hazards not represented by the biohazard symbol. Compressed gas and flammable symbols indicate risks associated with physical hazards, whereas corrosive symbols denote chemical hazards, emphasizing the importance of understanding and recognizing various types of risks in laboratory environments.