Lab Safety Topics
Bunsen Burner Safety
The Bunsen burner is a piece of equipment which has a lot of
potential to cause laboratory accidents. However, when proper safety
precautions are taken, the Bunsen burner is a very valuable addition
to the laboratory instrumentation repertoire.
Before using the Bunsen burner, be certain that not flammable materials are present.
Also, be careful to make sure that your face, clothing, and hair are not above or near the
opening of the Bunsen burner.
The Bunsen burner flame is very hot. The center of the
flame will be over 1000 degrees Celsius and therefore
should be treated with respect.
After lighting the burner, be sure to extinguish the match in water prior to throwing the
match in the garbage. Doing so will avoid the possibility for fires igniting in the garbage.
Should the Bunsen burner go out, IMMEDIATELY turn off the gas at the gas outlet valve.
If you wish to turn off the burner, do so by turning off the gas at the
gas outlet valve first, then close the needle valve and barrel. The
valve at the base of the burner is only used to control the flame.
This practice will prevent accumulation of methane in the
laboratory- a fire and explosion hazard.
Never reach over an exposed flame. Light gas burners only as instructed by the teacher.
Never leave a lit burner unattended. Never leave anything that is being heated or is
visibly reacting unattended. Always turn the burner or hot plate off when not in use.
When heating a test tube over a Bunsen burner, do not point the open end of a test
tube being heated at yourself or anyone else.
Heated samples should be set aside and given ample time to
cool prior to handling. Handling of heated samples should be
done with tongs or protective gloves.
Lab Safety Topics
Samples which are hot might not appear to be that hot. Hot and cold glass looks the
same; therefore prior to handling a heated sample determine if an object is hot by
bringing the back of your hand close to it.