Bunsen Burner Safety

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Overview
Bunsen burners present fire hazards. They produce an open flame and burn at a high temperature and as a result, there is potential for an accident to occur. For the safety and convenience of everyone working in the laboratory, it is important that the following guidelines be observed. In case of a fire, activate the nearest fire alarm pull station, notify all lab personnel, and evacuate the premise.

Applicability
This Update applies to all College laboratory students, faculty, staff, and visitors working with Bunsen burners in the laboratory and buildings.

Responsibilities
Laboratory Personnel working with Bunsen burners should follow these guidelines and contact Environmental Health and Safety for assistance and training.

Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) will provide assistance and training for Bunsen burner safety as requested and update this Update as necessary.

Procedure
Bunsen burner safety guidelines:

  • PLACE the Bunsen burner away from any overhead shelving, equipment or light fixtures.
  • REMOVE all papers, notebooks, combustible materials and excess chemicals from the area.
  • TIE-BACK any long hair, dangling jewelry, or loose clothing.
  • INSPECT hose for cracks, holes, pinched points, or any other defect and ensure that the hose fits securely on the gas valve and the Bunsen burner.
  • REPLACE all hoses found to have a defect before using.
  • NOTIFY others in the laboratory that the burner will be in use.
  • UTILIZE a sparker / lighter with extended nozzle to ignite the Bunsen burner. Never use a match to ignite burner.
  • HAVE the sparker / lighter available before turning on gas.
  • ADJUST the flame by turning the collar to regulate air flow and produce an appropriate flame for the experiment (typically a medium blue flame).
  • DO NOT leave open flames unattended and never leave laboratory while burner is on.
  • SHUT-OFF gas when its use is complete.
  • ALLOW the burner to cool before handling. ENSURE that the main gas valve is off before leaving the laboratory.