When one needs to utilize a Bunsen burner for a science experiment, there are some safety precautions to take and some things to know in order to use the burner properly.
1. Make certain your clothes are not hanging out or loose. Tuck them in as tightly as possible to minimize the possibility of setting your clothes on fire.
2. Before you attempt to start on your project, make sure the Bunsen burner is off. While it is off, check the hose from the gas line to the burner and make sure it is secured at both ends.
3. Be certain that whatever you are heating can be heated safely and will not explode. Do not mix chemicals while they are being heated unless your professor specifically states that you can.
4. Keep any flammable materials, like your notes, pencil, and hair, away from the flame.
1. Turn the gas on at the source of the gas line. This can typically be found where the hose fits over the gas line that sticks out from the wall. You will want to turn it on until you can hear the gas flowing smoothly through the hose.
2. Turn on the burner slowly. Once you hear the gas, you can light the Bunsen burner. Keep your fingers as far away from the flame as possible. Depending upon the flint you are using, be it a match or a flint gun, you need to light it on the side of the Bunsen burner so that the flame reaches around the flame and away from you.
3. Once the flame is lit, you can adjust the height of the flame to what you will need for your experiment. If you are heating something, you will need to adjust the height of the holding tray to the flame. Do not try to adjust the flame to the height of the holding tray. Flames can and will get out of control if you are not meticulous. It could also wrap around the glass container of the substance and burn it to the glass. Every step counts.
4. After the experiment is done and all the data is completed, you will need to turn off the Bunsen burner. To do this, make certain whatever you are heating is off the holding tray is removed. These chemicals can get very dangerous when heated, so be cautious. Remember to use tongs to remove the glass container and put it far enough away from the burner to be safe.
5. Once the glass container is removed, turn off the gas at the Bunsen burner’s base and at the wall. Once the gas is off, the flame should automatically be extinguished. If it is not, you may have a gas leak. Make certain the gas is completely off on both sides. If it is off and the flame has not gone out, alert your professor immediately.
