Bunsen Burner

Supporting Safety in the Lab

Why are we here?

The purpose of this presentation is to ensure that LSAs are well-prepared to assist in the science lab, particularly with handling Bunsen burners.

By attending this session, you'll gain the knowledge to:

• Safely operate and assist students with Bunsen burners

• Identify potential hazards and prevent accidents

• Know how to respond in case of an emergency

Why is it important?

• Increased vulnerability, e.g. physical, sensory, cognitive

• Ensures inclusion

• Confidence = reassurance

LSU Students

• Prevent accidents

• Promote responsibility

• Protect the equipment

• Supporting the teacher

• Role-modelling safe behaviour

General

Bunsen Burners

• Before you begin

• What does the hole do?

• Turning it on and off

• Moving a lit Bunsen

• Emergencies

• Safety goggles

• Tie hair back

• Heatproof mat

• Check for damage

• Tidy and prep the area

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Before you begin

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What does the hole do?

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Turning it on and off

1. Change to safety flame

2. Turn gas off at tap

3. Blow out remaining flame

Off

1. Holes closed

2. Light match away from bench in hand closest to Bunsen

3. Turn on gas while looking at Bunsen

On

​ Do not blow out flame before turning off the gas!

Emergencies

1. Turn it to the safety flame

2. Turn off the gas

3. Fire blanket beats fire extinguisher

4. Gas off button

​Only move the Bunsen by dragging the base along the heatproof mat

Bunsen burner falling over = public school version of a flame thrower

Multiple Choice

What is the first step before using a Bunsen burner?

• Turn the gas on at full flow

• Light the burner immediately

• Inspect the area for flammable materials and equipment

• Open the air hole completely

Multiple Choice

Which flame is safest to use when the Bunsen burner is not actively heating?

• Blue

• Green

• Red

• Yellow

Multiple Choice

When should you switch from the blue flame to the yellow flame on a Bunsen burner?

• When heating water

• When the burner is not actively being used

• When you want to heat something faster

• When conducting an experiment outdoors

Multiple Choice

What step do you complete first when turning ON a Bunsen burner.

• Light the match

• Turn on the gas

Labelling

Label the parts of the Bunsen burner.

Drag labels to their correct position on the image

Collar

Base

Barrel or Chimney

Flame

Air Hole

Rubber Tube