SOP - Bunsen Burners

This standard operating procedure outlines the handling and use of Bunsen burners. Review this document and supply the information required in order to make it specific to your laboratory. In accordance with this document, laboratories should use appropriate controls and personal protective equipment when using Bunsen burners.

Bunsen burners produce a single open flame by burning a continuous stream of flammable gas used for heating, sterilization, and combustion.

Bunsen burners present burn and fire hazards due to the high-temperature open flame that is produced.

Biological safety cabinets (BSCs) and disposable sterile items obviate the need for open flames when aseptic conditions are needed. The use of a Bunsen burner in a BSC creates thermodynamic instabilities that interfere with the function of the unit, reducing its ability to provide the sterile field. If an open flame absolutely must be used in a BSC, recommended alternatives such as electrical incinerators or touch-plate microburners are available.

Bunsen burner safety – best practice:

• 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 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.

Additional Precautions:

• Do not use a Bunsen burner in biological safety cabinet.
• For small fires, attempt to extinguish fire if you been trained in fire extinguisher use.
• In case of a large fire activate the fire alarm, evacuate the building and alert authorities. 

Wear standard laboratory attire including safety glasses and avoid wearing synthetic clothing.

 If the employee is in need of emergency medical attention, call 911 immediately.   

Contact OSEH for advice on symptoms of chemical exposure, or assistance in performing an exposure assessment.

Report all work related accidents, injuries, illnesses or exposures to WorkConnections within 24 hours by completing and submitting the Illness and Injury Report Form. Follow the directions on the WorkConnections website Forms Instructions to obtain proper medical treatment and follow-up.

Complete the OSEH Laboratory Incident and Near-Miss Report form.

TREATMENT FACILITIES: U-M Occupational Health Services -- Campus Employees Mon-Fri 7:30 am - 4:30 pm After hours - go to UM Hospital Emergency Dept. – Urgent Care Clinic C380 Med Inn building 1500 East Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor (734) 764-8021 University Health Services -- University students (non-life threatening conditions) Mon-Fri 8 am – 4:30 pm, Sat 9 am – 12 pm Contact for current hours as they may vary 207 Fletcher Street, Ann Arbor (734) 764-8320 UMHS Emergency Department -- after clinic hours or on weekends 1500 East Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, (734) 936-6666 Click here for additional accident and injury reporting information.

• When a gas leak occurs, personal safety should always come first.
• Alert and clear everyone in the immediate area where the gas leak occurred.
• Open outside windows, if possible & safe to do so.
• Avoid breathing gas.
• Contact OSEH-HMM (734) 763-4568 for release assistance.

Report all emergencies, suspicious activity, injuries, spills, and fires to the University of Michigan Division of Public Safety and Security (DPSS) by calling 911 or texting 377911. Register with the University of Michigan Emergency Alert System via Wolverine Access.

All personnel are required to complete the General Laboratory Safety Training session (BLS025w or equivalent) via OSEH’s My LINC website. Furthermore, all personnel shall read and fully adhere to this SOP when working with Bunsen burners.

Certification I have read and understand the above SOP. I agree to contact my Supervisor or Lab Manager if I plan to modify this procedure. Sign by logging in and typing * ~~~~ in the list below:

• Ccousz (talk) 16:58, 12 October 2016 (UTC)
• Davebridges (talk) 14:50, 8 November 2016 (UTC)
• Iharvey (talk) 21:17, 10 November 2016 (UTC)
• Elhabbal (talk) 21:46, 12 June 2017 (UTC)

Prior Approval required – Is this procedure hazardous enough to warrant prior approval from the Laboratory Director? ☐ YES X NO

Laboratory Director - Dave Bridges Revision Date - 2016-10-12