Bunsen Burner: Uses and How to Use It

Laboratory equipment guide

Bunsen Burner: Uses and How to Use It

A Bunsen burner is a gas-fuelled heater (LPG or natural gas) that gives an open flame for heating, sterilising and burning substances. A collar on the barrel controls the air intake: enough air gives a hot blue flame, too little gives a sooty yellow flame.

How to use a Bunsen burner Bunsen Burner at AMI Scientific

What is a Bunsen burner used for?

Heating solutions in beakers, flasks or test tubes.
Sterilising inoculating loops and tube mouths in microbiology.
Flame tests to identify metal ions by flame colour.
Igniting substances in a crucible.

Parts of a Bunsen burner

1Barrel – where gas and air mix
2Air-hole collar – turned to open or close the air holes
3Base – a heavy base so it does not tip over
4Gas hose – connects to the gas tap

How to use a Bunsen burner

Step 1

Have the flame ready before turning on the gas

Close the air holes. Hold a lit lighter above the barrel (1), then slowly open the gas tap (2). Turning on the gas first lets it build up and flash.

Step 2

Open the air holes for a blue flame

Turn the collar to open the air holes until the flame changes from yellow (1) to blue with a sharp inner cone (2). The hottest point is just above the tip of the blue cone.

Step 3

Turn it off at the gas tap

When finished, close the gas tap until the flame goes out (1). Never blow it out, and never leave a lit burner unattended.

Common mistakes

Turning on the gas, then looking for a lighter: gas builds up and flashes.
Heating with a yellow flame: it is cooler and blackens glassware with soot.

Care and safety

Check the hose for cracks or brittleness and make sure it fits tightly; replace damaged hoses.
Keep flammable solvents off the bench while the burner is lit.

SOP for using a Bunsen burner

A summary of the standard operating procedure (SOP) for a Bunsen burner that your laboratory can adapt. Each step is explained in the how-to section above.

1Protective equipment

A flame-resistant lab coat; tie back long hair.
Safety glasses; goggles where corrosive splashes are possible.
Heat-resistant gloves or tongs for hot items.

2Before use

Check the hose for cracks and a tight fit; test for leaks with soapy water, never a flame.
Remove flammable solvents, paper and cloth from around the bench.
Place it on a heat-resistant surface away from shelves and curtains.
Know where the fire extinguisher and fire blanket are.

3Procedure

Have the flame ready before turning on the gas
Open the air holes for a blue flame
Turn it off at the gas tap

4After use

Close the bench tap and the main gas valve.
Let the barrel cool before storing.

5Verification & calibration

Inspect the hose and connections monthly and replace hardened hoses; record it in the log.

6Emergencies

Smell of gas: put out all flames, close the main valve, open windows, do not operate switches and report it.
Small vessel fire: smother it with a watch glass or fire blanket. Larger fire: use an extinguisher and evacuate.
Clothing on fire: stop, drop and roll or use the safety shower.
Burn from hot glass: cool under running water for 10–20 minutes; do not apply toothpaste or butter.

A print-ready version with purpose, scope, illustrated procedure, verification and sign-off boxes. Fill in your own document number and effective date.

Download the SOP (PDF, A4)

Types and sizes

Besides the standard Bunsen there are Teclu burners (finer gas and air control), Meker burners (grid head, hotter and more even flame), electronic burners with automatic ignition, and spirit lamps that burn alcohol for schools without a gas supply.