Pearson Science New South Wales 8 Risk assessment—For STUDENT activity

Heating

Description of procedure/requirements

The information below applies to all pracs requiring the lighting, and use of, Bunsen burners and/or matches.

HAZARDOUS substance as classified by ASCC criteria

Reactant substance Dangerous Hazard Risk phrases Safety phrases MSDS

good category issue
Gas—mains supply 2 R12 – Extremely flammable. S44 – If you feel unwell, immediately contact a doctor or
(methane) gas Flammable R20 – Harmful by inhalation. the Poisons Information Centre PH 131126 (show the
Gas R33 – Danger of cumulative label if possible).
effects.

Matches 4.1 Extremely flammable Wear suitable protective clothing and glasses
Store away from naked flames, sparks and ignition sources

Other hazards and safety considerations

 Ensure the Bunsen burner is on a heatproof mat and the area is clear of flammable items.
 Always use the safety flame when the Bunsen burner is lit but not in use.
 When heating test tubes, ensure they point away from people and equipment.
 Use tongs or heatproof gloves to handle hot items. Place hot items on a heatproof mat to cool.
 Beware of the scald risk associated with hot liquids. Where possible, allow to cool prior to moving.
 In the case of a gas tap being inadvertently left on, remove ignition sources, ventilate the area and remove personnel as required.
 Allow all equipment to cool prior to packing away.
 Staff must be trained in location and use of fire-fighting equipment.
 Staff must know the location of safety cut-off switches, especially for the gas supply.

© Pearson Australia 2014 (a division of Pearson Australia Group Pty Ltd) ISBN 978 1 4425 6564 7
Pearson Science New South Wales 8 Risk assessment—For STUDENT activity
Heating

Protective measures

Lab coat Glasses Gloves Fume cupboard Other

Yes Yes
Tie long hair back.
Wipe bench/wash hands on completion of prac.

Disposal of wastes

Allow matches to cool on an inflammable surface prior to discarding in the bin.

Assessor/s: _____________________________ Date: __________________ Earliest MSDS expiry date: __________________

Notes
To be a valid assessment, the MSDS expiry dates should be added and this risk assessment should be signed and dated.
This assessment is valid for 5 years from the earliest MSDS expiry date.

Disclaimer: This Risk Assessment sheet is provided to offer guidance only. It must not be construed to waive or modify any legal obligation of the school to
ensure the safety of students when conducting the experiment or activity. It is the responsibility of the school to have the content of this sheet checked against
the Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) provided by the manufacturer of chemicals used in the school’s laboratories. This sheet must not be used in the
school’s laboratories until it has been checked against the school’s MSDS, signed and dated. To the maximum extent permitted by law, the publisher
disclaims all responsibility for actions taken or not taken in relation to this Risk Assessment sheet.

© Pearson Australia 2014 (a division of Pearson Australia Group Pty Ltd) ISBN 978 1 4425 6564 7