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Gas burners are a very practical and useful tool in the chemistry laboratory. However, they can be very dangerous if not operated
properly. When using a gas burner, it is necessary to take the following safety precautions:
Wear safety goggles.
Be certain no flammable materials are present (in the vicinity
around the burner) -- papers, textbooks, or other personal items.
An open container of a flammable solvent (ethanol, ethers, or
other organic solvents) creates a fire hazard when operating a
gas burner.
Protect yourself. Be sure your face, clothing and hair are not
above or near the opening of the burner tube. Avoid loose clothing and tie back long hair.
Be careful with hot objects. Burns can occur from objects that appear cool. After heating an object, allow plenty of time for the object to cool before touching it.
NEVER attempt to ignite a burner when you can smell the odor of
the gas (the mercaptan added to the gas).
NEVER leave a gas burner unattended. Always extinguish a gas burner before leaving the area.
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What should this scientist do before lighting the burner?