# Creating a sterile environment using the Bunsen burner (EN)

#### **Creating a sterile working environment, using the Bunsen burner**  


  
***Goal:** To give “your” microorganism a head start on "foreign" microorganisms present in the air, on the table or on instruments you use.*

##### Creating a sterile bubble with a blue 'rustling' flame:

- Close windows and doors and let everyone know you will be inoculating and lighting the flame.
- No talking, no walking around.
- Sit down while working with the flame, to avoid accidentally leaning into the flame.
- Clean the table with 70% alcohol BEFORE you light the flame.
- Open the gas valve and quickly light the yellow flame. Then open oxygen supply ring until you get a noisy blue 'rustling' flame:[![blueflame.png](https://bookstack.hku.nl/uploads/images/gallery/2024-07/scaled-1680-/schermafbeelding-2024-07-15-om-21-29-09.png)](https://bookstack.hku.nl/uploads/images/gallery/2024-07/schermafbeelding-2024-07-15-om-21-29-09.png)
- Work within 10 cm radius of flame on all sides:  
      
    [![Scherm­afbeelding 2024-07-15 om 21.07.24.png](https://bookstack.hku.nl/uploads/images/gallery/2024-07/scaled-1680-/schermafbeelding-2024-07-15-om-21-07-24.png)](https://bookstack.hku.nl/uploads/images/gallery/2024-07/schermafbeelding-2024-07-15-om-21-07-24.png)
- Don't wear gloves or synthetic face masks (can glue to skin when hot).
- Point tip of alcohol bottle away from flame at all times!
- Open petri dishes as little as possible, open petri dishes 'oyster style' towards the flame.
- Pass neck of bottle through the flame before and after each pour to sterilize the neck.
- Work fast but don't rush, get comfortable and at all times stay seated.
- Don’t move the gas burner when it's on.
- When finished, close the oxygen supply until you get a yellow flame, then close the gas supply.