For a person with breathing difficulties, medical oxygen provides air containing a higher percentage of oxygen. Fire needs oxygen to burn. If a fire should start in an oxygen-enriched area, it can burn hotter and spread faster. Homes where medical oxygen is used need to follow specific fire safety rules to protect people from fires and burns.
Below are a few safety tips to help keep you and your loved ones safe.
- There is no safe way to smoke in the home when oxygen is in use. A patient on oxygen should never smoke.
- Candles, matches, wood stoves, and even sparking toys can be ignition sources and should not be used in the home.
- Keep oxygen cylinders at least 5 feet away from any heat source, open flames, or electrical devices.
- Never use aerosol sprays containing combustible materials near oxygen
Oxygen Facts:
- Smoking materials are the leading heat source resulting in medical oxygen-related fires, injuries, and deaths.
Source: National Fire Protection Agency: Medical Oxygen Safety