It is important to keep home oxygen and tubing ten feet away from heat sources. Common heat sources include matches, lighters, cigarettes, candles, gas stoves, appliances, electric razors, hair dryers, and heaters. Flammable products such as oils, grease, petroleum products, and oil-based lip balms or lotions must be avoided. Instead, water-based lubricants should be used on the lips and skin.
Smoking while using home oxygen is not just a personal health hazard, it is a public safety danger. It puts everyone in the house or apartment building at risk. A person should never smoke while using oxygen. A “No Smoking” sign should be posted at a prominent place at the entrance of the home. Visitors should be encouraged to smoke outside.
Oxygen cylinders and vessels should be kept in a well-ventilated area and not in closets, behind curtains, in the trunk of a car, or in other confined spaces. The small amount of oxygen gas that is continually vented from these units can accumulate in a confined space and become a fire hazard. Oxygen cylinders and vessels must remain upright at all times. They should be secured to a fixed object or placed in a stand with the oxygen concentrator plugged into a properly grounded wall outlet. The cylinder valve should be turned off when the oxygen is not in use.
If precautions are not taken, the dangers of home oxygen use are genuine. Cigarette smoking is by far the leading cause of burns, reported fires, deaths, and injuries involving home medical oxygen, with ninety percent of the victims suffering facial burns. Cooking and candles are other common factors. Westfield Fire Chief Mary Regan warns, “When more oxygen is in the air, fires will burn hotter and faster.” Home oxygen use can be a lifesaver if utilized properly. However, it can also be a fire risk for users, family members, neighbors, and pets if basic fire safety precautions are ignored.
