Home Oxygen Fires

Battalion Chief Allred's

Weekly Post

You may be on oxygen, or may know someone that is. Oxygen is safe when used properly. When not used properly, it can be dangerous. It will fuel a fire, causing it to start easily and to burn faster and hotter. Sparks and materials that normally would not burn can start a fire because of the oxygen you use.

The greatest risk for oxygen users is tobacco
smoking when using oxygen.

Of course, it is not just tobacco smoking that is a risk to home oxygen patients, as any naked flame can be a serious hazard. Indeed, the hazards of home oxygen fires are not always obvious and reports of fires and near misses include a wide range of common (and not so common) activities.

Oxygen can cause fires. It is very important patients protect themselves, their families, and their house when using oxygen.

• Call your fire department and tell them that oxygen is being used in the house.
• Keep a working fire extinguisher within easy reach. Make sure you and your family knows how to use it.
• Do not smoke or go near sparks or flame while using oxygen. Keep sparks and flames away from tanks, oxygen machines, and tubing.
• If a fire starts, turn off the oxygen right away and leave the house.
• Keep the oxygen container away from heat and open flames, such as a gas stove.
• Keep the oxygen container upright. Turn off the oxygen system when it is not being used.
• Do not put the oxygen tubing under clothing, bed covers, furniture, or carpets
• Put signs on all the doors of your house to let visitors and emergency personnel know that oxygen is in use. No smoking signs shoulkd be posted as well.
• Do not use oil, lubricants, or anything greasy on or around your oxygen equipment.
• Do not use anything flammable while you are wearing your oxygen. This includes cleaning fluid, gasoline, paint thinner, aerosols, or alcohol-containing sprays.
• Do not use electric razors, hair dryers, or any electrical appliance that has a motor while you are wearing your oxygen.
• Avoid using appliances with control boxes, such as heating pads, while wearing your oxygen. The control box may cause a spark. If a fire starts, turn off the oxygen right away and leave the house.
• Keep the oxygen container away from open flames, such as candles, fireplaces, gas stoves, or hot water heaters. Do not go within eight feet of an open flame while you are wearing your oxygen.
• Turn your oxygen container or concentrator off when you are not using your oxygen.
• Watch for signs of oxygen leaking from the container. If you hear a loud hissing from your tank or if it empties too fast, stay away from the container. Open windows to help clear out any extra oxygen in the room. Call the company that brought the oxygen system to your home right away.
• Do not use an extension cord with an oxygen concentrator. Also, do not plug the concentrator into an outlet that has other appliances plugged into it.
• Turn off your oxygen concentrator and use a backup oxygen system if you have any of the following problems. Call the company that brought the oxygen system to your home to tell them of your problems.

Fire Departments have kits that can help with preventing oxygen fires. If you would like a kit or information about its use, call your fire department.

If you are on oxygen, or have a family member that is, please reach out to your fire department for help or questions.