How to Use and Store Oxygen Safely

Using oxygen safely

If you're one of thousands who live their lives each day on oxygen therapy, you should know there are proper ways of using and storing oxygen. Oxygen is not itself flammable, but will support and feed combustion, creating a fire-friendly atmosphere. It is as effective and safe as you make it, by keeping it away from possible fire hazards. Here are some tips to keep your home and family safe while using and storing oxygen.

Things You'll Need

• Well-ventilated area for storage
• Suitable stand for oxygen tanks
• No open flames
• No electrical appliances that spark
• Smoke detectors
• Fire extinguisher
• Emergency Evacuation Plan

Instructions

1. 

   Store oxygen tanks in a well-ventilated area. Do not store or use them in a confined, closed in space such as a cabinet or closet. Always keep oxygen tanks secured in a stand or cart to prevent tipping or falling over. If you have extra unsecured tanks, they should be placed flat on the floor.

2. 

   Keep oxygen tanks away from open flame. Matches, lighters, fireplaces, barbeques, stoves, space heaters, candles, etc. should be avoided. And of course, do not smoke while using oxygen.

3. 

   Place oxygen tanks well away from electrical sparks. Do not use electrical appliances that produce sparks, such as electric heaters, electric razors and friction toys near where the tanks are stored, or while using an oxygen tank. A poorly-aimed spark can cause oxygen to feed the flame, erupting into a full-blown house fire.

4. 

   Install smoke detectors in your home, if you don't already have them. This won't stop an oxygen-fed fire, but could help you receive help quicker. Plus it will alert the entire household at the same time.

5. 

   Plan an emergency evacuation/escape route. Hopefully it will never be needed, but it's better to have one in place and not need it, than to not have one and then need it. Use a sheet of grid paper, make a layout of your home and note all doorways in rooms and routes to the outside. Mark your evacuation route with arrows on the layout. Have a designated place where the family members are to meet to wait for the fire department. Be sure all family members know the exact location of this place. Do a dry-run drill at least twice a year so that every member knows where they are to go and what they are to do in case of fire.