Many people use oxygen at home for medical reasons such as treating chronic lung disease. Care must be taken when oxygen is used in the home to prevent fires. Oxygen causes flammable materials to ignite more easily and burn rapidly. Fires with oxygen present can quickly grow out of control.
Smoking
Do not smoke while wearing oxygen equipment. Do not allow others to smoke in your house. The Massachusetts Department of Fire Services recommends that, if you cannot stop smoking, you turn your oxygen off, wait for 10 minutes to allow high oxygen concentrations to leave your hair and clothing, and then go outside in the open air to smoke.
Concentrators
If you use an oxygen concentrator, which is an electrical device that delivers your oxygen, make sure it is always plugged into a properly grounded electrical outlet. Do not use an extension cord. If you need a longer cord, have your medical supply company provide you with longer oxygen tubing rather than trying to make a longer electrical cord.
Tanks
Store your back-up oxygen tanks in an upright position in a well-ventilated area. Place them in sturdy stands so they cannot fall over. When using an oxygen tank, open the valve slowly so contaminants do not ignite. When storing the tanks, turn off the flow meter and turn off the valve so oxygen does not leak out. When in use, keep your oxygen tank at least 10 feet from your fireplace, candles, gas stove and other heat or fire sources.
Liquid Oxygen
Liquid oxygen is cold enough to freeze your skin and delicate tissue like your eyes. When filling your portable liquid tanks, do not touch frosted metal parts or breathe in the vapors that are released.
Safety
Place a "No Smoking" sign on your front door so visitors are reminded not to smoke every time they enter your home. Keep a fire extinguisher within easy reach in your home, and make sure you know use it. Try to reduce static electricity sparks that could possibly ignite by using cotton linens and wearing cotton clothing rather than synthetic fabrics. Do not use petroleum-based lubricants on your oxygen devices or use products like petroleum jelly on your skin.
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