General Fire Safety Guidance

Oxygen - Safe use in the Home

Oxygen is colourless and odourless under normal circumstances.

In liquid form it is a pale blue colour.

Even a small increase in oxygen level in the air to 24% will mean clothes and hair can easily catch fire.

Kinds of oxygen systems in use

Compressed oxygen

Oxygen concentrator

Liquid oxygen

Types of oxygen delivery devices

Nasal cannula

Oxygen mask

Transtracheal oxygen

Storage

Store oxygen cylinders when not in use in a well ventilated storage area or compound away from combustible materials and separated from cylinders of flammable gas.

Keep cylinders chained or clamped to prevent them from falling over.

Handle oxygen cylinders carefully. Use a purpose built trolley to move them.

Signage

A No Smoking sign should be placed on the door to any room where oxygen is used or stored.

A warning sign indicating Oxygen should be placed on the door to any room where oxygen is used or stored,

When travelling by car the appropriate signs should be displayed to warn other road users and emergency services that oxygen is being carried.

DO’S

Be aware of the dangers of oxygen - if in doubt, ask.

Prevent oxygen enrichment by ensuring that equipment is leak-tight and in good working order.

Check that ventilation is adequate.

Always use oxygen cylinders and equipment carefully and correctly.

Always open oxygen valves slowly.

Do keep the phone number of your oxygen supplier handy and call them if you have any problems.

Contact your local fire station to inform them that oxygen is used and stored on the premises.

DON’T’S

Do not smoke where oxygen is being used.

Never use replacement parts, which have not been specially approved for oxygen service.

Never use oxygen above the pressures certified by the manufacturer.

Never use oil or grease to lubricate oxygen equipment.

Never use oxygen in equipment, which is not designed for oxygen service.

Do not use hairdryers, electric razors or any electrical appliances while you are wearing your oxygen.

Avoid cooking on a gas or electric cooker while wearing oxygen. Your oxygen should be set up far enough from cooking equipment to be safe (approx 3 m).

Do not use liquids or creams that have an alcohol base, such as after shave lotions while wearing oxygen.

Do not use aerosol products neat the oxygen equipment. These products include things like hairspray, deodorants and air fresheners.



Top of Page