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Home Oxygen Safety Tips

Home oxygen provides a better quality of life for people with respiratory health problems. Home oxygen systems can be portable, allowing people to leave their homes. Oxygen provides health benefits with minimal risk. Caution is needed around home oxygen systems, because the presence of oxygen in the air can allow flammable objects to burn more easily. People using home oxygen should inform family and visitors that oxygen is being used and take safety precautions.

  1. Fire Risk From Oxygen

    • A common misconception is oxygen is flammable. Oxygen is an oxidizer that promotes combustion. Objects in the presence of excess oxygen burn more readily if they are ignited. Objects in a home using oxygen will have higher levels of oxygen in them. Clothing, bedding and furniture may ignite more easily if exposed to a flame. Keep all areas well ventilated. Store oxygen cylinders or supply equipment in open rooms, not in storage rooms or closed closets.

    Sources of Combustion

    • Eliminate sources of combustion such as smoking, candles or matches. Do not use sparking sources such as electric toys, butane candle igniters or battery-operated stove matches. Avoid using wood stoves or other open flame heaters such as kerosene stoves. In winter weather, use a humidifier to raise the home's humidity level and prevent static sparks.

    Public Safety

    • Homes using oxygen therapy should have a sign on the main entry to the home warning of oxygen use. No-smoking signs should be placed at the home entrance. Visitors should be warned that home oxygen is being used, and to avoid smoking and using matches or lighters. Have working smoke detectors in the home and test them regularly.

    Oxygen Equipment Safety

    • Home oxygen may be supplied by liquid oxygen in a pressure tank. Liquid oxygen can freeze burn skin if a leak occurs. Use insulated gloves when handling liquid oxygen. Home oxygen systems may use an oxygen concentrator that concentrates ambient oxygen. The oxygen leaving the concentrator is a gas, but oxygen is stored inside the concentrator under pressure. Do not attempt to service a concentrator; use a professional home oxygen service company. Oxygen tanks should be kept in a vertical position and secured with a rope or chain to prevent tipping. Keep safety caps on oxygen tanks unless you are using the cylinder. Do not allow children to play with or around any oxygen equipment.

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