State Fire Marshal urges caution with home medical oxygen

NASHVILLE – The State Fire Marshal’s Office reminds residents to educate themselves when it comes to the fire hazards associated with its using home medical oxygen.

Medical oxygen adds a higher percentage of oxygen to the air a patient uses to breathe. Fire needs oxygen to burn. If a fire should start in an oxygen-enriched area, the material burning will burn more quickly.

“When more oxygen is present, any fire that starts will burn hotter and faster than usual,” said State Department Commerce and Insurance Commissioner Julie Mix McPeak. “It is crucial to follow safety precautions when medical oxygen is in use in a home.”

Oxygen saturates fabric-covered furniture, clothing, hair and bedding, making it easier for a fire to start and spread. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), smoking is the leading heat source resulting in medical oxygen-related fires, injuries and deaths. Homes where medical oxygen is used need specific fire safety rules to protect people from fire and burns.

SAFETY TIPS: 

There is no safe way to smoke in the home when oxygen is in use. Patients on oxygen should not smoke.

Candles, matches, wood stoves and even sparking toys can be ignition sources and should not be used in the home.

Keep oxygen cylinders at least five feet from heat sources, open flames or electrical devices.

Body oil, hand lotion and items containing oil and grease can easily ignite. Keep oil and grease away from where oxygen is in use.

Never use aerosol sprays – especially those whose cans indicate flammable contents – near the oxygen.

Post “No Smoking” and “No Open Flames” signs in and outside the home to remind people not to smoke.

Ensure smoke alarms are working by testing them monthly. Consider using 10-year batteries for smoke alarms.

Practice a home fire escape plan with two ways out of every room at least twice a year.

For more fire safety information, download the State Fire Marshal’s Office home fire safety checklist at (http://www.tn.gov/fire/documents/HomeFireSafetyChecklist.pdf).

                                                                                                                                                               

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