Many patients who use home and portable oxygen tanks wonder about oxygen tank safety and the safety of storing the tanks. It is a good idea to be well educated and up to date on oxygen tank safety to ensure that you are taking all the necessary precautions. Precautions around oxygen use safety are as follows:
- Keep the tanks at least ten feet from stoves, fireplaces, candles or any other open flame
- Secure oxygen tanks to avoid falling and becoming projectiles
- Do not store oxygen tanks in closets, in direct sunlight or next to heat sources
- Do not use electric razors near oxygen tanks due to the potential for sparks
- Do not use oil, grease or other petroleum-based products on or near the tank, and do not use petroleum-based products on your skin while using an oxygen tank
- Do not smoke while on oxygen therapy, and do not allow others to smoke near you
- Mark each room where you have a tank with signs stating there are oxygen cylinders in use
- Ensure that all the smoke detectors in the house are working
- Keep a fire extinguisher in your home
- Alert the fire department and all utility companies that there is home oxygen therapy in use. They can help if there is a loss of power or failure of service
- Keep tubing well out of the way, and do not let it become bound up in furniture or create a tripping hazard
- Keep stationary concentrators in well-ventilated areas and do not store items on top of stationary concentrators
Note: Oxygen is not flammable and will not explode on its own, but does make fires burn faster
Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of any information received from us.
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