Safety Precautions When Using Oxygen At Home
Pure oxygen is non-flammable but supports combustion and is consequently a fire hazard. Oxygen makes any fire burn faster and hotter. Always keep a fire extinguisher close by and ensure that it is regularly maintained. Also let your fire department know that you have oxygen in your home.
Ensure your oxygen concentrator is kept well away from:
- Heat sources such as heaters and gas stoves and open fireplaces
- People smoking
- Flammable materials such as petrol, paint thinners
Ensure that the tanks and equipment are kept in good condition to prevent any leaks of oxygen. If you need oxygen at home, a technician will help you set up your system. Always follow instructions for attaching the regulator.
Secure the tanks so that they do not fall over and get damaged. Carefully seal them whenever they are not in use. The company that supplies your home oxygen will assist you with a setup and delivery schedule for bringing replacement tanks to your home.
If you use a concentrator, tell your electric company so you will be given priority for repairs if there is a power failure.