Tips For In-Home Oxygen Safety

Oxygen is necessary for our health and well-being. Certain health conditions can compromise our oxygen levels, and we may need oxygen prescribed by a doctor to help improve the quality of our life. Low oxygen levels can cause confusion and lead to organ damage over time. 

Oxygen by itself is not flammable. However, oxygen makes combustible items burn greater and faster. Using medical oxygen in the home can increase the risk of a house fire. 

If you or a loved one uses prescribed oxygen, keep reading our tips for in-home oxygen safety. 

In-home Oxygen Safety Basics

First and foremost, have a fire safety plan that includes fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, and a fire-escape route. Whether you live alone or with others, have a designated meeting place outside your home for your loved ones to find you. Alert the power company to your home oxygen use in case of power outages. 

Secondly, never smoke near oxygen. If you or your loved one smokes, be sure your oxygen is turned off, remove your oxygen tubing, and smoke outside. There is no safe way to smoke in a home with medical oxygen. 

Be mindful and avoid open flames such as candles, fireplaces, and gas stoves. Cooking in a microwave oven is generally okay, but remember that metal products in a microwave produce sparks and can cause a fire. Outside the home, avoid grills, outdoor firepits, and restaurants with open-kitchen layouts with medical oxygen use. 

In-home oxygen safety also includes avoiding anything with a small electrical motor that could produce an electric spark. Space heaters, electric shavers, hair dryers, electric blankets, and handheld tools are a few examples to avoid with in-home medical oxygen use. 

Use water-based products only. Do not use petroleum or oil-based lotions or lip care such as petroleum jelly products. Avoid aerosol sprays as they can react with oxygen-fueled fire. 

Oxygen Storage Safety. In-home oxygen safety includes proper storage. Oxygen tanks should be kept in open rooms, and not confined spaces like closets. They should be stored upright and in a holding cart. Do not plug oxygen concentrators into an overloaded outlet or extension cord, and be sure they are