SHELTON - Use of portable medical oxygen in the home is not uncommon and is very beneficial to many people. Medical oxygen adds a higher percentage of oxygen to the air a patient uses to breathe.
However, Ted Pisciotta, Assistant Chief, Fire Prevention would like to inform everyone who might be involved in a household where medical oxygen is used of the fire hazards that could exist. Fire needs oxygen to burn.
An increase of oxygen in air could cause a combustible material to ignite more easily. Oxygen that is permitted to saturate fabric covered furniture, clothing, hair or bedding, could make it easier for a fire to start and spread.
If a fire should start in an oxygen-enriched area, the material burning will burn more quickly.
However, Ted Pisciotta, Assistant Chief, Fire Prevention would like to inform everyone who might be involved in a household where medical oxygen is used of the fire hazards that could exist. Fire needs oxygen to burn.
An increase of oxygen in air could cause a combustible material to ignite more easily. Oxygen that is permitted to saturate fabric covered furniture, clothing, hair or bedding, could make it easier for a fire to start and spread.
If a fire should start in an oxygen-enriched area, the material burning will burn more quickly.
According to the National Fire Protection Association smoking materials are the leading heat source resulting in medical oxygen related fires, injuries and deaths. If a patient is on oxygen, they should not smoke.
Pisciotta and the NFPA say homes where medical oxygen is used need to have specific fire-safety rules in place to keep people safe from fire and burns. The NPFA, along with the Shelton Fire Prevention Bureau, offer the following fire safety tips:
· 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 a heat source, open flames or electrical devices.
· Body oil, hand lotion and items containing oil and grease can easily ignite. Keep oil and grease away where oxygen is in use.
· Never use aerosol sprays containing combustible materials near the oxygen.
· Do not permit anyone to smoke in the home.
· Post “No Smoking” and “No Open Flames” signs in and outside the home to remind people not to smoke.
Always have working smoke alarms installed on every level of your home, test them monthly and keep them clean and equipped with fresh batteries at all times. Know when and how to call for help. And remember to practice your home escape plan.
For information on fire safety, visit the Shelton Fire Prevention Bureau site under Public Safety at www.cityofshelton.org
This information was taken from a release from Ted Pisciotta.
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