19. Oxygen (Bottled)

(i) Where oxygen cylinders are being used for a resident they should be safely stored in that resident's bedroom and a sign erected to warn against smoking or naked flames in the vicinity;

(ii) If spare cylinders are required to be stored elsewhere in the home advice should be obtained from the Fire Safety Office regarding the safe arrangements for achieving this (the contact number should be held in the fire log book); and that

(iii) The Fire Safety Officer is notified each time oxygen is introduced into the home so that they can in turn notify the operational fire crews of the risk.

1.1. Oxygen is becoming increasingly used by householders who suffer from respiratory diseases and other medical conditions. Oxygen itself does not burn, it is odourless and colourless and used properly, it is a godsend to those who need it. Used wrongly, however it allows materials which would not normally burn, to burn easily, and substances which burn easily to burn more rapidly and even violently.

1.2 The air we breathe contains about 21% oxygen. Without oxygen we would die in a matter of minutes. It may be hard to believe, but oxygen can also be dangerous. The dangers are fire and explosion.

1.3 Oxygen behaves differently to air, compressed air, nitrogen and other inert gases. It is very reactive. Pure oxygen, at high pressure, such as from a cylinder, can react violently with common materials such as oil and grease. Other materials may catch fire spontaneously. Nearly all materials including textiles, rubber and even metals will burn vigorously in oxygen.

1.4 The main causes of fires and explosions when using oxygen are:-

• Oxygen enrichment from leaking equipment;
• Use of materials not compatible with oxygen;
• Use of oxygen in equipment not designed for oxygen service;
• Incorrect or careless operation of oxygen equipment.

2.1 Where persons are employed i.e. care homes, employers (providers) are legally required to assess the risks in the workplace, and take all reasonably practical precautions to ensure the safety of workers and members of the public. A careful examination of the risks from using oxygen should be included in the risk assessment.

3.1 The dangers of oxygen can be easily avoided if you pay attention to the following points:-

• Do not smoke or allow anyone to smoke in a room where oxygen is stored or used.
• Do not allow the plastic tubing or the cylinders to be close to any source of heat, e.g. open fires, gas or electric fires, or any other heaters, electrical light fittings etc.
• Do not allow children or anyone unfamiliar with the equipment to tamper or handle it.
  Do not put oil or grease or petroleum jelly on any valves or connections and wash hands before changing cylinders.
• Do not hang anything on the cylinder itself – keep it clear at all times.
• Store and use all cylinders upright, never store cylinders beside paraffin or petrol or any other flammable liquid.
• Keep the number of cylinders within the room to a minimum; spare cylinders should be kept in a specified storeroom.
• Where possible, secure the cylinder to avoid unnecessary movement, which may lead to damage to the valves, connections or hose.

4.1 A "No Smoking" sign should be placed on the door to any room where oxygen is used or stored.

4.2 A warning sign indicating "Oxygen" should be placed on the door to any room where oxygen is used or stored.

• Use the approved adaptors when filling a small cylinder from a large cylinder and always do this in the open air.
• Read the instructions for each piece of equipment before you use it.
• Have all your equipment checked every six months.

5.1 Oxygen enrichment is the term often used to describe situations where the oxygen level is greater than in air. Oxygen is colourless, odourless and tasteless. The presence of an oxygen enriched atmosphere cannot be easily detected by the human senses.

5.2 The main danger to people from an oxygen enriched atmosphere is that clothing or hair can easily catch fire, causing serious or even fatal burns. For example, people can easily set their clothing and bedding on fire by smoking while receiving oxygen treatment for breathing difficulties.

• Leaks from damaged or poorly maintained hoses, pipes and valves;
• Leaks from poor connections;
• Opening valves deliberately or accidentally;
• Not closing valves properly after use;
• Poor ventilation where oxygen is being used.

5.3 If oxygen enrichment from an oxygen leak is suspected, the oxygen supply should be turned off. The room should be well ventilated and the source of the leak identified and repaired. It is possible that oxygen may contaminate any clothing in the area. If this is suspected, the clothing should preferably be removed and taken outside for airing and ventilating.

6.1 You should always:-

 

• Open the valve slowly. Rapid opening, particularly of cylinder valves, can result in momentarily high oxygen velocities. Any particles will be pushed through the system very quickly, causing frictional heat. Alternatively, if the system has a dead end such as where a pressure regulator is connected to an oxygen cylinder, heat can be generated through compression of the oxygen. Both causes can result in a fire.
• Ensure that the pressure adjusting screw of the pressure regulator is fully unwound, so that the regulator outlet valve is closed before opening the oxygen cylinder valve, particularly when opening the cylinder valve for the first time after changing cylinders;
• Main hoses and other equipment in good condition. Leak tests can be carried out easily using a proprietary spray or liquid solution that is certified for use on oxygen systems. Soap or liquids that may contain grease should not be used.

• Keep oxygen equipment clean. Contamination by particulate matter, dust, sand, oils, greases or general atmospheric debris is a potential fire hazard. Portable equipment is particularly susceptible to contamination, and precautions should be taken to keep it clean;
• Use clean hands or gloves when assembling oxygen equipment, e.g. attaching the pressure regulator, making connections.

8.1 This Note has been compiled from information contained in the HSE document "Fire and Explosion Hazards in the Use of Oxygen".