Medical oxygen

Oxygen, even at low flows, can saturate everyday items such as clothing, furniture, and carpets. This creates an environment where fires can ignite and spread rapidly. Simple activities, like smoking or charging electronic devices near oxygen equipment, can lead to catastrophic accidents.

Follow our safety advice to reduce the risk of potential fires. 

• Do not smoke or use electronic cigarettes in the home when oxygen therapy equipment is in use - even when medical oxygen is used at low flows. This also includes anyone else in the home.
• When using medical oxygen your hair, clothes, furniture and carpets will become enriched with oxygen making ignition far more likely. It only needs a small ignition source, such as someone smoking, a spark or an electrical fault, to start a fire.
• Do not charge electronic devices (such as phones, tablets, laptops, electronic cigarettes or games consoles) in rooms where oxygen is being used or stored.
• Only use oxygen equipment in well ventilated areas, keep internal doors open.
• Don’t cook whilst using portable oxygen units or immediately after oxygen use.
• Stay away from naked flames e.g. Open fires, candles, lit matches or lighters.
• Never leave the oxygen supply running when it is not being used.
• Never use oil based creams and moisturisers when using or handling the equipment.
• Store cylinders safely away from flammable materials.