Fire safety is essential for everyone, but patients using oxygen need to be extra vigilant around open flames and sources of heat. You must also be aware that oxygen concentrators contain sensitive components that may be damaged by exposure to high temperatures.
Here are some important messages to help keep you safe and your equipment in good working order:
• Never smoke, including vaping, or let anybody else around you smoke while you are using oxygen. This includes the use of E-Cigarettes
• Check that your smoke alarms work. Smoke alarms should be tested at least once a month.
• Do not use oxygen equipment near open flames and heat sources. The recommended distance for oxygen equipment from open flames such as fires, grills and barbeques is 3m (10ft), and closed heat sources such as radiators and heaters is 1.5m (5ft).
• It is essential to turn off your oxygen concentrator whenever you are not using it. Some common household items can become highly flammable when exposed to concentrated oxygen for a prolonged period.
• Use your oxygen concentrator in a well-ventilated area.
Home Fire Safety Checks
When you have your home oxygen therapy installed, we pass your details to the Fire and Rescue Service in your area. The Fire and Rescue Service may contact you to arrange a free home fire safety check. This may involve a member of the Fire and Rescue Service visiting your home, conducting a risk assessment of the property, and installing smoke alarms and other fire prevention measures. You can find the contact details for their local Fire and Rescue Service by visiting: www.fireservice.co.uk.
You can also find information on how to complete a home fire safety check yourself at: www.fireservice.co.uk/safety/ home-fire-safety-check.
