State Fire Marshal Urges Caution with Home Medical Oxygen

NASHVILLE – Even as Tennessee’s fire fatality rate dipped to an historic low last year, fire hazards associated with home medical oxygen tragically remains one of the Volunteer State’s leading contributing factors in fire fatalities.

The State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO) urges Tennesseans to take extra care when using medical oxygen because it adds a higher percentage of oxygen to the air a patient uses to breathe. Oxygen saturates fabric-covered furniture, clothing, hair and bedding, making it easier for a fire to start and spread.

“When more oxygen is present, any fire that starts will burn hotter and faster than usual,” said State Fire Marshal and Commerce & Insurance Commissioner Julie Mix McPeak. “It is crucial to follow safety precautions when medical oxygen is in use in a home.”

From 2010-2015 there were 34 fire fatalities in which medical oxygen was reported as present in the residence, according to the Tennessee Fire Incident Reporting System (TFIRS). Seven fire fatalities involving medical oxygen occurred in Tennessee during 2015, the second highest recorded number in the state’s history (2014 was first with 9 fatalities).

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), smoking is the leading heat source resulting in medical oxygen-related fires, injuries and deaths.

Homes where medical oxygen is used need specific fire safety rules to protect people from fire and burns. The SFMO encourages Tennesseans to remember the following important precautions regarding home medical oxygen use:

SAFETY TIPS 

• There is no safe way to smoke in the home when oxygen is in use. A patient on oxygen should not smoke.                                     
• 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 heat sources, open flames or electrical devices.
• Body oil, hand lotion and items containing oil and grease can easily ignite. Keep oil and grease away from where oxygen is in use.
• Never use aerosol sprays – especially those whose cans indicate flammable contents – near the oxygen.
• Post “No Smoking” and “No Open Flames” signs in and outside the home to remind people not to smoke.
• Ensure smoke alarms are working by testing them monthly and replacing any smoke that is 10 years old or older.
• Plan a home fire escape plan with two ways out of every room and a designated outside meeting place. Practice the plan with every member of your household.

 For more fire safety information, download the State Fire Marshal’s Office home fire safety checklist.

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