From:    Jim Byington Mountain Aire Medical Equipment

WARNING!  The improper use or handling of oxygen can result in serious injury or death.  Oxygen concentrations higher than the 21% that exists in air can be very dangerous.  The higher the percentage of oxygen, the greater the hazard.

Materials which will not normally burn in air may burn in oxygen or in an oxygen enriched atmosphere.  Materials which do burn in air will burn more vigorously and at a higher temperature in an oxygen-enriched atmosphere.  Combustibles, such as oil, can burn in oxygen with explosive violence.

Do Not Use Oxygen  Unless you have been trained in its use for a particular application and have read an oxygen material safety data sheet.

To insure safety, the following precautions must always be observed:

1.    Refer to oxygen by its name.  Don’t call it “air.”

2.    NEVER substitute OXYGEN for air (except for respiratory therapy under a doctor’s supervision).

3.    Never use oxygen to operate pneumatic tools or other equipment normally operated with compressed air or an inert gas.

4.    Do not smoke or permit open flames in any area where oxygen is present in concentrations above that of air.

5.    Keep all organic materials such as grease, oil, wood, cloth, or asphalt away from contact with oxygen.
6.    Handle oxygen cylinders or equipment which uses oxygen with clean, lint-free gloves or hands washed free of all dirt, grease, and oils:  and use only equipment which has been specially cleaned for oxygen service.

7.    Follow your supplier’s instructions for the installation of regulators and other accessories for oxygen.  If you do not have such instructions, ask for them before proceeding with installation.

8.    Exposure to oxygen gas or vapors can saturate clothing, making it extremely subject to rapid and intense burning.  Personnel who have been exposed to oxygen gas or vapors should move to a clear area and avoid smoking, open flames, or other sources of ignition for at least one-half hour.

 

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©2002 Mountain Aire Medical Equipment, Inc.