Maryland State Fire Marshal
News Release Martin O’Malley Governor
William E. Barnard State Fire Marshal
STATE FIRE MARSHAL PROMOTES FIRE SAFETY WHILE MEDICAL OXYGEN IS IN USE PIKESVILLE, MD (April 28, 2011) -- With so many Marylanders using medical oxygen therapy, and the amount of injuries and deaths occurring every year in both Maryland and nationwide, State Fire Marshal William E. Barnard is offering several safety tips to prevent a tragedy by fire while using oxygen. “All Marylanders need to be aware of the potential hazards involving medical oxygen use. Oxygen itself is not flammable, however, an oxygen enriched environment can cause materials to ignite more readily and burn at a faster rate than normal,” stated Barnard “Please consider these statistics and safety tips to ensure individuals using oxygen therapy and those around them are protected from the effects of fire”. A National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) report finds smoking is the leading factor in home fires involving oxygen administration equipment: In 2002-2005, oxygen administration equipment was involved in an estimated average of 209 home fires reported annually to fire departments, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) report Fires and Burns Involving Home Medical Oxygen (PDF, 224 KB). These fires caused an average of 46 civilian deaths and 62 civilian injuries per year. Smoking materials provided the heat of ignition in roughly six in 10 of these fires and fire injuries, and three in four of the deaths. When more oxygen is in the air, things such as hair, plastic, skin oils, clothing and furniture can catch fire at lower temperatures. Any fire that starts will burn hotter and faster. According to the report, in 2003-2006, an estimated average of 1,190 people were treated annually in emergency rooms for thermal burns caused by ignitions associated with home medical oxygen; nearly 90 percent of the victims suffered facial burns. Smoking materials were reported to be the heat source in nearly three in four of these cases. Cooking and candles were other common factors.
Page 1 of 2 1201 Reisterstown Road, Pikesville, MD 21208
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If oxygen is in use, the amount of oxygen in the air, furniture, clothing, hair and bedding materials is increased, making it easier for a fire to start and spread, thus increasing the potential for serious burn injuries or death. The following safety tips will help prevent a fire from occurring in an oxygen enriched environment. Never allow the use of an open flame such as candles, lighters, matches, woodstoves, gas stoves, grills or even toys that create sparks when oxygen is in use. No smoking allowed in an oxygen enriched environment. Petroleum based products, oils, grease and lotions can self-ignite in the presence of high oxygen concentrations. If you use oxygen and insist on smoking, establish a ten minute rule. Turn off the oxygen supply and wait 10 minutes for high concentrations of oxygen to drop before going outside to smoke. Post “No Smoking� signs both inside and outside your home. Ensure working smoke alarms are tested monthly. Practice a home fire escape plan with two ways out of every room at least twice a year. Make sure you are well aware of how to use the oxygen therapy equipment. Ask your doctor, nurse or medical equipment company as many questions as you need to fully understand the continued safe use of all oxygen equipment and accessories. The Office of the State Fire Marshal is an agency of the Department of State Police dedicated to helping protect citizens from fire and explosion through a comprehensive program of education, inspection, investigation and fire protection engineering. For more information on fire safety call 1-800-525-3124 or log onto our website at: www.firemarshal.state.md.us.
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Media contact: Bruce D. Bouch, Deputy State Fire Marshal; 443-324-6876
1201 Reisterstown Road, Pikesville, MD 21208