WHAT ARE THE DANGERS OF OXYGEN TANKS?

Oxygen tanks provide life-sustaining pure oxygen and are used in hospitals, homes and clinics all over the United States. Those who suffer advanced asthma, heart problems or chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder may use oxygen tanks in their portable forms daily. Oxygen tanks harness compressed gas in a metal chamber and possess several dangers to those who use them.

Fire

The most imminent threat posed by oxygen tanks is that of fire. Oxygen is a highly flammable gas that requires only a source of ignition to light. Additionally, oxygen drenched objects, such as those in close proximity to an oxygen source like sheets and pillows, also become highly flammable. This flammability is the reason why smoking is prohibited by any oxygen source, specifically portable tanks. This applies to home oxygen use as. 

Projectiles

Oxygen tanks can become dangerous projectile objects with the right stimulus. Tanks must be stored in an upright, secure setting where there is no risk of tipping or crashing to the ground. According to the National Council on Patient Safety, if gas is forcibly leaking from a canister, this can also propel the oxygen tank with a deadly force. Oxygen tanks are used by applying a regulator, which allows for the release of the gas at a controlled rate. Caution must be applied when changing this regulator, as this is an opportunity for gas to leak at a forceful rate and cause damage.

Empty Tanks

A serious danger of having an oxygen tank is not having oxygen when it is needed. When an oxygen tank does not have a regulator on there is no way to decipher the level of oxygen in the tank. Storms, power outages and delivery failures can all impact the supply and demand of oxygen tanks for those who depend on them. Even oxygen tanks with regulators can be accidentally left on, so that the oxygen slowly leaks out and it unavailable when needed. Care must be taken to ensure a safe, sufficient oxygen supply.

Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/237734-what-are-the-dangers-of-oxygen-tanks/#ixzz2VTsQ6V9k