Using oxygen safely at home: fire, smoking and the 6-foot rule

Oxygen doesn’t burn on its own, but it makes anything that catches fire burn hotter and faster. A few household rules keep home oxygen safe. This note lists them in one place for families and visitors.

The 6-foot rule

Keep oxygen at least 6 feet, about 2 meters, from heat and sparks: space heaters, wood stoves, fireplaces, candles, electric blankets, hair dryers, electric razors and toothbrushes, and toys with electric motors.¹ Out at a restaurant, sit at least 6 feet from any flame, including a candle on the table.¹

No smoking

No one should smoke in a room where oxygen is used. Post a “No smoking” sign in every room with oxygen.¹

Cooking

Keep oxygen away from the stovetop and oven, and watch for grease splatter, which can catch fire.¹ Microwave cooking is usually fine.¹

Storage and cleaning products

Don’t store oxygen in a car trunk, a box or a small closet. Under the bed is fine if air can move freely there.¹ Keep oil, grease and alcohol-based cleaning products away from it.¹

Skin products

Avoid petroleum jelly and other petroleum-based products on the face and upper body unless the respiratory therapist or provider says it’s okay. Water-based products and aloe vera are safe choices.¹

Be ready

Keep working smoke detectors and a fire extinguisher at home; you may need more than one if you move around the house with oxygen.¹ Tape the tubing to the back of your shirt so it’s less likely to trip you.¹ Never change the oxygen flow without asking your provider.