Oxygen tanks are frequently used for medical patients, and can assist individuals who have difficulty breathing. If an oxygen tank malfunctions, or was improperly constructed, an explosion may occur causing serious injury.
When handling oxygen tanks you need to be extremely careful. Oxygen supports combustion and will cause an explosion if not used safely. Oxygen is under high pressure in the tank, and explosion may occur due to faulty construction, maintenance, or handling.
If you suspect that you are a victim of an oxygen tank malfunction, time is of the essence. Consult one of our product liability lawyers immediately to discuss your case and make an important step toward protecting your rights.
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Oxygen Tank Safety
Take care when transporting or changing an oxygen tank. Do not stand oxygen tanks up by themselves. Always put them in a cage, secure them, or lay them on the ground. Always protect the valve. This applies to all oxygen tanks, whether it is a medical oxygen tank or a welding oxygen tank.
Even a small increase in the oxygen level in the air from the typical 21% to 24% can create a dangerous situation. It becomes easier to start a fire, which will then burn hotter and more fiercely than in normal air. It may be almost impossible to put the fire out. A leaking valve or hose in a poorly ventilated room or confined space can quickly increase the oxygen concentration to a dangerous level. The main causes of fires and explosions when using oxygen are:
- Oxygen enrichment from leaking equipment
- Use of materials not compatible with oxygen
- Use of oxygen in equipment not designed for oxygen service
- Incorrect or careless operation of oxygen equipment
Oxygen gas in cylinders is used by many people at work and sometimes at home. It is used:
- For helping people with breathing difficulties
- In welding, flame cutting and other similar processes
- In hyperbaric chambers as a medical treatment
- In decompression chambers for people who work in
compressed air or in deep-sea diving - For food preservation and packaging
- In steelworks and chemical plants
Oxygen behaves differently to air, compressed air, nitrogen
and other inert gases. It is very reactive. Pure oxygen, at
high pressure, such as from a cylinder, can react violently
with common materials such as oil and grease. Other
materials may catch fire spontaneously. Nearly all materials
including textiles, rubber and even metals will burn vigorously
in oxygen.
The main danger to people from an oxygen enriched atmosphere is that clothing or hair can easily catch fire, causing serious or even fatal burns. For example, people can easily set their clothing and bedding on fire by smoking while receiving oxygen treatment for breathing difficulties. Oxygen enrichment is often the result of:
- Leaks from damaged or poorly maintained hoses, pipes
and valves
- Leaks from poor connections
- Opening valves deliberately or accidentally
- Not closing valves properly after use
- Using an excess of oxygen in welding, flame cutting or
a similar process - Poor ventilation where oxygen is being used.
Smoking should be forbidden where oxygen is being used.
If you suspect that you are a victim of an oxygen tank malfunction, time is of the essence. Consult one of our product liability lawyers immediately to discuss your case and make an important step toward protecting your rights.
The experienced attorneys of Brown & Crouppen can help you make informed decisions about your future, so please call Brown & Crouppen at
toll free: 1-888-842-7944
for your free legal consultation or save time with our online
contact form.
