What is the primary hazard associated with oxygen storage?

What is the primary hazard associated with oxygen storage?

• A. The risk of corrosion and leakage
• B. The risk of combustion and fire
• C. The risk of pressure build-up and explosion
• D. The risk of contamination and spoilage

Answer: (B)

The primary hazard associated with oxygen storage is the risk of combustion and fire. Oxygen is a highly reactive gas that supports and accelerates the burning of combustible materials. When stored, if there are any sources of ignition present, the elevated oxygen concentration can lead to a rapid and intense fire or even an explosion. This can happen when materials that are normally not flammable become ignitable in the presence of higher oxygen levels. Oxygen cylinders and storage areas must be kept free from any combustible materials, and proper safety measures must be followed to limit the risk of ignition. It’s crucial to maintain appropriate distances from flammable substances and to ensure that storage areas are well-ventilated and adhere to safety regulations governing the use and storage of medical gases. This significant hazard demonstrates why oxygen storage protocols are well-defined and emphasized in medical environments where oxygen is frequently utilized for patient care and treatment.

The primary hazard associated with oxygen storage is the risk of combustion and fire. Oxygen is a highly reactive gas that supports and accelerates the burning of combustible materials. When stored, if there are any sources of ignition present, the elevated oxygen concentration can lead to a rapid and intense fire or even an explosion. This can happen when materials that are normally not flammable become ignitable in the presence of higher oxygen levels.

Oxygen cylinders and storage areas must be kept free from any combustible materials, and proper safety measures must be followed to limit the risk of ignition. It’s crucial to maintain appropriate distances from flammable substances and to ensure that storage areas are well-ventilated and adhere to safety regulations governing the use and storage of medical gases.

This significant hazard demonstrates why oxygen storage protocols are well-defined and emphasized in medical environments where oxygen is frequently utilized for patient care and treatment.