Download Fire Hazards Combustible substances, such as wood

706 CONTROL OF FIRE, ELECTRICAL & COMBUSTABLE HAZARDS 706 Page 1 of 3
Fire Hazards
Combustible substances, such as wood, paper, and bedding are always present
when respiratory care is provided. However, things that normally burn vigorously
in air (flammable substances such as oil and grease), and open flames or other
sources of ignition are avoidable. Every mixture of breathing gases used in
providing respiratory care contains oxygen. Some mixtures are enriched with
oxygen. On some occasions pure oxygen will be administered. Materials, which
burn in air, are ignited and burn much faster in oxygen-enriched atmospheres or
pure oxygen. Some materials, which do not burn in air, will burn in pure oxygen
or an oxygen-enriched atmosphere.
Combustible materials which may be present on or around the patient receiving
respiratory care include, but are not necessarily limited to, hair oils, aerosol sprays,
oil base lubricants, skin lotions, rubbing compounds, facial tissues, clothing, bed
linen, blankets, and rubber and plastic components of toys, and the respiratory
therapy apparatus itself. Some mechanical pencils and pens, combs, toothbrushes
and toys are made of celluloid. This substance is highly flammable even in air.
Getting oil, grease, or vaseline on any therapy apparatus is dangerous. Such
substances will ignite readily and burn very vigorously. They make other materials
with which they come into contact easier to burn.
Sources of ignition include not only the usual one found in ordinary atmospheres
but others which become significant hazards in oxygen-enriched atmospheres.
Matches, cigarette lighters, candles, burning tobacco and heaters are sources of
ignition. Sparking toys are a source of ignition. Electrical equipment which gets
hot, sparks, or smokes can start a fire. Radios, television sets, including remote
controls, and even electrical razors can be sources of ignition. Some respiratory
care equipment is operated by electricity. If equipment works on electricity, the
reader should remember that the equipment, if defective or if it is knocked over or
otherwise damaged, can be a source of ignition. Opening an oxygen cylinder valve
or wall outlet too quickly can start a fire or burn someone.
Chemical Hazards
Failure to follow the physician's or pharmacist’s instructions or those of the
procedure manual when handling medications used in respiratory therapy may
result in chemical breakdown of the medication and release of a toxic substance.
The burning or smoldering of parts of respiratory therapy apparatus will release
fumes and gases which may be toxic.
RCS SFGH
reviewed 3/94, 6/97, 2/99, 12/00, 10/01, 3/02, 9/04, 6/11, 6/12
revised 6/92, 5/10
706 CONTROL OF FIRE, ELECTRICAL & COMBUSTABLE HAZARDS 706 Page 2 of 3
Electrical Hazards
If medications are added to the gases used for aerosol therapy, these gases become
electrically conductive. Electrical shock may occur if a patient comes in contact
with a defective piece of electrical equipment while breathing a mixture of
respiratory therapy gases and medications.
Electrical Equipment
If the respiratory care equipment requires a source of 115-volt alternating current
(house current) for operation, the equipment must be used near an electrical outlet.
Such an electrical outlet should have a ground terminal which will accent a threeprong appliance plug. The outlet itself must be properly grounded, and if the three
hold socket is not available, other means for grounding the equipment must be
provided.
Misuse of Flammable Substances
Only those medications and solutions specifically prescribed by the physician
should be employed with respiratory therapy apparatus. Substance not specifically
prescribed may burn violently if accidentally ignited when mixed with oxygen.
Oil, grease or other flammable contaminants should not be used in or around
respiratory care equipment. A particularly dangerous condition exists if the
cylinder valve or gas outlet, or any of the parts of respiratory care equipment,
become contaminated with oil or grease.
Hair oils, hair spray, ointments, rubbing compounds containing oils, gases,
gasoline, or similar substances should not be employed on individuals who receive
respiratory care. Plastic items which might be made of celluloid, such as combs,
toys, or toothbrushes should not be brought near the respiratory therapy equipment
when it is in use.
Elimination of Sources of Ignition
The hospital has a no smoking policy. Smoking materials (matches, cigarettes,
lighters, lighter fluid, tobacco) in any form, should be removed from and keep out
of the room(s) in which the respiratory therapy equipment is stored and used.
RCS SFGH
reviewed 3/94, 6/97, 2/99, 12/00, 10/01, 3/02, 9/04, 6/11, 6/12
revised 6/92, 5/10
706 CONTROL OF FIRE, ELECTRICAL & COMBUSTABLE HAZARDS 706 Page 3 of 3
Patient must be cautioned on the extreme danger of smoking or attempting to
smoke around respiratory therapy equipment regardless of whether it is in use.
Members of the patient's family should be cautioned in a like manner.
No sources of open flame, including candles, should be permitted in the room of
administration. If any visitors enter the room in which the respiratory therapy
equipment is stored or used, they should be cautioned as above. At least one sign,
stating NO SMOKING - OXYGEN IN USE should be displayed prominently in
the room in which the respiratory therapy equipment is used. These signs are
available from the Respiratory Therapy Department.
Unless an item of electrical apparatus is approved for use in oxygen-enriched
atmosphere, it should be kept at a distance of at least 5 feet from the respiratory
therapy equipment when the latter is in use. Any item of electrical equipment,
whether operated by batteries or house current, may start a fire if it is brought into
or near an oxygen-enriched atmosphere. Radios, television sets, remote control
devices for television, electric toothbrushes and reading lamps each may constitute
such a potential source of ignition.
If an item of electrical equipment is suspected of being or known to be defective, it
should not be brought into the room in which therapy apparatus is used until it has
been repaired.
Children who are in oxygen tents should not be given mechanical toys or those
which spark.
RCS SFGH
reviewed 3/94, 6/97, 2/99, 12/00, 10/01, 3/02, 9/04, 6/11, 6/12
revised 6/92, 5/10