Whether you are a healthcare practitioner, caregiver, or responsible for the wellbeing of someone who relies on specialised medical equipment, it's crucial to recognise the heightened fire hazards that can accompany such devices.
Certain types of equipment not only pose an initial risk but may also significantly contribute to the rapid escalation, spread, and severity of a fire in the event of an emergency
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Dynamic airflow pressure relieving mattresses.
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Home oxygen therapy.
Fire Safety Advice for Users of Dynamic Airflow Pressure Equipment
This equipment is specifically designed to prevent and/or treat pressure sores caused by being bedbound or immobile for extended periods.
The equipment may include pillows and mattresses that are filled with air by a pump. Pressure is adjusted through the pump according to individual needs.
Dynamic air mattresses are inflated by an electric pump. If the mattress is punctured, the pump works harder to keep it inflated. If the puncture is caused by an ignition source, the escaping air acts as a bellows, which can intensify the fire and cause it to spread rapidly.
Top Tips
- Never smoke near or in bed.
- Keep ignition sources such as matches, lighters, and candles away from the equipment.
- Ensure all fires and heaters are kept at a safe distance from the equipment.
- Never use an electric blanket with an airflow mattress.
- Ensure that electrical equipment is well maintained and kept at a safe distance from airflow mattresses.
- Never place hot items like hairdryers or straighteners on airflow mattresses.
- Avoid using emollient or paraffin-based creams if using an airflow mattress. Use a mattress protector and wash it daily. Speak to a healthcare professional to discuss safer alternatives.
- Use fire-retardant bedding.
- Regularly check essential electrical equipment for damaged cables and wiring.
- Avoid overloading plug sockets by using an approved extension lead or adaptor.
- Avoid charging other electrical items near the equipment.
- The use of medical oxygen will further intensify any fire that starts.
- Share fire safety information regarding these products with family, friends, and carers supporting individuals who use them.
If you know anyone using a dynamic airflow mattress, please have a chat with them about our Home Fire Safety Visits.
Home Oxygen
Oxygen significantly increases flammability, making materials that would not typically catch fire easily much more combustible.
If a family member or a person you are caring for uses medical oxygen, it is vital they understand the fire risks associated with introducing an ignition source near their oxygen or in an oxygen-enriched environment. Talk to them about the associated fire safety advice, especially avoiding smoking materials, naked flames, and open fires.
If you are benefitting from oxygen therapy in your home, please follow the important advice listed below to help keep yourself safe from fire:
- Never smoke, or let anyone else smoke near you, while using your oxygen equipment. Never smoke in bed.
- Never cook with gas or an open flame while using your oxygen equipment.
- Never use oxygen equipment near open fires or naked flames.
- Never charge or use electrical appliances, such as electric razors, hairdryers, or electronic cigarettes, while using your oxygen equipment.
- Oxygen can remain in clothing for up to 20 minutes after the oxygen equipment has been turned off. Ventilate your clothing in the open air for at least 20 minutes before smoking or going near an open flame or source of ignition.
- Never remove or tamper with the firebreaks in the tubing. A firebreak is an important safety device fitted within the tubing attached to the oxygen equipment.
- Ensure the oxygen equipment is stored in a well-ventilated area, kept clean, dry, and away from heat sources, such as gas or electric fires and cookers.
- Make sure you understand how to use your oxygen equipment properly.
- Turn off your oxygen equipment when not in use.
For further information or advice regarding your oxygen equipment, contact your supplier.
**Additional advice:**
- Take extra care when oxygen tubing is trailing behind you and around your feet. Exercise caution when moving around the home, especially on staircases.
- Ensure the oxygen tubing does not pass near naked flames, including gas fires, gas cookers, and candles, or hot items such as electric cookers and heaters.
- If paraffin-based or paraffin-free emollient products, such as creams, come into contact with fabrics, the dried residue can make the fabric more flammable.