Many people have heard that there is an increased fire risk when oxygen is used, so it is only natural to wonder, “Is oxygen flammable?” Oxygen itself is not a flammable gas, but it does support combustion. Never smoke near oxygen, and always stay at least 5-10 feet away from heat sources, sparks and open flames.

Here are some additional things to be aware of when using liquid oxygen: DON’T turn the tank on its side, as this can allow the liquid oxygen to leak out. DO keep the tank at least 5 feet away from space heaters, electric or gas heaters, steam pipes, furnaces, and radiators.

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.

Oxygen is not flammable, but it can cause other materials that burn to ignite more easily and to burn far more rapidly. Oxygen can be delivered to your home in the form of a gas in various-sized cylinders or as a liquid in a vessel.

The greatest risk for oxygen users is tobacco smoking when using oxygen. Of course, it is not just tobacco smoking [5, 6] that is a risk to home oxygen patients (fig. 1), as any naked flame can be a serious hazard.

There is no danger of having /using a oxygen while shooting. I know a few old timers that come to our military shoots with them our range boss is a EMT and one of our senior club members owns the local medical supply.

Oxygen safety precautions

1. Keep the oxygen at least 3 metres from any open flame or heat source, such as candles or a gas stove, or from anything that could cause a spark.
2. Do not smoke or let anyone else smoke near the oxygen equipment.
3. Avoid using anything flammable near the oxygen, including petrol,

For former smokers, the reduction in life expectancy from COPD is: stage 2: 1.4 years. stage 3 or 4: 5.6 years.