What is a safety precaution when working with oxygen therapy?

Oxygen therapy is a critical treatment in many healthcare scenarios, and it requires adherence to specific safety precautions to prevent accidents or injuries. Keeping oxygen tanks upright and away from heat sources is vital for several reasons.

Oxygen is a highly combustible element, which means that the risk of fire increases significantly when oxygen is present. Storing tanks in an upright position helps to prevent them from tipping over, which could lead to a rapid release of oxygen and create a dangerous situation. Additionally, heat sources—such as radiators, stoves, or open flames—can ignite oxygen if it leaks from a tank, leading to potential burns or explosions.

In contrast, while other options might suggest practices that could be perceived as safe, they do not prioritize the critical aspect of preventing accidents related to combustion and containment. For instance, keeping tanks on the floor or in closed cupboards limits accessibility and can lead to improper ventilation. Using tanks indoors only does not address the dangers posed by proximity to heat. Therefore, the practice of keeping oxygen tanks upright and away from heat sources is the most appropriate safety precaution in the context of oxygen therapy.