Oxygen (O2) Gas Safety Information
Key Characteristics. These are guidelines only – refer to published documents. OX-AN® cannot be held responsible in any way for the use of this data. Please contact us for more details
Technical Characteristics of Oxygen (O2) |
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| Description: | Oxygen is essential to support life. Whilst not explosive, it does support and accelerate combustion. Normal air contains 20.94% Oxygen – anything below this is known as Oxygen Deficient. |
| Properties: | Colourless Odourless Tasteless Non-Explosive Supports Combustion Heavier than Air – Relative Density 1.105
Easily displaced by other gases introduced into the atmosphere |
| Risks: | Depletion of oxygen gives rise to a risk of asphyxiation, brain damage and death.An increase in oxygen level increases flammability and combustion |
| Above 21%: | Increase of flammability of materials which will burn |
| 20.9%: | Normal level |
| 18-21%: | No discernible symptoms can be detected by the individual. A risk assessment must be undertaken to understand the causes and determine whether it is safe to continue working. |
| 11-18% | Reduction of physical and intellectual performance without the sufferer being aware. Impaired judgement. Blurred vision. |
| 8-11% | Possibility of fainting within a few minutes without prior warning. Risk of death below 11%. The risk of death due to asphyxia is almost certain at oxygen levels below 10% |
| 6-8% | Inability to move. Fainting almost immediate. Resuscitation possible if carried out immediately. Brain damage, even if rescued. |
| Below 6% | Immediate loss of consciousness occurs. Convulsive movements, gasping respiration, breathing ceases, cardiac arrest. |
Further information about oxygen can be found here
See oxygen monitoring requirements.
Find information about about carbon monoxide here
Oxygen Hazards