Explosions and Burns Due to Smoking in Proximity to Oxygen
Oxygen Explosion Attorney. I have seen situations where residents were given a lighter with their cigarettes from nursing staff at the desk and told to go to the back of the building to smoke. The nursing staff must comply with policies and procedures designed to protect residents and others in the building. Oxygen use is dangerous as it is extremely flammable and under pressure. Care should be given to make sure any oxygen is removed from wheelchairs or resident backpacks before they are allowed to smoke. Then there should a supervised area where the residents can smoke safely while being monitored by staff.
Smoking near oxygen can have different bad outcomes. The resident’s nasal cannula can melt and shoot flames at the resident, or the oxygen tank can explode.
I know how to hold care facilities accountable for serious burns and wrongful death due to improper supervision and lack of care and attention. These events should be completely avoidable.
Oxygen Burn Injuries are Preventable With Proper Care and Attention
According to federal law, 42 CFR 483. 25 (d) Accidents. The facility must ensure that—
(1) The resident environment remains as free of accident hazards as is possible; and
(2) Each resident receives adequate supervision and assistance devices to prevent accidents.
Contact an Experienced Attorney to Discuss Your Case
If you have concerns about oxygen explosions due to smoking or fire, burn injuries or other care issues in a nursing home or assisted living facility contact attorney Kenneth LaBore for a free consultation at 612-743-9048.
