Associate Safety Professional Practice Exam

What fire risk does compressed oxygen (medical grade) present in hospital rooms?

1. It reduces the likelihood of fire.

2. It can cause a fire to spread more slowly.

3. It can enhance the intensity of a fire.

4. It has no effect on fire risk.

The correct answer is: It can enhance the intensity of a fire.

Compressed medical-grade oxygen significantly contributes to the fire risk in hospital settings primarily because it enhances the intensity of a fire. Oxygen is a key element in the combustion process, and when it is present in high concentrations, it can accelerate the ignition and intensify the burning of flammable materials. In environments like hospitals, where various materials—such as bedding, clothing, and medical supplies—may be present, the availability of increased oxygen can lead to a more aggressive fire scenario. In addition, it can make small flames grow larger and spread more rapidly. This is particularly critical in patient care areas, where patients may be vulnerable and unable to evacuate quickly. Other options may imply a misunderstanding of how oxygen behaves in fire dynamics. While options suggesting that compressed oxygen reduces the likelihood of fire or slows its spread contradict the fundamental principles of combustion, stating that it has no effect on fire risk overlooks the role of oxygen as a supporter of fire. Thus, increasing the intensity of a fire is the most accurate and significant aspect of fire risks associated with compressed medical-grade oxygen in hospital rooms.