Source: National Health Service
Home oxygen fire deaths
per 100,000 patients: 0.34*
Firebreaks have been
mandatory since the
introduction of the
Home Oxygen Service
in 2006.
*Only one home oxygen fire death
recorded in 5 years.
UK The fitting of oxygen firebreaks is
a requirement for home oxygen
installations across Europe under the
Medical Device Directive (MDD) and
Medical Device Regulation (MDR).
Home oxygen fire deaths underreported.
Complete data not available.
EUROPE (EU) GERMANY Firebreaks have been mandatory
Home oxygen fire deaths underreported.
Complete data not available.
since 2012.
WORLD The World Health Organization (WHO)
recommends 'firebreak connectors to
stop the oxygen flow in the event of
fire' in all oxygen concentrators.
Around 100 home oxygen fire deaths
each year, which represent 6.6*
Thermal fuses
mandatory among
all Veterans Health
Administration
(VA) patients.
*Fatality figures are best
estimates based on
(firebreaks) are
media reports. per 100,000 oxygen patients
US JAPAN Home oxygen fire deaths
per 100,000 patients: 3.3*
Japan is introducing
firebreaks mandatory
by 2021.
*Source: Japanese Medical
Gas Association
legislation to make
Firebreaks are mandatory
Firebreaks are part-mandatory
Firebreaks in use