What is the required distance between oxygen cylinders and combustible materials?

The requirement for maintaining a minimum distance of 20 feet or using a non-combustible barrier between oxygen cylinders and combustible materials is based on safety protocols intended to prevent fire hazards. Oxygen is an oxidizing agent that can significantly enhance the combustion process; thus, placing it too close to combustible materials increases the risk of fire and explosions.

This standard of 20 feet ensures that any potential ignition source or combustible material is sufficiently far away to minimize the likelihood of an incident. Using a non-combustible barrier when the 20-foot distance cannot be maintained provides an additional layer of safety by creating a physical separation that inhibits the transfer of heat and reduces the risk of fire spreading in case of an incident.

Maintaining these safety distances is crucial in various settings, such as construction sites, workshops, or medical facilities, where oxygen use may be prevalent. It reflects an understanding of both the properties of oxygen and the behavior of combustible materials in the presence of strong oxidizers.