Which safety precaution is essential when using medical oxygen?

When using medical oxygen, avoiding open flames and sparks is a critical safety precaution. Oxygen supports combustion, which means that it can cause materials that typically don’t burn easily to ignite more readily. In the presence of oxygen, flames can spread rapidly and may lead to explosive situations. Therefore, keeping oxygen away from any potential ignition sources is vital to prevent fire hazards, ensuring both safety for the patient and the healthcare provider.

The other choices present practices that are unsafe. For instance, keeping oxygen near heat sources can increase the risk of fire, and using it in poorly ventilated areas can lead to the accumulation of dangerous gases. Storing oxygen in direct sunlight may cause the pressure in its container to rise, leading to potential ruptures or explosions. All these factors highlight the importance of employing safe practices when handling medical oxygen.