A COVID-19 designated hospital in Nasiriyah City, the capital of Iraq's southern province of Dhiqar, broke out in a fire on the night of 12. As of the afternoon of 13, the fire has killed at least 114 people and injured about 70 others. The fire started when an oxygen tank exploded in a hospital room, causing multiple oxygen tanks to explode in succession and eventually leading to an increasingly intense fire.

Why did the oxygen tank explode

The oxygen tank is a tank containing oxygen, that is, the oxygen is compressed into the tank by pressure, and the tank is a pressure gas. Therefore, the explosion of the oxygen tank is basically a physical explosion caused by the pressure of the jar exceeding the maximum pressure of its design, or the quality of the jar itself, in the case of no overpressure, it will also break the weak spot of the jar, resulting in an explosion.

Second, how to prevent the explosion of oxygen tank

1, ensure that the oxygen tank does not overpressure. Do not overfill when filling, and when in use, the ambient temperature should not be higher than its allowable temperature.

2, to ensure the quality of the oxygen tank, this should be checked regularly, and the aging or damaged oxygen tank should be replaced in time.

3, to be handled lightly, fixed when placed, to prevent falls, damage to a part of the oxygen leakage caused by the "fly bottle".

4. Oxygen is flammable, it is recommended that the hospital install a gas detection and alarm device in accordance with national requirements, so that you can know the leak source and sound and light alarm reminder in advance, and effectively protect your life and property safety in a timely manner.

Third, the application field of oxygen

Oxygen is the most widely distributed and abundant element in nature. Oxygen is required for the oxidation of hydrocarbons, for the treatment of wastewater, for rocket propellants, and for the breathing of animals and humans in aviation, aerospace and diving. In the metallurgical industry is inseparable from oxygen, in the cutting and welding of metals, oxygen is mixed with combustible gas (such as acetylene) to produce a very high temperature flame, so as to melt the metal. Oxygen is extremely important as a medical gas, and hospitals use a large number of oxygen tanks to provide oxygen to patients with breathing difficulties.

Four, pay attention to the use of oxygen safety

Although oxygen itself is not combustible, oxygen is an excellent combustion gas, and many substances that cannot be burned in the air can be violently burned in pure oxygen. Therefore, oxygen in use to prevent leakage, to prevent the flow of pipelines, appliances have grease adhesion, otherwise it may cause combustion due to friction.

As a place with dense disabled personnel, hospitals are extremely difficult to evacuate in case of fire. It is necessary to strengthen the capacity building of the first responders to fire emergency in the hospital, either no fire, or the first emergency response in the event of a fire, and quickly control or extinguish the fire.