Firebreaks in the United Kingdom

The United Kingdom was the first country in the world to adopt the widespread use of firebreaks, which became mandatory in England and Wales following the introduction of the Home Oxygen Service in 2006.

For more information, including details of research into the effectiveness of firebreaks, visit the NHS Home Oxygen Service page.

Firebreaks are also required or are recommended, in hospices and care homes in England.

More information and advice can be found on the hospices and care home page.

The following Breathe Safe (2011) video, produced by West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Services (UK) in collaboration with and funding from oxygen suppliers BOC, Air Products, and Air Liquide, explains how a home oxygen fire can break out, as well as the safety measures that should be followed in order to improve patient safety.