In LOX incidents, what should you do about flows?

• A. Stop oxygen/fuel flow
• B. Increase oxygen flow
• C. Increase fuel flow
• D. Leave as is

Answer: (A)

In LOX incidents the surrounding atmosphere becomes extremely rich in oxygen, which makes any flame ignite more readily and spread rapidly. The fastest way to reduce the risk is to remove the two essential ingredients for combustion: the oxidizer and the fuel. Stopping the oxygen flow lowers the available oxidizer, making ignition harder and flames less likely to sustain. At the same time, stopping the fuel flow cuts off the energy source that would feed the fire. Leaving flows unchanged would keep the fire risk high in an already oxygen-rich environment, and increasing either flow would only worsen the situation. So, halting both oxygen and fuel flows is the safest and most effective first step.