Why is it advised not to use oil or grease near oxygen?

Using oil or grease near oxygen is particularly dangerous because these substances can react violently in the presence of high concentrations of oxygen. When oxygen levels are elevated, the flammability of materials increases significantly, which means that oil or grease can ignite easily and lead to an explosion. In environments where oxygen is concentrated, the risk of combustion or explosion is greatly heightened, making it critical to avoid any hydrocarbon-based materials, such as oil and grease, to ensure safety when working with oxygen systems.

This understanding of the interaction between oxygen and flammable materials is essential for safe operations, particularly in torch applications, where controlled combustion is required but unintentional fires or explosions can have catastrophic consequences. Safety practices dictate stringent protocols to prevent any ignition sources from coming into contact with pure oxygen, highlighting the importance of maintaining a clean working environment free from contaminants like oil and grease.