Why must emergency oxygen be stored away from heat, spark, flame, and explosive environments?

Emergency oxygen must be stored away from heat, sparks, flames, and explosive environments because it is a compressed gas that supports combustion when a flame or spark is present. While oxygen itself is not flammable, it significantly accelerates combustion, meaning that any material nearby can ignite or burn much more fiercely in an oxygen-rich environment. This makes it critical to store oxygen in a safe manner, away from any potential ignition sources, to prevent fires or explosions that could result from its interaction with flammable substances. Proper storage practices are vital for ensuring safety in environments where oxygen use is necessary, particularly in high-risk scenarios such as medical emergencies or rescue operations.