Posted By Tony Bish The resident may own the flat, but as it is in a residential complex, I assume it would be leasehold. This would impose restrictions upon their use of the property and what activities may or may not be undertaken within it - certainly to prevent anything that may endanger life or property. The managing agent / warden should able to advise you. It would be worth contacting the local area health authority - who I assume have provided the cylinders - to find out their policy on cylinders they supply and deliver to residential properties. Also worth looking at how and where the cylinders are stored - fire may not be the only risk to consider - if a full cylinder was to fall and damage the valve it could cause serious injury and damage.

Posted By Robert K Lewis Does the resident have a reason for the presence of oxygen? - even medical needs do not normally extend to 4 bottles. However two may be empties awaiting collection as the two processes sometimes run out of synchronisation. If there is no medical need then the lease is likely to cover their forced removal. On the question of general risks, it is not just the issue of smoking but the whole question of oxygen enrichment we need to be concerned about - thats why it is highly unusual for large cylinders to be supplied medically. This leads me to suspect some unusual magpie tendency!!! Bob

Posted By Merv Newman A reason for hanging on to a number of bottles may be the recent "privatisation" screw up in deliveries of oxygen to those with respiratory problems. I know that if my life depended on continuing access to oxygen, I'd make very sure I had a good reserve supply. In any case, I would expect to see three bottles in the flat : one in use, a full in reserve, and an empty waiting to be exchanged. And I'd want someone to check newly delivered bottles (is there actually something in there ?) Merv

Posted By Corrina Evans Hi Anwar, Having been in a similar situation myself, I did a joint risk assessment with the company providing the Oxygen which proved really useful. I'm sure if you contact them they will be more than happy to help. Corrina

Posted By Rob T To tell you the truth there is nothing you can do so long as the oxygen is reasonable for the persons needs. You can't stop anyone smoking in their own property. A relative of mine had terminal lung cancer and survived the last 12 months with oxygen cylinders and still smoked about 60 fags a day! So long as the person has been informed of safe usage and the stock is not excessive for their needs - leave them alone - it's no-one elses business. I'm sure most of the safety people out there store cleaning materials under the sink etc. what's the money on it that you have alkali's and acids in the same compartment? Nothing like a cloud of chlorine gas (see WWI info) to cause a problem. Should we start looking in peoples cupboards now. Where will this all end! Conkers bonkers?