Oxygen tanks, portable oxygen inhalation devices, have gained widespread popularity across various fields including sports, recreation, medical care, and occupational use due to their convenience and ease of use. The vital importance of oxygen to human life is undeniable, particularly in oxygen-deficient environments such as high-altitude regions and underwater settings where these tanks prove especially valuable.
Modern oxygen tanks offer significant advantages including high oxygen concentration and compact size, meeting the growing health demands of contemporary consumers and establishing themselves as innovative green healthcare products. They are commonly used to assist breathing, alleviate altitude sickness or exercise fatigue, providing users with necessary oxygen supplementation.
However, in international transportation, oxygen tanks are classified as dangerous goods primarily because their contents are in gaseous form and may pose safety risks under certain conditions. According to the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code (IMDG Code) , oxygen tanks are assigned the specific UN number 1950 and officially designated as " Aerosols ." This classification reflects both their physical properties and emphasizes the need for special safety measures during maritime transport.
Oxygen tanks fall under danger class 2.2 , characterized by non-flammable, non-toxic gas properties. While their contents won't combust if leaked, careful attention must be paid to pressure and temperature variations during transportation and storage. Additionally, tanks must remain securely packaged with proper protective measures to prevent accidental drops, impacts, or leaks.
Despite oxygen's non-flammable nature, oxygen tanks can still pose risks from excessive pressure or high temperatures, making strict adherence to safety standards and regulatory requirements essential during transport. International maritime shipping imposes rigorous regulations on oxygen tank transportation, requiring all involved parties—shippers, carriers, and receivers—to thoroughly understand relevant laws and industry standards.
Personnel handling loading, transport, and unloading operations must receive specialized training to ensure proper emergency response procedures. Regulations mandate that oxygen tank shipments display labels indicating both the UN number and hazard class for immediate hazard recognition. During loading, tanks must be stabilized using specialized pallets or partitions to prevent tilting and collisions.
In recent years, growing health awareness has steadily increased demand for oxygen tanks. The pandemic particularly heightened respiratory health concerns, while rising popularity of recreational sports further brightened market prospects. As technology advances and health management receives greater attention, oxygen tank designs are expected to evolve toward more specialized and intelligent solutions to safeguard human health.
Ensuring compliance with international standards throughout the entire lifecycle—from production and transportation to end use—will remain crucial for the sustainable development of this industry.
