Abstract: The inflame reason of oxygen candle starter of coal mine self-rescuer was analyzed. Improving the ignition power and oxygen candle performance was the main path of improving the safety and reliability of oxygen candle. The highly active catalyst for sodium chlorate was screened by thermal analysis. The new oxygen candle formulation was composed of home-made highly active catalyst, compound oxidant, compound metal powder and stabilizing agent. The intensity of oxygen candle was improved by wet press confection technology. All these methods were used to improve the safety and reliability of oxygen candle.