For people using home
medical oxygen and their caregivers, practicing oxygen safety is necessary to prevent
injury. Although oxygen is a non-flammable gas, learning how to properly store
and use your home oxygen system is vitally important because oxygen can
vigorously accelerate burning of flammable materials.
- No smoking must always be the rule. Keep cigarettes or any other burning tobacco away from the area when home oxygen equipment is used. Do not strike matches or lighters while using oxygen equipment.
- Keep the oxygen equipment at least 5 feet away from any electrical appliances and cords.
- Avoid using any electrical equipment that is not in good repair; do not use electric razors or hair dryers while oxygen is in use.
- Keep the equipment away from open flames (i.e. candles) or any heating sources such as stoves, furnaces, fireplaces, strong direct sunlight.
- Keep flammable materials such as oil and grease away from the equipment, including oily hands or gloves; do not use petroleum-based gels (i.e. Vaseline) on face or hands while using oxygen.
- Do not use aerosol sprays near the oxygen equipment.
- Do not store oxygen containers in closed vehicles or car trunks.
- When traveling with oxygen keep windows slightly open for proper ventilation (especially when using oxygen).
- Liquid home oxygen systems must be kept in well-ventilated areas at all times and always keep containers in an upright position (if container is accidentally tipped over, be prepared to provide additional ventilation if the container vents its contents).
- Never touch liquid oxygen unit pipes or other metal parts with bare hands as the temperature of the liquid oxygen can cause frostbite.
- Never allow oxygen tubing, cannula or mask under clothing, bed sheets, blankets, comforters, carpet etc. while oxygen is running; could cause a dangerous buildup of oxygen concentration and also allow the patient to forget that the oxygen is running.
- Keep all oxygen warning signs within view at all times, and especially in the room where the equipment is being used.
For more information go to: -http://sandiegocaregiversblog.com/home-oxygen-safety-tips/
