Before initiating oxygen therapy in your home, it's important for you to review, and always follow, the instructions provided to you by your in-home oxygen supply company. Along with your oxygen delivery, they should include company-specific instructions for safe use and storage of your oxygen cylinders. The instructions should also provide you with a phone number to call if you have any questions. Keep the company phone number posted in a visible location, for easy access.
Make sure you understand completely how to use the oxygen equipment. Ask your nurse, doctor, or medical equipment company as many questions as needed.
When oxygen is in use, there is an increased risk of fire. Each type of oxygen system has other safety issues as well as the danger of fire. For example, oxygen tanks and liquid oxygen vessels contain oxygen under pressure, which can cause injury if not used correctly. Listed below are some guidelines on oxygen safety.*
Fire Safety
Keep a working fire extinguisher within easy reach. Make sure you and your family knows how to use it. If a fire starts, turn off the oxygen right away, leave the apartment, and call 911.
Keep Oxygen Canisters Away From Open Flames.
Oxygen canisters must be kept at least 5 to 10 feet away from an open flame, including gas stoves, furnaces, lit fireplaces, and candles.
Be sure smoke detectors /fire alarms are in working order at all times. Do not tamper with or remove a smoke detector for any reason.
Do not use electrical equipment in an oxygen-enriched environment. Examples include electric razors, hairdryers, electric blankets, or electric heaters. Electrical equipment may spark and cause a fire.
When using oxygen, never apply any oily substance, such as petroleum based lip products,
Vaseline, Blistex or Chapstick, to your nose, lips or the lower part of your face.
Keep oxygen equipment and tubing away from flammable materials such as oil, furniture polish, paint thinner, and rubbing alcohol.
Be Careful in the Kitchen
You will need to be careful with your oxygen when you cook, keep oxygen away from the stovetop and oven and watch out for splattering grease. It can catch fire.
No smoking
Do not allow anyone to smoke in the room where oxygen is being used. Hang No Smoking signs in your home and on doors.
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Proper storage and handling of oxygen
Store liquid and cylinder oxygen away from heat and direct sunlight and in a well aired space.
Do not store in unventilated areas such as a closet. Place cylinders in a secure holder, in an upright position.
Always keep oxygen tanks or liquid oxygen vessels upright in a cart, rack, or stable base. Never tip them on their side. Do not use tanks or vessels that have fallen or are damaged.
When moving an oxygen tank or vessel, always use a shoulder bag or wheeled cart.
Do not leave oxygen on when not in use.
Do not use an extension cord with an oxygen concentrator. Also, do not plug the concentrator into an outlet that has other appliances plugged into it.
Do not put the oxygen tubing under clothing, bed covers, furniture, or carpets.
Avoid tripping over oxygen tubing.
Do not perform any maintenance on the home oxygen tank, regulator, flow meter, stand or oxygen concentrator cabinet. Call the company that brought the oxygen system to your home to tell them of your problems. Turn off your oxygen concentrator and use a backup oxygen system if you have any of the following problems:
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The alert buzzer does not come on when you push the power switch.
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The power light goes out and the alert buzzer sounds while you are using the oxygen concentrator.
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The alert buzzer sounds even though the power supply has not stopped.
If you hear oxygen hissing or if the tank empties too fast, turn off all flames like candles.
Remember to also turn off the pilot light on a stove. Open windows to help clear out any extra oxygen. Call the company that brought the oxygen system to your home right away
Emergencies
Be sure to follow the radio or television emergency instructions. Let your electric company know you use Oxygen.
Tell your local fire department, electric company, and Telephone Company that you use oxygen in your home.
Tell your neighbors, friends, and family that you use oxygen. They can help during an emergency.
*The property management company provides these Oxygen Safety Tips for the convenience and safety of our residents. We strive to make this information as accurate as possible, however, no representation or warranty is made that the information contained within this document is complete or accurate. Oxygen users should always follow manufacturer instructions and local laws.
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