Practice No.
128 d
Version 1
Reference: 10/06 HCC AS 06/09
HCC AS 10/06 128
HCC AS 10/06 134a
HCC AS 10/06 143
Page 1 of 2
New
September 2010
NMC Code of Professional
Conduct
GSCC Code of Practice
Management of the Administration of Oxygen
This guideline is designed to clarify conflicting information on personal care and safe
management of the administration of Oxygen. This summarises the measures which
must be employed throughout Hampshire County Council Adult Services, when a
resident or service user is undergoing Oxygen therapy of any description.
This guideline must be used in conjunction with the Hampshire County Council
Management of Medication policy.
THIS GUIDELINE MUST BE ATTACHED TO ALL OXYGEN DELIVERY
EQUIPMENT AND DISPLAYED WHERE OXYGEN IS STORED
1.
Introduction
There is some confusion over the use of petroleum based substances in
conjunction with the administration of oxygen. Whilst there is clearly a risk
associated with such substances getting into, or being deposited on, oxygen
equipment, the associated advice on the risk of use on the recipient of the
oxygen, is contradictory. Although the risk of such substances, e.g. Vaseline in
skin care, is very small, until such time as there is incontrovertible proof of safe
use, petroleum based substances will not be used on residents or service users
in the care of Hampshire County Council, who are receiving oxygen therapy.
Oxygen is colourless and odourless and of itself is not flammable, however it
does act as a fire accelerant and when combined with heat and fuel will
increase the size and intensity of a fire. With sensible use, medical Oxygen
should not pose a problem to the user or carer.
2.
Areas of Enriched Oxygen
The interface between the oxygen equipment and the recipient will be oxygen
enriched and subject to greater risk of fire. That risk will be increased by the use
of substances on the skin, which may rub off onto the equipment. Although the
risks are small, there have been recorded incidents which have resulted in
burns to hands and face when using hand creams and other petroleum based
lotions. Most brands of cosmetics or skin preparation creams contain petroleum
based ingredients, this includes moisturizers, face creams, lipstick and most lip
balms. The greatest risk in this area is from grease on the hands of staff or the
oxygen user, being transferred onto the mask and on/off valve. Petroleum
based substances, such as Vaseline, may degrade the fabric of valves, thus
creating leaks which will, in turn, further enrich the oxygen content of the
surrounding air.
3.
Safe practice in areas of enriched oxygen atmosphere or oxygen storage
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ONLY USE non petroleum based products on the hands, face and
lips. There are some products obtainable from major commercial
pharmacies and Health and Beauty retailers which will be suitable.
One such, ‘replenishing lip balm’, based on beeswax and natural oils,
can be obtained in various ‘flavours’. It is designed to rehydrate the
lips, which may dry out with prolonged use of oxygen. Carers may
wish to purchase this or a similar product on behalf of a resident, or
where appropriate, managers may consider the amenity fund suitable
for such a purchase. The drying effect of prolonged use of oxygen
may also be alleviated by the use of a conserver
DO NOT USE alcohol gel on hands when handling oxygen equipment.
Again the risks are small, but if the gel is not thoroughly rubbed in and
allowed to evaporate there is a risk of spontaneous ignition
NEVER smoke or allow a service user to smoke near oxygen, even if
the flow is turned off. There is a very high risk of fire and burns if this
occurs, and the risk will involve anyone in the vicinity. Smoking is, in
any instance, not permitted in residential care units, except in the
designated areas
Ensure that the room is well ventilated to prevent a build up of
oxygen enriched air and minimise the risk of accidental ignition
Ensure the oxygen source is at least 5 feet from any heat source,
including cookers
NEVER dismantle or in any way interfere with an oxygen container
Community response staff who encounter a service user smoking in the
presence of oxygen, must advise the service user that they will have to leave
immediately. They should inform their line manager or the out of hours service
immediately and complete an incident report.
Employees who smoke should ensure that their clothing is well aired
following contact with oxygen and before they light a cigarette.
4.
Storage
 Oxygen containers must be stored in a well ventilated area, kept clean
and dry and away from sources of heat
 Oxygen must not be stored in corridors, walkways or near fire escapes
 No other materials should be stored near oxygen
 Cylinders must be stored securely in trolleys or against a wall
 Empty cylinders must be labelled and the valve must be closed
5.
Manual handling of cylinders
 Oxygen cylinders should only be moved by using a purpose built
trolley in which the cylinder can be secured
6.
In the event of a fire.
 If at all possible, turn off the oxygen flow
 Follow the fire procedure
 When notifying the Fire and Rescue service, it is important to inform
them that oxygen is in use and of the specific location of any cylinders
or oxygen sources in the building