Home > Info
Center > How can I use my oxygen equipment safely?
How can I use my oxygen equipment safely?
Click
here to see our selection of products
 General
safety tips:
- You need to be informed about how to use your equipment safely
and correctly. Do not accept delivery of unfamiliar equipment
until your oxygen supply company has taught you how to use it.
- Check the label on every oxygen container before you use it.
Liquid oxygen should have "Oxygen Refrigerated Liquid U.S.P."
on the label. Compressed oxygen cylinders should have "Oxygen
Compressed U.S.P." on the label. If the label of a container
reads differently, do not use the container. Call your oxygen
supply company immediately.
- Keep all cords and tubing neat. Do not leave cords or tubing
running across an area where you or someone else may trip on it.
- Keep oxygen containers from becoming too hot. Store containers
in an area with good air flow. Never leave an oxygen container
in a car trunk or a hot vehicle.
- Keep oxygen containers secured in an upright position.
- Oxygen containers should always be secured in a stand, holder,
or to a fixed object. Containers can be damaged if they fall over.
- Oxygen in cylinders is stored under pressure. If the cylinder
is damaged, it can become a missile and shoot off at a high rate
of speed. This may cause serious injury. Aim the cylinder valve
away from you and other people when opening or closing the valve.
Always open or close the valve slowly.
- If an oxygen container is dropped or damaged in some way, do
not use it. If you hear loud hissing from an oxygen cylinder after
it is damaged, get away from it immediately. Let your oxygen supply
company know about any cylinders that may be damaged.
Fire prevention tips: Oxygen allows a fire to
start very easily. Sparks or materials that normally would not burn
can start a fire because of the oxygen you use. It is very important
to protect you, your house, and those around you when using oxygen.
- Never smoke or allow others to smoke near the oxygen.
- Put signs on all the doors of your house to let visitors and
emergency personnel know that oxygen is in use. "No smoking"
signs should be posted as well.
- Do not use oil, lubricants, or anything greasy on or around
your oxygen equipment.
- Do not use anything flammable while you are wearing your oxygen.
This includes cleaning fluid, gasoline, paint thinner, aerosols,
or alcohol-containing sprays.
- Do not use electric razors, hair dryers, or any electrical
appliance that has a motor while you are wearing your oxygen.
Avoid using appliances with control boxes, such as heating pads,
while wearing your oxygen. The control box may cause a spark.
- Keep a working fire extinguisher within easy reach. Make sure
everyone living in your house knows how to use it.
- If a fire starts, turn off the oxygen right away and leave
the house.
- Keep the oxygen container away from open flames, such as candles,
fireplaces, gas stoves, or hot water heaters. Do not go within
eight feet of an open flame while you are wearing your oxygen.
- Turn your oxygen container or concentrator off when you are
not using your oxygen.
- Watch for signs of oxygen leaking from the container. If you
hear a loud hissing from your tank or if it empties too fast,
stay away from the container. Open windows to help clear out any
extra oxygen in the room. Call the company that brought the oxygen
system to your home right away.
Electrical safety tips:
- When using an oxygen concentrator, plug the power cord into
a grounded electrical outlet. A grounded outlet has three holes,
and can take a three-pronged plug. Never alter a plug or use an
adapter that allows you to plug a three-pronged plug into a two-hole
outlet. This can ruin your electrical equipment, cause an electrical
shock, and even cause a fire.
- Do not plug in your oxygen concentrator if the cord looks damaged.
Call your oxygen supply company.
- Do not use an extension cord to plug in your oxygen concentrator.
- Do not plug the concentrator into an outlet that has other
appliances plugged into it. Overloading an electrical outlet can
cause a fire.
- Unplug the concentrator before cleaning the unit or the filter.
Make sure your hands are dry before you plug the concentrator
back in.
- Make sure your oxygen supply company services and inspects
your oxygen concentrator regularly. It should be serviced every
9,000 hours of use.
Other frequently asked questions:
What is oxygen?
What is supplemental oxygen?
How is oxygen made and stored?
What kinds of oxygen equipment are there?
How do I use home oxygen?
How do I order oxygen once it is prescribed?
How do I leave home with my oxygen equipment?
What kind of oxygen delivery devices are
there?
What do I need to know of using oxygen equipment?
How heavy are portable tanks?
Can I refill the portable tank myself?
Can I drive or travel while using oxygen?
What do I do if I run out of oxygen?
Is there anything I cannot do while using
oxygen?
How do I prevent skin problems while using
oxygen equipment?
|
