Home oxygen safety is one of the most important aspects of oxygen therapy, whether you choose an oxygen concentrator, oxygen cylinders or a liquid oxygen system as your oxygen supply source. Although oxygen is a safe, non-flammable gas, it does support combustion, meaning things burn more readily and ignite easier in its presence. As such, you must be careful to follow oxygen safety in the home, and to make sure anyone in your home is aware of oxygen tank safety. Here are some oxygen precautions you should take to ensure that you are following the home oxygen safety guidelines.
Keep the following safety tips in mind to ensure you use oxygen therapy as safely as possible.
1.Do not smoke near oxygen
Oxygen makes fires ignite more easily and burn hotter.Never smoke or allow others to smoke while using oxygen.
2.Stay away from heat sources and open flames.
Any flame or heat source could be a risk when oxygen is in use.Stay 6-10 feet away from stoves, fires, candles, lighters and other open flames.
3.Use water-based products
Avoid all flammable ingredients when using oxygen therapy.
Lotionsointments and other home and personal care products may contain petroleum or other flammable oils or liquids.
4.Turn oxygen delivery devices off
Make sure your oxygen provider shows you how to turn everything off correctly. Oxygen delivery devices must be turned off, or the oxygen supply valve turned to the " off" position to avoid saturating air with oxygen.
5.Avoid anything that sparks
Sparks ignite more easily in an oxygen rich environmentso avoid anything that sparks while using oxygen therapy.Sparks can be produced by lighters,fireworks,electric razors, electric blankets,electric toothbrushes,hair dryers or toys or tools with motors.
6.Maintain functioning smoke detectors
Smoke detectors should be checked at least monthly and have batteries replaced every six months.Ensure you have a fire escape plan and fire extinguishers accessible to you, and that you know how to use them.
7.Store oxygen delivery devices safely
If you use oxygen canistersstore them upright in a secure storage device.All oxygen delivery devices should be stored away from the sun or other heat sources in openwell-ventilated areas.
8.Follow safety protocols
Make sure you understand safety practices completelyand clarify if necessary. Ask your oxygen provider to review safety protocols and safety checks for using supplemental oxygen correctly.
9.Tell your power company you use supplemental oxygen
Ask how to get help if you lose power.Your power company might offer priority service for the oxygen dependentor might provide a generator.
10.Avoid creating oxygen-rich environments
Oxygen can accumulate in enclosed areas with poor ventilation like closetscabinets or car trunks.Keep oxygen delivery devices in well-ventilated areas and never cover them with cloth or other material.
