Precautions for Using Oxygen Therapy

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Oxygen itself is a safe gas to use, and oxygen therapy provides benefits to enhance your health. If you use oxygen therapy, taking the right safety measures is essential for yourself and anyone around you. Practicing these tips will reduce your risk of accidents and injuries and ensure you get the most out of your oxygen therapy.

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1. Avoid open flames and heat sources.

While oxygen itself is not flammable, it significantly accelerates combustion and can cause other materials to ignite. Maintaining a safe distance from open flames, such as candles, gas stoves, and fireplaces, is crucial. It’s recommended to stay at least eight feet away from these heat sources to prevent accidental ignition. Additionally, be cautious with space heaters and ensure they are used in well-ventilated areas away from oxygen equipment.

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2. Don’t smoke while using oxygen.

Never smoke while using oxygen therapy. Smoking while wearing oxygen puts you at serious risk for severe burns as oxygen quickly turns a small spark into a large flame. Also, don’t let anyone smoke near you. Posting “No Smoking” signs in your home serves as a constant reminder to everyone of the associated risks.

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3. Don’t wear loose-fitting clothing while cooking.

Loose-fitting clothing and long sleeves can drape down and catch fire. And once there’s a spark, you’re at serious risk of it igniting. Choose well-fitted clothing that stays out of the way.

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4. Avoid using aerosol products.

Aerosol products, like hairspray, spray deodorant, room spray, and cooking spray, are under pressure and contain chemicals, making them extremely flammable. These chemicals can ignite from a spark, so keep them away from your oxygen.

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5. Keep flammable liquids away from your clothing.

Keep any flammable liquids away from your clothing. Avoid using hairspray, oil-based skin creams, and pumping gas while using oxygen therapy. Also, use products like hand sanitizer and rubbing alcohol with caution.

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6. Always keep your oxygen equipment secure.

Oxygen tanks and cylinders contain pressurized gas and can become dangerous projectiles if damaged. Always ensure they are stored upright in a secure location where they cannot be easily knocked over. Using appropriate stands or holders can provide added stability.

Keep your oxygen concentrator in a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight and heat sources so that it doesn’t overheat and provides medical-grade oxygen.

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7. Carry your oxygen tanks with care.

Always take care while carrying your oxygen tanks. If a tank drops, it could break, and a broken tank causes the pressurized gas to escape at full speed and become a dangerous projectile.

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8. Be careful with power cords and oxygen tubing.

Make sure you don’t trip over your oxygen tubing and power cords. Also, never use oxygen tubing longer than 50 feet, and never cut your tubing.

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9. Become familiar with your user manual and concentrator alarms.

Always look over your oxygen concentrator manual so you know how to care for your unit. Become familiar with equipment maintenance and the machine’s alarms so you’ll know how to respond when an alarm sounds, or the machine requires maintenance.

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10. Preparation is key.

Knowing how to prepare for unexpected events related to oxygen therapy is vital to your health and safety.

• Always keep a fire extinguisher close by.

• Ensure your smoke detectors work.

• Purchase a backup generator in case you lose power.

• Tell your electric company about your oxygen use so you get priority during power outages.

• Always keep backup equipment on hand, like extra fully charged batteries or oxygen tanks.

• Monitor the gauges on your oxygen tanks so your oxygen supply company can deliver more tanks in plenty of time.

 

Other Oxygen Safety Tips:

• Always turn off your oxygen while you’re not wearing it.

• Keep your oxygen concentrator away from walls and curtains, and don’t cover the unit.

• Do not store oxygen tanks in enclosed areas, like car trunks or closets.

• If you use liquid oxygen, always keep it upright; never lay it on its side.

• Consider using 100% cotton bed sheets if you use oxygen while you sleep to reduce static electricity.

• Make sure your “No Smoking Signs” are placed appropriately.

• If your nose becomes dry, use a water-based lubricant like Aquaphor to help with the tenderness. NEVER, EVER use Vaseline or any other petroleum/oil-based lotion or lubricant. These items may cause burns to the affected areas.

 

Keep your home oxygen unit away from:

• Smoking

• Oil/grease

• Gas stoves

• Aerosol sprays such as hairspray, cooking sprays

• Birthday cake candles and other open flames such as candles, lighters, and fireplaces

• Oil-based lotions, vapor rubs, and petroleum jelly (use water-based products instead)

• Electrical appliances such as hair styling tools, electric razors, heating pads, and microwaves

• Alcohol such as liquor and alcohol-based sanitizers 

 

What measures should be taken to store oxygen equipment properly? This checklist can help:

• Don’t block the concentrator’s vents

• Organize oxygen tubing to avoid tripping hazards

• Regularly check the system for alarms/notifications

• Always turn off your oxygen when you’re not using it

• Keep oxygen concentrators several inches away from curtains or walls

• Don’t set your cannula or mask on a chair or bed if the oxygen is turned on

• Never place anything on your oxygen concentrator, such as clothes or books

• Keep oxygen cylinders upright at all times

• Use cylinder stands to help reduce tip-over risks

• Don’t plug your oxygen concentrator into an extension cord, and don’t plug anything else into the same outlet

• Store oxygen in well-ventilated areas and never in enclosed spaces like car trunks or closets