Oxygen Safety

Oxygen therapy can be helpful to treat breathing problems, lung & restrictive diseases and other conditions. Use the amount prescribed by your Physician as too much or too little may be harmful. Do NOT change the amount of oxygen without first consulting your physician. 

Oxygen itself is nonflammable and generally safe to use in the home, however, it can magnify a fire. Please adhere to the following safety precautions:

  • Do NOT smoke or allow anyone to smoke in the room where oxygen is
    being used. This includes E-cigarettes, matches, and lighters. 
  • Post "NO Smoking" signs in highly visible windows and entryways.
  • Avoid open flames. Do NOT use oxygen within 15 feet of open flames, such as fireplaces, wood-burning stoves and gas stoves. If you must cook, please follow the cooking guidelines below.
  • Use caution when using electrical equipment. Do NOT use equipment with frayed cords or electrical shorts. They could cause a spark.
    • Use battery-powered razors and hair dryers when using oxygen.
    • Hair dryers should be used on a cool setting only.
    • If you must use an electric razor or hair dryer, be sure to use it as least 5-10 feet away from oxygen.
    • Do NOT use an appliance with a control box, such as heating pad. Control boxes may throw sparks.
  • Avoid static electricity.
    • Avoid nylon or woolen clothing that is more likely to cause static electricity.
    • Use a humidifier in winter to add moisture to dry air in your home.
  • Store and handle oxygen properly. Store liquid and cylinder oxygen away from heat and direct sunlight. Secure cylinders in holder in an upright position.
  • 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.

Emergency

  • Non-electrical oxygen devices may be used as backups for emergency purposes
    • Portable Oxygen Concentrator
    • Oxygen Cylinders 
    • Liquid Oxygen
  • In case of a power outage or other emergency that is expected to last longer than your oxygen supply, use your non-electrical devices to get somewhere safe with access to power such as a car, hospital, fire house, etc.
  • Always have an Emergency Plan

Cooking Safeguards

 It is best to use a microwave oven or make other arrangements, but if you must cook, please take all necessary precautions:

  1. Secure the cannula over your ears and behind you head instead of under your chin.
  2. Secure the oxygen tubing to the side of your clothing at your waist. This method will keep the oxygen tubing away from the source of heat.
  3. Do not bend down close to any burner or heat source possibly hanging the tubing over it.

Travel Tips

  1. Remind passengers not to smoke in the car/RV.
  2. Securely fasten cylinders to prevent movement (usually a seat belt).
  3. Keep one window partially open to provide fresh air circulation and avoid accumulation of oxygen.
  4. Do not store oxygen in the trunk of your car.
  5. Do not store oxygen in an area where the temperature will reach 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
  6. In a recreational vehicle, do not store near gas or open flame.

Oxygen Storage

NEVER:

  • Leave oxygen cylinders standing upright unless in a cylinder cart/holder
  • Place cylinders in the trunk of a car
  • Store oxygen in an enclosed space, such as a closet or car
  • Leave oxygen equipment outside
  • Store cylinders or any oxygen equipment near open flame or other sources of heat / ignition
  • Store Portable Liquid Oxygen Devices on their side

Do:

  • Store cylinders in a cart/holder
  • Place unsupported cylinders on their side in a safe place
  • Store cylinders in an open and well ventilated space
  • Store Portable Liquid Oxygen Devices standing upright