How to use oxygen – do’s and don’ts

Do’s	Don’t
Do keep nose and mouth healthy. Drink at least 6 to 8 cups of water or juice to keep hydrated. Your mouth and nose may feel dry when on oxygen.	Do not get sore ears. You may have to adjust the position of the tubing behind your ears. Padding and an aqueous cream may help.
Do stay active with oxygen. Portable oxygen cylinders are available. Most people with oxygen can maintain an active lifestyle. If you need oxygen to get out and about, this will be considered as part of your assessment.	Do not use open fires. Your home will be checked for safety reasons. Any open fire or flame is a potential explosion or fire risk.
While using the machine, one should make sure that the doors and windows are open. During this time, an air conditioner should not be used.	Do not smoke or use E-cigarettes. It is recommended that people who are still smokers are not prescribed oxygen as there is a risk of combustion and severe facial burn. If smoking, you will be given smoking cessation advice. If you manage to stop, then oxygen will be considered if needed. It is also essential that others do not smoke in the same room when you have your oxygen on
Clean the filters (2) and change distilled water every 24 hours and sanitize the oxygen pipe frequently.

Oxygen safety

Flammable Materials:

Do not let oxygen equipment come into contact with oils or grease, paraffin-based products and NEVER use any form of lubricant (ignition is a greater risk in an oxygen enriched environment).

• Do not use or store oxygen near any flammable/ oily materials.
• Do not cover or wipe the equipment with any fibrous material.
• Protect the equipment by carrying, storing, and using in approved carry cases only (where provided).
• Wash and dry hands thoroughly before handling any oxygen equipment.
• Do not use or store the oxygen equipment within three metres of:
  • Naked flames.
  • Sources of intense heat (e.g., cooker hobs, ovens, heaters etc).

Prevention:

Avoid oxygen enrichment by:

• Turning off the equipment when not in use.
• Not permitting oxygen to accumulate on absorbent materials such as clothing, bedding, furniture.
• Keeping the user environment well ventilated.

Fire Risks:

Consequences of oxygen enrichment:

• Materials which are not flammable in air may ignite and /or burn in higher concentrations of oxygen.
• Materials which are not flammable in air may ignite and /or burn in higher concentrations of oxygen.
• Do not smoke or let others smoke near anyone while using oxygen. This not only presents a fire risk but is seriously detrimental to health.

Oxygen safety

Flammable Materials:

Do not let oxygen equipment come into contact with oils or grease, paraffin-based products and NEVER use any form of lubricant (ignition is a greater risk in an oxygen enriched environment).

• Do not use or store oxygen near any flammable/ oily materials.
• Do not cover or wipe the equipment with any fibrous material.
• Protect the equipment by carrying, storing, and using in approved carry cases only (where provided).
• Wash and dry hands thoroughly before handling any oxygen equipment.
• Do not use or store the oxygen equipment within three metres of:
  • Naked flames.
  • Sources of intense heat (e.g., cooker hobs, ovens, heaters etc).

Prevention:

Avoid oxygen enrichment by:

• Turning off the equipment when not in use.
• Not permitting oxygen to accumulate on absorbent materials such as clothing, bedding, furniture.
• Keeping the user environment well ventilated.

Fire Risks:

Consequences of oxygen enrichment:

• Materials which are not flammable in air may ignite and /or burn in higher concentrations of oxygen.
• Materials which are not flammable in air may ignite and /or burn in higher concentrations of oxygen.
• Do not smoke or let others smoke near anyone while using oxygen. This not only presents a fire risk but is seriously detrimental to health.

Travelling with oxygen

In a private car:

• Ensure that the user and the driver are trained in the correct method of operation of the oxygen equipment.
• Use the equipment with the car ventilation system set to draw in fresh air from outside the car.
• Do not allow anyone to smoke in the car.
• Do not use the oxygen equipment whilst the car is being refuelled.

On public transport

• Only carry sufficient oxygen for the journey.
• Ensure you know how to use the equipment.
• Be aware of the appropriate precautions to be taken whilst using the oxygen equipment on public transport and in the event of an incident.
• Turn off the equipment when not in use.
• Ensure that the equipment is secure, not free to roll about, and where required, is supported upright.