Safety Tips For Supplemental Oxygen Users

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For those on supplemental oxygen safety is something that has to be taken very seriously. Oxygen as such is not flammable, it is a safe gas. However it also feeds combustion and this means that flames are strengthened by it. Therefore some simple and logical safety precautions have to be taken. The simplest of all is to keep away from an open flame.

In this article I will deal with three aspects of oxygen safety.

1. Oxygen safety and the Patient

2. Safe use of oxygen and those who interact with the patient

3. Oxygen safety tips.

Oxygen Safety and The Patient.

There are various stages a patient who needs supplemental oxygen, goes through. One is the initial stage which includes adjusting to a new way of life. Normally the patient will be very aware that he or she requires supplemental oxygen and at this stage will begin to get used to the unit that supplies the much-needed air. This awareness will be of great assistance from a safety point. Another stage that comes further down the line, is when the patient is fully adjusted. At this time although much of his relationship with his supply is second nature and so mistakes can be made. It is always a good idea for the patient to have a simple checklist that includes turning off the supply when not in use; make sure the hose is always untangled; the unit is kept away from traffic; and so on.

Safe Use Of Oxygen For Those Who Interact With the Patient.

We all need oxygen. We need it to keep alive, to be able to be active and also, very importantly, as oxygen feeds our bodies including our thinking process. Unfortunately this means that when there is insufficient oxygen many times the last person to notice is the patient. For those who interact with the patient there some things they should look out for.

• The color of the nails and lips. If these turn a blueish color, it is very likely that there is oxygen deficiency.


• Disjointed sentences are being spoken.


• Faintness or lightheadedness


• Drowsiness or an overwhelming feeling of tiredness


• As you can see most of to how the patient is acting so it is very important to be observant - even at the risk of being rude.

Oxygen Safety Tips.

As mentioned before oxygen is not flammable but it does feed combustion, so the following on the series of logical and simple tips.

• Make sure the rooms are well ventilated


• Keep your units at least 2 yards away from heat sources


• No smoking at all, no open flames around


• The oxygen delivery unit should not be in the way of traffic


• Always close the oxygen regulator when not in use


• Store carefully


• Make sure the nose cannula tube has no kinks


• If using tanks or cylinders they must be kept in an upright position

Note: these relate to potential hazards with flame.

There"s also another aspect that should be taken into account and that is relating to the oxygen supply:

• Always make sure you have sufficient emergency oxygen around.


• For the particular unit you may be using, understand and follow the instructions.


• Store carefully and it is always best to follow the same process when putting away or taking out a unit- this will allow your to follow a simple system that keeps everything in tip top shape.

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Source by Philip Robinson

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