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Regulations for Home Oxygen Safety

Doctors frequently use oxygen as treatment of a variety of respiratory conditions. The colorless, odorless gas naturally comprises about 21 percent of our atmosphere, and, unless breathed in nearly pure doses, is not harmful to the body. It is highly flammable, however, and patients who use oxygen should take precautions to keep it away from open flame. Although regulatory agencies don't specify oxygen handling regulations for homes, many provide guidelines for safe home oxygen use.

  1. No Smoking

    • Oxygen itself isn't flammable, but its presence causes flames to burn faster and hotter, so homes in which oxygen is used are under an increased fire danger. No one should smoke in a home in which oxygen is being used, and patients should post "No Smoking" and "Oxygen in Use" signs at entryways and in every room in which oxygen is used. If a patient must smoke while on oxygen, he should shut off the oxygen at the valve, wait at least ten minutes and then go outdoors before lighting up.

    Storage

    • Do not store oxygen tanks in a closet or other area with poor ventilation, and keep oxygen tanks out of direct sunlight whenever possible. Store tanks upright in a rack or cart, never lying on their sides. Do not use a tank that previously fell over or is damaged in any way. Patients must also take care to avoid storing or using an oxygen tank within six feet of a heat source such as a stove, a radiator or baseboard heating unit. Leave tubing in plain sight so patients and care providers can see it's not kinked, cracked or otherwise damaged. Always turn off oxygen tanks when they are not in use.

    Avoid Electric Appliances

    • Electric motors may spark when in operation, and other electric heat sources may provide enough heat to start combustion in an oxygen-enriched environment like a home in which oxygen is being used. Do not use hair driers, electric razors, electric space heaters, electric blankets and toys with electric motors in such homes.

    Avoid Flammable Products

    • Oil-based products are slightly flammable, which makes them a danger to use in combination with oxygen. Patients using oxygen should refrain from use of oil-based lubricants such as petroleum jelly products.

    Do Not Adjust Flow

    • The concentration of oxygen a tank provides may be adjusted using its valves, but should not be altered without the direct supervision of a doctor or another caregiver. Oxygen is a prescribed substance just like medication, and using it in ways that differ from your doctors' instructions may be against federal regulation in some cases.

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