Safety With Oxygen Concentrators

An oxygen concentrator is an oxygen delivery device. It delivers oxygen to a person via an oxygen mask or nasal cannula. It runs on electricity and works by drawing in air from the environment and extracting oxygen from it. A person using this equipment needs to adhere to certain precautions.

Location

• Oxygen is a gas that can cause fires in the presence of heat or flames. Because of this, oxygen concentrators should be located at least six feet away from sources of heat or open flames.

Operation

• Before a person operates this machine, it's important to read the user's manual. If the user does not understand how the machine is operated, then he should seek the help of a technician certified in oxygen concentrator operation.

Ventilation

• Oxygen concentrators produce heat; because of this, they should not be placed in enclosed spaces. They need to be located in well-ventilated areas where there is a reduced risk of heat accumulation.

No Smoking

• A "no smoking" sign should be placed at the entrance to the location where an oxygen concentrator is being operated. Smoking is a fire hazard in an environment where oxygen is being used.

Power Outage

• It is important for a person using an oxygen concentrator to have a back up source of oxygen in the event of a power outage.

Exposed Wires

• The oxygen concentrator runs on electricity. Naked wires can create sparks that could lead to a fire in the presence of oxygen. So, all wires on the oxygen concentrator should be properly protected and should not be exposed.