How to Open a Portable Oxygen Tank

Portable oxygen tanks are an invaluable resource for those with any kind of respiratory difficulty, whether due to a slow deterioration or an emergency situation. Knowing how to open the airflow on one of these portable oxygen delivery system tanks is an invaluable piece of knowledge for anyone who works with the health care system, the geriatric population or just wants to be prepared in case somebody needs help opening their own personal unit. While opening a portable oxygen tank is quick and easy, there is a risk of danger when opening the valves incorrectly, and so familiarity with these devices is required for safe operation.

Things You'll Need

• Nasal breathing tube

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Instructions

• 1

  Attach the oxygen tank valve if it is not attached already. The valve should be lowered onto the tank with the flow meter pointing upward, and the three-prong acceptor on the side of the tank's valve that has three prongs sticking out. Nestle the valve in place and then tighten the attachment knob until it is completely sealed.

• 2

  Set the flow rate dial to "0." Rotate the metal lever on the end of the valve clockwise until the oxygen pressure valve shoots up to its accurate level of oxygen pressure. This should not take more than one or two rotations of the metal lever.

• 3

  Attach the nasal breathing tube to the spigot on the bottom of the oxygen valve. Increase the flow rate to the appropriate level (1 to 6 for a nasal breathing tube) and check to make sure that oxygen is flowing into the mask. Strap the mask onto the person's face and secure it comfortably.