Safety Precautions for Using Oxygen at Home

Many patients have to continue to use oxygen at home after leaving the hospital. This requires the homeowner and the patient to follow strict safety guidelines. For example, in the room where oxygen is being used, there is a greater risk for items to catch fire. The family will have to take certain precautions, such as putting up warning signs and limiting the use of certain products around the oxygen tank. These guidelines help families to keep themselves, and the patient using oxygen, safe from injury and accidents.

Warning Signs

• Visitors and those living in the home should be aware that oxygen is being used. The homeowner needs to put up signage that states there is no smoking allowed and warns of oxygen use in the area. The signs should be placed near the bed of the individual using it, the door to the patient's room and on any entrance into the home.

Fire Prevention

• Open flames should not be used in a room near an oxygen unit.

  The fire department needs to be aware that you have oxygen being used in the home and where it is located. Also, inspect all smoke detectors in the dwelling to make sure that they work properly. Candles and anything that creates a flame, such as a lighter, should not be used in the home. A single spark in a room full of oxygen can create the potential for fire. Flammable products, such as Vaseline or alcohol, need to be kept away from the oxygen container.

Patient Safety

• The family should have an emergency evacuation plan in the case of a fire. This should include steps for how to get the patient safely out of the house. The Massachusetts Department of Fire Services suggests that that there should be at least two points of escape for each route and home. Those who may have trouble evacuating, such as the patient, need to have ready access to nearby phone. It should be placed next to the bed where they are at.