Home oxygen therapy can be fatal if oxygen safety precautions in the home are not taken into consideration. Oxygen safety in the home is essential for oxygen users.

General fire safety procedures should be followed in accordance with state laws. You should always notify the local fire department when a new oxygen therapy patient receives their oxygen tanks at the home.

Many hazards, such as fire, empty tanks, and projectiles are a threat to people using oxygen, and to people living with those using oxygen. General safety knowledge of oxygen tanks is necessary in order to prevent serious accidents.

13 Tips for Oxygen Safety in the Home

1) Keep oxygen canisters away from open flames including fireplaces, matches, lighters, wood stoves, candles, gas stoves, and other sources.

2) Keep oxygen canisters away from cords, and appliances.

3) Do not use aerosol products around oxygen tanks.

4) Do not use any electrical equipment around oxygen tanks that can produce sparks, such as electric razors, etc.

5) Do not use flammable products, such as grease, oil, petroleum, and other chemicals. Some of these chemicals will burn in the presence of oxygen. Avoid using petroleum based products, such as Vasoline, moisturizers, etc.

6) Absolutely no smoking around oxygen tanks. No smoking in the home, car, or anywhere near the oxygen tank.

7) Familiarize yourself with the oxygen equipment. Keep emergency numbers handy.

8) Do not try to repair oxygen tanks. Contact the customer service department for your oxygen provider.

9) Check all smoke detectors in the home, perform monthly checks, and change batteries on a regular basis.

10) Keep oxygen warning signs visible inside of rooms where oxygen is in use.

11) Never bend oxygen tubing.

12) Never pour, or spill liquids on the oxygen canister.

13) Secure oxygen tanks in a proper stand.

If your loved one is using oxygen therapy, educate your family, and friends of the family about oxygen safety in the home. The more you know, the easier it is to prevent unnecessary accidents.

Oxygen therapy is beneficial to patients, but can be fatal if proper safety precautions are not taken into consideration. Storing oxygen tanks properly in the same room oxygen is mainly used can eliminate potential risks. In rooms where oxygen is stored, minimize furniture, electronics, and other obstacles.

Posting a “no drinks” rule at the entrance of rooms with oxygen in use can eliminate unnecessary accidents with spills. The more you know about oxygen safety, the better you can plan according to your personal situation.

Oxygen safety, and fire safety go hand-in-hand. Preparing emergency escape routes in the event a disaster would occur can eliminate safety hazards in the home where oxygen is in use.