When oxygen concentrator is used in homes, safety must be always remembered. Many peoples forgets important rules what can leads to dangerous situations. Here is tips for keep you safe while using you oxygen machine.
The importance of oxygen safety cannot be overstatements. Many fires and injuries happens every year because peoples is not following basic safety rules with their oxygen equipments. Even small mistakes can leads to big disasters when dealing with medical oxygen in home settings. That’s why we is putting together this complete guide with all the things you needs to know about safe operation of you oxygen concentrator machine. From proper placement to emergency preparations, we will covers everything what is essential for maintaining safe environment while getting the oxygen therapy you needs.
1. No Smoking or Fires Nearby
Oxygen makes fires starts easier and burns faster. Smoking should never be doed near oxygen machine. Lighters and matches must be kept far away. Cooking with gas stoves while using oxygen is not recommendated. Candles should not be lighted in same room where oxygen is being used.
2. Keep Machine in Open Space
The concentrator needs good air flow around it. It should not be placed in small closet or behind furniture. At least 1 foot space is needed on all sides of machine. This helps stops machine from getting too hotted.
3. Check Tubes Regular
Oxygen tubes can gets cracks or kinks over time. Every day, tubes should be looked at for damages. If tube is see to have holes or is very hard to bend, it needs to be changed. Tubes should not be stepped on or crushed under heavy things.
4. Use Right Settings
The oxygen flow number what doctor said must be followed exact. Numbers on machine should not be changed without talking to doctor first. Too much oxygen can be bad as too little oxygen. If breathing feels different, doctor should be called right way.
5. Have Backup Plan
When electricity goes off, most oxygen machines stops working. Backup oxygen tanks should be kept in home for emergencies. Phone numbers for oxygen company and electric company should be written down where easy to find. Battery powered concentrators can helps when power is outed.
6. Keep Away From Water
Oxygen machines and water does not mixes good. Machine should not be placed in bathroom or near sinks. If cleaning machine, it should be unplugged first. Hands should be dried complete before touching oxygen controls.
7. Don’t Use Oil Products
Petroleum jelly or oil-based creams should not be used on face or nose when using oxygen. These can catches fire easy with oxygen near. Only water-based products should be used for dry nose or lips.
8. Watch for Warning Signs
If machine makes strange noises or smells funny, it should be turned off right away. Warning lights on machine should never be ignored. If feeling dizzy or headache when using oxygen, doctor needs to be told about this.
9. Store Extra Supplies
Extra nasal cannulas, filters and tubes should be kept in home. These parts needs to be changed often. Having extras means not running out when stores is closed.
10. Teach Family Members
Everyone in home should know basic safety rules. They should know where emergency shut-off is. They should know what to do if power goes out. Fire escape plan should be practiced with whole family.
Final Thoughts
Oxygen concentrators helps many peoples breathe better, but safety must comes first. By following these simple rules, accidents can be avoided. Always listen to what doctor says about using oxygen. When in doubt, ask oxygen company for help.