Oxygen Safety

Tips for use include:

• Keep oxygen equipment and oxygen tubing at least 10 feet away from any open flame.
• Keep equipment and tubing away from all flammable materials such as oil, grease, Vaseline and aerosol sprays.
• Do not permit smoking in the same room as your oxygen equipment.
• Do not use an extension cord with the concentrator.
• Keep the concentrator at least one foot away from drapes, bedspreads, walls or any other items that might block the inlet areas.

Oxygen Concentrator Instructions for Use:

• Plug the unit into a grounded electrical outlet.
• Attach your tubing and nose piece to the concentrator.   Locate the oxygen outlet port in the front of the unit.  Attach one end of the tubing to the port.
• Attach the other end of the tubing to the nose piece.
• Turn on the concentrator by pushing the lighted on/off switch to the “ON” position.
• To set the liter flow, turn the flow meter knob.  Turning the knob clockwise will decrease the flow, while turning counterclockwise will increase the flow.  The knob should be turned until the ball in the flow meter is centered on the line next to the number of your prescribed flow rate.

Note: Your liter flow has been set by the technician upon initial delivery.  The liter flow should not be changed unless authorized by hospice.

Cleaning the Unit:

• The outside of the unit may be wiped clean with a damp cloth.
• Keep the unit as dust free as possible.
• Remove and clean the filter as explained by the equipment company.

Using Your Backup System:

• If you experience a power outage, or the concentrator stops working, use the back-up tank.
• Attach your tubing and nosepiece to the back-up tank regulator outlet.
• Turn the back-up tank knob counterclockwise to turn the tank on. The back-up tank knob is located on top of the tank.
• Locate the flow meter knob on the back of the regulator. This is a small black knob.
• Turn the flow meter knob to adjust your liter flow, if it is not adjusted properly.
• Ordering Oxygen

If you use portable oxygen and need to order an additional tank:

• Call your hospice nurse at least 24 hours in advance to place an order.
• Check your supply of portable oxygen before the weekend to ensure you have enough.
• If you are having trouble with your equipment, call Bright Horizon Hospice.
• Oxygen Usage and Handling Guidelines For Patients and Caregivers
• Oxygen by itself is not flammable or explosive; however, it does violently accelerate the combustion of any flammable or explosive materials.  A normally non-flammable material may become flammable in an oxygen-enriched environment.  Extreme caution should be displayed when storing or using oxygen in either its gaseous or liquid form.  Please read the following guidelines carefully:

Oxygen usage basics:

• In the case of fire, close all open oxygen vessels and evacuate the area.
• Compressed oxygen should not be used to power pneumatic tools.
• Avoid using oxygen in a tightly confined area.
• Never carry or store an oxygen vessel in a tightly closed space like a car trunk or closet.
• Do not lay the oxygen cannula or mask on any flammable material with the oxygen flowing when not in use.  For example, laying the cannula with oxygen flowing on the bed covers will result in the saturation of the cover with oxygen.  This could result in dangerous fire if the bed covers were to become ignited.
• Avoid using oxygen in an area with open flames.
• Do not allow oxygen to touch Vaseline, petroleum jelly, oil or grease.  Fire may result.
• Keep tanks away from any source of heat or electrical cords and appliances.
• Do not store flammable gasses or liquids in the same room as oxygen.
• Do not attempt to dispose of unused oxygen.  All vessels must be returned to the equipment rental company.
• Do not attempt to repair or alter any oxygen vessel.  Call hospice or the supplier.
• DO NOT use oxygen with any petroleum products such as Vaseline, oil or grease. Fire will result.