precautions while using oxygen therapy

Precautions while using Oxygen Therapy

safety tips for preventing accidents when using oxygen therapy.
41. Do not use an extension cord
Do not use an extension cord with an oxygen concentrator. Also, do not plug the concentrator into an outlet that has other appliances plugged into it. Turn off your oxygen concentrator and use a backup oxygen system if you have any of the following problems. Call the company that brought the oxygen system to your home to tell them of your problems.
42. Avoiding electrical shock
When using an oxygen concentrator, plug the power cord into a grounded electrical outlet. A grounded outlet has three holes, and can take a three pronged plug. Never alter a plug or use an adapter that allows you to plug a three pronged plug into a two hole outlet. This can ruin your electrical equipment, cause an electrical shock, and even cause a fire. Do not plug in your oxygen concentrator if the cord looks damaged. Call your oxygen supply company. Do not use an extension cord to plug in your oxygen concentrator. Do not plug the concentrator into an outlet that has other appliances plugged into it. Overloading an electrical outlet can cause a fire. Unplug the concentrator before cleaning the unit or the filter. Make sure your hands are dry before you plug the concentrator back in.Make sure your oxygen supply company services and inspects your oxygen concentrator regularly. It should be serviced every 9,000 hours of use.
43. Keep oxygen containers secured in an upright position
Oxygen containers should always be secured in a stand, holder, or to a fixed object. Containers can be damaged if they fall over. Oxygen in cylinders is stored under pressure. If the cylinder is damaged, it can become a missile and shoot off at a high rate of speed. This may cause serious injury. Aim the cylinder valve away from you and other people when opening or closing the valve. Always open or close the valve slowly.
44. Oxygen supply company
If an oxygen container is dropped or damaged in some way, do not use it. If you hear loud hissing from an oxygen cylinder after it is damaged, get away from it immediately. Let your oxygen supply company know about any cylinders that may be damaged.
45. Oxygen hissing
If you hear oxygen hissing or if the tank empties too fast, turn off all flames like candles. Remember to also turn off the pilot light on a stove. Open windows to help clear out any extra oxygen. Call the company that brought the oxygen system to your home right away.
46. Avoiding fires
Oxygen can cause fires. It is very important patients protect themselves, their family, and their house when using oxygen. Call your fire department and tell them that oxygen is being used in the house. Keep a working fire extinguisher within easy reach. Make sure you and your family knows how to use it. Do not smoke or go near sparks or flame while using oxygen. Keep sparks and flames away from tanks, oxygen machines, and tubing. If a fire starts, turn off the oxygen right away and leave the house. Keep the oxygen container away from heat and open flames, such as a gas stove. Keep the oxygen container upright. Turn off the oxygen system when it is not being used.
47. Do not put the oxygen tubing under clothing
Do not put the oxygen tubing under clothing, bed covers, furniture, or carpets Put signs on all the doors of your house to let visitors and emergency personnel know that oxygen is in use. No smoking signs should be posted as well. Do not use oil, lubricants, or anything greasy on or around your oxygen equipment. Do not use anything flammable while you are wearing your oxygen. This includes cleaning fluid, gasoline, paint thinner, aerosols, or alcohol containing sprays.
48. Do not use electric razors
Do not use electric razors, hair dryers, or any electrical appliance that has a motor while you are wearing your oxygen. Avoid using appliances with control boxes, such as heating pads, while wearing your oxygen. The control box may cause a spark.If a fire starts, turn off the oxygen right away and leave the house. Keep the oxygen container away from open flames, such as candles, fireplaces, gas stoves, or hot water heaters. Do not go within eight feet of an open flame while you are wearing your oxygen. Turn your oxygen container or concentrator off when you are not using your oxygen.
49. Watch for signs of oxygen leaking from the container
Watch for signs of oxygen leaking from the container. If you hear a loud hissing from your tank or if it empties too fast, stay away from the container. Open windows to help clear out any extra oxygen in the room. Call the company that brought the oxygen system to your home right away. Do not use an extension cord with an oxygen concentrator. Also, do not plug the concentrator into an outlet that has other appliances plugged into it. Turn off your oxygen concentrator and use a backup oxygen system if you have any of the following problems. Call the company that brought the oxygen system to your home to tell them of your problems.
50. Position Patient
Place the patient in the semi Fowlers position for ease of breathing. Do not store your oxygen in a trunk, box, or small closet. Storing your oxygen under the bed is OK if air can move freely under the bed. Keep liquids that may catch fire away from your oxygen. This includes cleaning products that contain oil, grease, alcohol, or other liquids that can burn.