Oxygen Safety Information

Using oxygen safely

Oxygen can make things burn quickly, so it’s very important when using it that you observe these general safety precautions.

Do

• Use the oxygen only as prescribed by your doctor
• Have smoke alarms in your house
• Secure cylinders to prevent them falling over
• Turn off oxygen equipment when not in use
• Clean the equipment regularly
• Place a ‘No Smoking/Vaping’ sign where you use the oxygen equipment
• Keep grease, creams, oil products, flammable and combustible materials away from oxygen equipment
• Ensure that oxygen equipment is used and stored in well ventilated areas and away from humid or wet environments

Do not

• Smoke/Vape or let others smoke/vape in your home or near your oxygen equipment
• Use oxygen equipment near electrical equipment that gets hot or sparks
• Use oxygen equipment near matches, candles, gas appliances, open flames or fires
• Allow others to operate the oxygen equipment without training
• Tamper with or attempt to repair your oxygen equipment yourself
• Transport unsecured cylinders in a vehicle
• For further information consult your oxygen equipment user guide.
• Planning for a power failure
• Our primary concern is for your safety.
• You may be at risk during an emergency or power failure if your oxygen concentrator cannot be used.
• By developing an emergency plan, you’ll be better prepared to cope with the experience. It is important to stay as calm as possible.
• Use this checklist to help you prepare: 
• Advise your electricity provider that you are dependent on electricity to supply your oxygen equipment
• Check your emergency backup cylinder weekly
• Have torches with spare batteries
• Do not light a candle
• Have a radio with spare batteries
• Have a telephone or arrange alternative assistance
• Have a contact list for family, friends, carers, doctors, emergency services and Air Liquide Healthcare
• Review your plan twice a year and keep it handy

Air Liquide Healthcare has prepared a simple emergency plan form you can download here.