Use Oxygen Safely

1. Do not smoke or allow others to smoke near you.

2. Stay at least 10 feet away from open flames or other heat and ignition sources.

3. Do not use flammable products, such as aerosol sprays, paint thinners, gasoline, or oil-based lubricants, while using oxygen.

4. Store cylinders in well-ventilated areas. Do not store cylinders in your car, and always open your car windows when traveling with a cylinder. Dot not keep a cylinder under bed linens, behind curtains, in closets, or under clothes – if these items become oxygen-enriched, a spark could cause a fire.

5. Do not use oil-based or petroleum-based cosmetics, lotions, or lip balms. These products can react with oxygen and cause a fire resulting in serious personal injury or death! However, it is safe to use water-based products.

6. Do not change your flow rate without your physician’s authorization.

7. Secure your cylinder so that it cannot be knocked over.

8. Keep a fire extinguisher in your home, and notify the fire department that you store oxygen at your home.

9. Place a sign (provided by your supplier) on the door on your house or in a highly visible window to alert fire department personnel that oxygen is stored and used in your home.

10. Never use your medical oxygen cylinder for applications other than medical oxygen.

11. Contact your service provider when planning a trip. They can supply information on providing and replenishing your oxygen supply during the trip.

12. Call ahead and ask airlines and other transportation services how medical oxygen can be supplied or transported during a trip.

13. To avoid accidents, ask visitors to be careful around tubing, and inform them about cylinder safety rules.

14. Keep your children and pets away from your oxygen equipment at all times.