- Place a “NO SMOKING OR VAPING” sign on the doors leading into your home. The equipment company that brings the oxygen equipment can provide these signs.
- If anyone is going to smoke, use open flames (such as a gas grill, candles, or stove), or use an electronic smoking device, you must do these things first:
- Remove the oxygen mask or tubing from the patient’s face.
- Turn off the oxygen machine or tank completely.
- Wait 30 minutes before smoking, utilizing an open flame, or using an electronic smoking device indoors. Oxygen may remain in or on the body and clothing and can cause a fire even if the oxygen equipment has been turned off.
- Avoid petroleum-based products. Use only water-based products for skin care. This includes lip balm, face and body lotion and hair products.
- Keep tubing as short as possible to increase the amount of oxygen the patient receives.
- Do not use aerosol sprays near oxygen equipment.
- Do not lubricate or clean equipment with oil, grease, or chemical products.
- Place the oxygen machine (concentrator) on a carpet, rug, or some type of thick pad to reduce the noise.
- Handle oxygen tanks carefully and store them in an upright position in the cart or holder supplied. Oxygen tanks have very high pressure and can become dangerous if dropped.
- Store oxygen tanks in a well-ventilated area and do NOT store tanks in a closet.
- Do not store or use oxygen within 10 feet of an open flame. Open flames and potential fire sources include such items as candles, stoves, matches, cigarettes, heaters, cooking devices and fireplaces.
- Be sure you have a working smoke detector, a working fire extinguisher, and a plan of escape in case of fire.
- Make sure that your guests and visitors are aware you have oxygen and follow all of the above safety rules.
Call Your Care Team if:
• The oxygen equipment does not seem to be working correctly.
• The patient is short of breath and is not improving.
• The patient has nose or ear irritation that sometimes can be caused by the oxygen or the mask or tubing.
