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How to Use an Oxygen Cylinder at Home Safely
N.B.: This guide is prepared by a professional oxygen therapy expert.
You should know how to correctly handle and use a medical oxygen cylinder to provide safe respiratory therapy at home. But how to use an oxygen cylinder? Is it very tough to do?
No, it’s not complex to use an oxygen cylinder at home safely if you have the right knowledge and follow proper safety precautions. You can do it easily at your convenience with very little stress.
First, place the cylinder correctly in a suitable and safe place. Keep it away from heat or ignition sources. Set it as prescribed by your doctor. Inspect the regulator, flow meter, and tubing at regular intervals to ensure correct and safe oxygen flow. Close the therapy neatly when completed.
If you’re new to oxygen therapy, continue exploring. Learn everything in detail about how to set oxygen cylinder at home, how to use an oxygen cylinder at home, oxygen tank safety precautions, and more!
First, Understand the Fire Triangle
Before knowing how to use an oxygen cylinder in your home, first understand the “fire triangle,” which consists of 3 things that make up fire:
- Fuel, anything you can burn
- Ignition source, such as heat or spark
- Oxygen that supports combustion
You know that oxygen is not flammable. However, it supports combustion and helps other materials burn. Many things catch fire more easily and burn more fiercely in a higher oxygen environment. Thus, even a small spark can be dangerous near a cylinder.
That’s why you must be careful and keep smoking, candles, open flames, or other ignition sources far away from your oxygen cylinder.
What to Do Before Using an Oxygen Cylinder?
Here’s a complete checklist of what you should do and how to prepare an oxygen cylinder before setting up and using an oxygen tank at home:
- First, verify the cylinder label to comply with your doctor’s prescription.
- Next, ensure the oxygen cylinder is undamaged. Inspect the regulator, flowmeter, and connections for any damage or leaks.
- Check the cylinder pressure and oxygen level from the pressure gauge. If the reading is low, arrange for a refill before starting therapy. Prepare in advance to avoid stressful situations where oxygen might run out suddenly.
- Choose a reliable medical equipment supplier that provides oxygen cylinder home delivery and oxygen cylinder refill services near you.
- Confirm proper ventilation in the room.
- Place the oxygen cylinder upright in a secure spot. Don’t wobble or lean against anything that could cause it to fall.
- Keep the cylinder away from direct sunlight and heat sources, such as open flames, sparks, etc.
- Make sure the oxygen mask or nasal cannula is clean and dry.
- Wash your hands thoroughly before touching any part of the cylinder to prevent grease, dirt, or germs from the cylinder. It keeps the cylinder safe and hygienic and ensures your patient’s safety.
- Have a note of all the manufacturer’s and doctor’s safety instructions.
Now, you have to set up the cylinder correctly to use it safely. Though setting up an oxygen cylinder at home would be a bit difficult for you at first, it should be easy over time.
How to Set Oxygen Cylinder at Home in 9 Simple Steps
Set up your oxygen cylinder easily by following the simple steps below:
Step 1: Check the Oxygen Level
First, check the pressure gauge before you attach the regulator. Note that a full oxygen cylinder will usually read about 2,000 PSI (pounds per square inch). If it is red, schedule a refill immediately. Avoid sudden depletion and maintain the continuity of oxygen therapy.
Note: Mark the “low” levels on the gauge so you can notice at a glance when it needs refilling.
Step 2. Choose a Safe, Convenient Location
Now, choose a safe and well-ventilated room with enough space for movement. Select the most suitable place where you prefer to provide the therapy. Never place the cylinder near stoves, heaters, candles, smoke, under direct sunlight, or other heat sources. Do not choose corners or near curtains.
Note: If possible, establish a dedicated “oxygen corner” at your home to make oxygen therapy more organized and safe. Here, you can lock up the tank safely and display emergency numbers that everyone can see.
Step 3: Place the Cylinder in the Right Position
Place the cylinder in an upright position and make it sturdy with a stand or wall strap. A drop can lead to any damage or a safety issue. Also, ensure that pets or children cannot accidentally push it over.
Step 4: Attach the Regulator Carefully
Now attach the regulator tightly to the cylinder by hand, but do not over-tighten. Make sure the connection is not loose to prevent leaking and allow oxygen to flow freely.
Note: Don’t use equipment that could strip or harm threads or seals.
Step 5: Connect the Oxygen Tubing and Nasal Cannula
Connect the oxygen tubing along with the nasal cannula or oxygen mask to the flowmeter outlet carefully.
Step 6. Do a Neat Oxygen Tubing
Plan an oxygen tubing path, avoiding walkways and doorways. Do it neatly, as it can be long and may cause tripping. Run the tubing along the walls or furniture edges. Secure it with clips or tapes, so it is held taut, neat, and out of the way.
Note: Coil extra tubing neatly, but do not bend or twist the tube.
Step 7: Adjust the Correct Flow Rate
Set the flow rate as prescribed by your doctor. Turn the flow dial to the number your doctor has prescribed. Never adjust the rate yourself randomly. Glance at it from time to time to make sure the setting wasn’t changed.
Note: Label the cylinder with the start date and the prescribed flow rate. This will help everyone in your home to prevent accidental changes to the settings and use it safely.
Step 8. Open the Cylinder Valve
Open the cylinder valve slowly and completely. Do not force the valve. Forcing it can break the regulator, cause a sudden burst of pressure, or create a fire hazard. So, open it slowly to keep everything safe. You’ll hear a slight hiss as oxygen starts flowing.
Note: Do not use any form of lubricant on the cylinder, valve, or regulator.
Step 9: Test and Organize the Setup
Once oxygen is flowing, place the nasal cannula or mask over your face and take a couple of breaths to ensure the setup is working correctly and the flow of oxygen is constant. Close the valve after the test is done.
To organize the setup and have a smooth experience:
- Keep a glass of water, tissues, or personal items nearby.
- Note emergency telephone numbers for emergencies.
- Have a backup cylinder ready.
Once you have finished the oxygen cylinder setup, you can start the actual therapy on your patient. But you should follow some safe habits and simple routines to use an oxygen cylinder at home safely.
How to Use an Oxygen Cylinder at Home in 7 Easy Steps
If you wonder how to use oxygen cylinder at home safely, execute the following simple practices to keep your patient and family safe:
Step 1: Prepare the Patient
Help your patient sit in the right and comfortable position. Clean nose and mouth. Fit the nasal cannula, or place the mask over the patient’s nose and mouth properly and comfortably.
Step 2: Start the Therapy
Confirm that the flow meter rate is set to the doctor’s prescribed value. Slowly open the cylinder valve to let the patient start taking oxygen.
Step 3. Inspect the Patient and Therapy
Inspect that the patient is breathing and taking oxygen properly. Check the patient’s comfort and oxygen level. Do further adjustments, if required, as per the doctor’s prescription.
Step 4. Check the Oxygen Level
During use, keep an eye on the pressure gauge. Arrange to refill the cylinder before the reading drops too low.
Step 5: Close the Therapy Neatly
When the therapy is done, close the valve, remove the mask or nasal cannula. Inspect carefully to ensure the valve is completely closed and no oxygen is leaking.
Step 6: Clean the Cylinder and Accessories
Clean the oxygen cylinder and accessories. Then clean the mask or nasal cannula thoroughly to keep them safe for next use.
Step 7: Store the Cylinder and Accessories
Store the oxygen cylinder and accessories in clean and well-ventilated places. Better you dedicate a corner of your home to store the cylinder. Store the mask or nasal cannula in a hygienic place.
Note: If the patient needs oxygen daily, switch to an oxygen concentrator as a smarter solution. It will give you medical-grade oxygen 24 hours a day and free you from refill worries. Hence, it would be the best solution for your continuous oxygen needs.
What Are the Safety Precautions for Using an Oxygen Tank at Home?
Oxygen therapy at home is safe if you follow the oxygen tank safety precautions explicitly. Check the table below that shows the key precautions for using an oxygen cylinder at home:
|
Category |
Precautions |
|---|---|
|
Fire Safety |
|
|
Product Safety |
|
|
Cylinder Handling |
|
|
Cylinder Placement and Storage |
|
|
Backup and Emergency |
|
|
Cylinder Refill |
|
How to Maintain and Store an Oxygen Cylinder?
Follow the instructions below to ensure proper maintenance and storage to extend the life of your cylinder and keep it safe:
- Keep the cylinder ready to ensure that your patient never runs out of oxygen unexpectedly. To maintain it, check the pressure gauge regularly and arrange refills before the cylinder is empty.
- Clean the mask or nasal cannula after every use with mild soap and water to prevent bacteria from growing. Wipe down the regulator and flowmeter with a dry cloth to keep dust away.
- Always store cylinders upright in a well-ventilated area. Avoid damp, dusty, or very hot places. If possible, dedicate a corner of your home to oxygen storage.
- Don’t cover the cylinder with a blanket or a fabric. An oxygen cylinder requires open air to remain cool and safe. Covering it can trap heat and cause risks.
Why Proper Safety Matters when Using an Oxygen Cylinder?
Proper safety measures and precautions matter. If you don’t know how to use an oxygen cylinder safely, improper use can put you at risk in several ways:
- First, an incorrect oxygen flow rate will not meet your patient’s oxygen needs.
- Too low or too much oxygen can harm your patient and lead to hypoxia or hyperoxia.
- Poorly closed valves or damaged regulators can waste oxygen and create hazardous oxygen-rich environments.
- If you handle an oxygen cylinder carelessly, it can also lead to accidents, such as a fire hazard.
- If you drop it or expose it to heat, it may even explode.
- Improper storage can weaken or damage the cylinder.
These are the key reasons why you must ensure proper safety. Hence, you can ensure your patients get the right oxygen support and people around the therapy spot remain safe.
Final Note on Using an Oxygen Tank at Home
For you or your patients with breathing difficulties, a medical oxygen cylinder can be a lifeline. But if you handle and use it incorrectly, it will bring no benefit, and the situation can worsen. That’s why we have shared this helpful guide on how to use an oxygen cylinder at home.
Don’t overlook the safety measures and precautions. Take good preparation, follow a routine, and go the right way to handle and use an oxygen cylinder safely at home. Consider precautions as safety, not hassle. Treat everything with care for better breathing and a healthier life!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is It Safe to Use an Oxygen Cylinder at Home?
Yes, it is safe to use an oxygen cylinder at home if you handle it correctly. Place it upright, away from heat sources, ensure proper ventilation, and follow the doctor’s instructions when in use. Store in a clean and safe place, and follow the manufacturer’s safety guidelines.
What Not to Do When Using an Oxygen Cylinder at Home?
Don’t smoke, don’t make fire or open flames, and don’t keep an oxygen cylinder near heat sources. Avoid flammable sprays or petroleum. Don’t tamper with equipment. Don’t store oxygen cylinders improperly or near heat sources.
Can I Refill an Oxygen Cylinder Myself at Home?
No, you should not. Don’t attempt to refill your oxygen cylinder at home. It could be unsafe and damage your cylinder. Refill it only by an authorized oxygen refiller. Contact your supplier or other professional refillers for safe oxygen refill services.
Is It Safe to Sleep while Using an Oxygen Cylinder?
Yes, it is safe to sleep while using an oxygen tank if your doctor has prescribed it. Set the flow rate correctly, fit the mask or cannula properly, and secure the cylinder before sleeping.
How to Handle an Oxygen Cylinder in an Emergency?
Stay calm and close the valve immediately in an emergency with an oxygen cylinder. Relocate the cylinder to a safe place, away from heat sources. Immediately call your provider or other services near you for emergency help.