Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, is one of the most severe types of lung diseases. It frequently causes breathing problems in those who suffer from it, since it can block airflow in the lungs. Supplemental oxygen from a supplier like Home Medix Inc is often needed as a treatment for the disease, particularly when it advances. However, you should be very careful when using oxygen as a treatment. Here are some fire safety tips to keep in mind when dealing with oxygen cylinders.
Never Smoke Near the Oxygen
While the gas used in supplemental oxygen is non-flammable, it still supports combustion. It is best to not smoke anywhere near oxygen when it is in use, or when it is being stored. If you smoke near the oxygen, you risk burn injuries or even death. Also be aware of others who may be smoking near you when you are using your oxygen. If you have had difficulty quitting smoking, just be sure to smoke outside while the oxygen tank is turned off and inside your home.
Avoid Petroleum-Based Products
It is important that you keep all flammable mixtures and materials away from your oxygen, which includes petroleum. As a highly flammable mixture of hydrocarbons, petroleum-based products like lotions and creams can increase your risk of fire or combustion. There are many creams that actually contain a small amount of petroleum, so make sure you are aware of the ingredients in your personal care products before using them. Look for lotions and creams that are water-based.
Store Cylinders Safely
When you are storing your oxygen cylinders, be careful where you choose to store them. They should never be placed near any type of heat source, such as in the kitchen near the stove or oven, in the living room near a fireplace or heating vent, or near a portable heater in your bedroom. Choose a safe and secure location where no combustible or flammable materials are not going to be nearby. There are oxygen storage carts that provide safe storage for your oxygen.
Turn the Oxygen Off
The only time your oxygen should be turned on is when it is being used. Any time you set it aside, even for a few minutes, you should turn it off. This will be one of the best ways to remain safe when you have oxygen in the home. It will reduce the risk of fire and combustion with the oxygen tank turned off, as well as saving you money by not wasting oxygen if you are not using it.
Share25 February 2015
When my mother fell at home and broke her hip, we all thought that we were going to have no choice to put her in a nursing home when she got out of the hospital. My mother had always asked us kids to avoid putting her in any kind of home, but we didn’t know what else we could do. None of us were capable of giving her the kind of rehabilitation and care that she needed. Then her doctor suggested that we find out if her insurance covered in-home care. I didn’t even know that that was an option. I was pleased to discover that in-home care was covered by her plan. Now she gets great care from nurses and nurse assistants that come right to her in her home, where she wants to be. It’s a great option, and I’m so glad we have it.
