Home Medical Equipment and Oxygen Safety
Documentation on using your HME and oxygen equipment safely.
Written by Zac
Updated at April 5th, 2023
- Use the amount of liter flow ordered by your doctor.
- Do not have open flames or burning tobacco in a room where oxygen is being used or stored.
- Post ‘No Smoking’ signs in your home.
- When you go to a restaurant with your oxygen source, sit in a section away from any open flame such as candles, warming burners, and fireplaces.
- Keep oxygen cylinders a minimum of 8 feet from heaters, heat producing and electrical appliances. Do not go near a stove while oxygen is on.
- Do not store oxygen containers near stoves, radiators, heat ducts, steam pipes or other sources of heat.
- Store oxygen cylinders in a secure stand or lying flat on the floor in a traffic-free area.
- Do not use oily or petroleum-based lotions, face creams or hair dressings while wearing oxygen.
- Use only water-based lubricants on your lips and hands. Never apply oily products such as Vaseline®, Blistex® or ChapStick® to your nose, lips or the lower part of your face.
- Never attempt to repair oxygen equipment yourself.
- Contact our agency if you plan to travel with your oxygen unit.
- Keep cylinders in a well-ventilated area, not in a closet or under a bed.