Oxygen Safety in the Hospital - Patient Education Home

Oxygen Safety In The
Hospital
General information:
Everyone needs oxygen to live. Your doctor has ordered extra oxygen for you
because your body needs it to function properly. Your health problem has
prevented your body from getting enough oxygen from the air.
In some situations, you may tolerate having the oxygen removed so you can walk
to the sink to use an electric razor, hair dryer or curling iron. Your health
professional will decide if this is possible.
Oxygen safety is a concern because oxygen supports combustion. Oxygen itself
does not burn, but it can feed a spark and cause it to become a large fire in
seconds.
Oxygen is an important part of your treatment. The use of oxygen and the amount
of oxygen you receive is ordered by the doctor. It is discontinued by the doctor,
just as other treatments are discontinued when they are no longer necessary.
Safety rules:
It is important for you and your visitors to understand safety precautions to take
when oxygen is in use. Your respiratory therapist and your nurse will check your
oxygen regularly to make sure it is working properly and that safety rules are
followed.
C No Smoking
Although The Ohio State University Medical Center is a
smoke-free area, people do break rules. Do not allow anyone to
smoke or light matches or lighters in the room where oxygen is
being used.
C Electrical Equipment
Do not use any electrical equipment within one foot where the oxygen
flows to your face or breathing tube. For example, if you are receiving oxygen
by nasal cannula or face mask, the area around your face has a lot of oxygen
and a spark from equipment could cause a fire.
It is not safe to use:
C Any equipment that involves a motor such as electric razors and hair dryers
C Curling irons
C Heating pads

It is safe to:
C Change radio and TV stations
C Use wireless remote controls for VCR's or TV's
C Use the telephone
C Use nurse call button if it is one foot away from the
oxygen flow
C Use bed control if it is one foot away from the oxygen flow
Other safety issues:
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C Do not use petroleum based products, such as Vaseline, Chapstick® or
Blistex® on your lips and nose. Mixtures of oil or petroleum and oxygen can
cause a fire. Surgilube® or other water based products can be used.
C Never change the settings on the oxygen or turn it off or on. Do not adjust the
equipment in any way. If you are having a problem with your oxygen, call
your nurse.
C Do not wear nylon or wool gowns, pajamas or robes because they are more
likely to cause static electricity.
What I need to know when I use oxygen:
C Oxygen is an odorless, colorless gas. If you notice an odor, it is most likely
from the tubing or mask and it is harmless.
C Most people feel more comfortable while using oxygen because they can
breathe easier. You may feel some dryness in your nose and throat. If your
nose becomes dry while getting oxygen, tell your nurse or respiratory
therapist. Often a humidifier (water bottle) will help the feeling of dryness.
C If the head strap that keeps the oxygen on makes the top of your ears sore, tell
your nurse or respiratory therapist. Gauze or foam pads can be wrapped
around the straps to pad them.
C Ask your nurse for help when you need to use the restroom.
C If you want to walk in the hall, your nurse or respiratory therapist will get a
portable tank of oxygen for you to use.
If you would like more written information, please call the Library for Health Information
at (614)293-3707. You can also make the request by e-mail: health-info@osu.edu.
© Copyright, (10/2006)
Department of Respiratory Therapy
The Ohio State University Medical Center
< Upon request all patient education handouts are available in other formats for people with special
hearing, vision and language needs, call (614) 293-3191.