Do's & Don'ts ... Tips On How To Use Your Oxygen Safely
Don’t ever change the flow of oxygen unless directed by your physician or a DASCO Associate.
Don’t use alcohol or other sedating drugs because they will slow your breathing rate
Don’t wait until the last minute to order oxygen tanks … Do call 800-892-4044 at least 48 hours in advance to re-order.
Don’t use oil based products like petroleum jelly on your lips and nostrils… Do use water based lubricants.
Don’t permit open flames or smoking in the same room as oxygen equipment … Do post “no smoking” signs in your home.
Don’t use electrical equipment or other equipment that may cause a spark within 5 feet of oxygen equipment.
Don’t use anything flammable around oxygen equipment (e.g., cleaning fluid, paint thinner, extension cords, aerosol sprays, alcohol-based products, products containing ether) … Do keep a smoke detector and fire extinguisher in your home.
Don’t use oil or grease on or around oxygen equipment. Don’t touch oxygen equipment if your hands contain oil or grease.
Don’t allow tubing to be covered, kinked, or hidden.
Don’t cut or splice the tubing nor should you use more than 50 feet of tubing with your cannula.
Don’t leave oxygen on when not in use.
Don’t store oxygen in a confined area (e.g., closet or trunk).
Don’t have any untrained person handle, adjust, repair, replace any part of the oxygen equipment … Do call 800-892-4044 for any adjustments.
Don’t place oxygen equipment near any heat source.
Don’t leave oxygen cylinders (full or empty) unsecured … Do keep them in a cart, stand, belted, roped, or chained or lying down. Handle them with care.
Do contact your electric company and fire department to let them know you have oxygen equipment in your home.
Do have an emergency evacuation plan ready and keep emergency phone numbers readily available.
Don’t place your concentrator against a wall, curtains or other objects that could occlude the filter or prevent air from circulating around it.
