Clients on home oxygen — safety rules

Absolutely no smoking, open flames, or oil-based products near oxygen. Never change the flow rate yourself — that is a medical order. Keep tubing untangled and report equipment problems or breathing changes right away.

1. 1Fire safety: no smoking anywhere near oxygen (post the sign), no candles or gas stoves in use while wearing it, keep tanks at least 5–10 feet from heat sources.
2. 2No petroleum products (Vaseline, oil-based lotion) on the face or nose — use water-based products.
3. 3Never adjust the liter flow — the rate is prescribed like a medication. If the client asks you to change it, call the nurse.
4. 4Keep tubing kink-free and watch it as a trip hazard; check that the concentrator has space around it and its alarm is not blocked.
5. 5Watch and report: increased shortness of breath, blue lips or fingertips, sore spots from the tubing behind the ears or in the nose, equipment alarms.
6. 6Trouble breathing that doesn't improve with the prescribed oxygen: call 911.