• Do not allow smoking in an oxygen-enriched environment.not smoking sign.thank you for not smoking sign image by L. Shat from Fotolia.com
  
  Home oxygen equipment has become a modern convenience as well as a lifesaver. It allows patients with breathing problems to remain comfortably in their homes and lead relatively normal lives while maintaining their health care. Like various other medical devices, though, home oxygen equipment can be deadly when used improperly.
  
  

Smoking

• Smoking in an oxygen-rich environment is the number-one home oxygen equipment risk. If an oxygen patient has not stopped smoking prior to beginning oxygen treatment, recommend that he remove the oxygen mask and wait 10 minutes or more for oxygen levels to reduce. Even with that precaution, urge the patient to step outside to smoke. Do not let anyone else smoke around the patient either.
  
  

Combustion

• Most fires depend on oxygen in order to burn.fire image by Fotocie from Fotolia.com
  
  Oxygen itself is not flammable, although it does promote combustion quite effectively. Most fires require oxygen to burn. In an oxygen-enriched environment, textiles ignite quicker and burn easier and with more intensity than under ordinary circumstances. In fact, even materials that would not normally burn will do so in an enriched atmosphere. In the presence of elevated oxygen concentration, items such as petroleum-based products, lotions, aerosol cans and greases may self-ignite.
  
  

Cooking

• Keep oxygen away from open flames.two gas stoves image by Christopher Walker from Fotolia.com
  
  Sparks from various household items offer a source of ignition. Never use oxygen while cooking, using small appliances or near open flames such as wood-burning stoves and fireplaces. Always ensure smoke detectors in the home are in proper working order when oxygen equipment is present.
  
  

Skin Irritations

• Home oxygen equipment can cause skin irritations.oxygen rescue image by paul mitchell from Fotolia.com
  
  Wearing oxygen masks regularly may cause facial soreness, ulceration or emaciation. Nasal cannulae, the best method of delivering long-term oxygen, are unobtrusive and allow for easy conversation and eating. However, a cannula can lead to drying and crusting inside the nostrils. Metal connectors associated with home oxygen equipment sometimes lead to frostbite or burns.
  
  

Injuries

• Always store oxygen tanks in an upright position.oxygen cylinder image by JASON WINTER from Fotolia.com
  
  A falling oxygen tank is incredibly dangerous because it may break, releasing pressurized oxygen. This rapid escape of pressurized oxygen can cause the tank to fly violently through the air. Keep oxygen tanks in an upright cart or stable base out of direct sunlight and in a well-ventilated area.
  
  

Traveling

• Utilize seat belts for securing oxygen tanks.seat belt receptacle image by Albert Lozano from Fotolia.com
  
  Take extreme caution when traveling with oxygen equipment. Do not allow smoking inside the vehicle. Never place the oxygen inside a hot vehicle or stash tanks in the car trunk. Secure oxygen tanks to prevent rolling or banging inside the vehicle. Keep air moving through the vehicle to maintain a steady temperature. Upon arriving at your destination, remove all oxygen tanks from the vehicle immediately.