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Using Oxygen Safely

Using prescribed oxygen can help prevent shortness of breath, improve sleep, help you be more active, and can increase your mental alertness. You must follow important safety rules when using your oxygen unit. This will reduce the chances of fire and other hazards. Remember these do's and don'ts:

Oxygen do’s

These include:

  • Do keep flame sources at least 1.5 metres (5 feet) away from where your oxygen unit is used or stored. Open flames should be kept at least 3 metres (10 feet) away. This includes cigarettes, matches, candles, fireplaces, gas burners, and pipes. It also includes anything else that could start a fire. Never smoke or use an open flame when wearing oxygen.
  • Do keep the oxygen unit at least 1.5 metres (5 feet) away from heat sources. This includes electric or gas space heaters. It also includes steam pipes, furnaces, and radiators.
  • Do ask the oxygen unit supplier if you should keep the oxygen unit away from other appliances. You may need to keep it away from TVs and radios.
  • Do turn off the oxygen unit fully when it's not in use.
  • Do have a fire extinguisher nearby. Make sure you and others in your home know how to use it.
  • Do be careful not to trip over the oxygen tubing.

Oxygen don'ts

These include:

  • Don't smoke. Don't let others smoke near you. Post a No Smoking sign in your home.
  • Don't use aerosol sprays near the oxygen unit. This includes air fresheners and hairspray. Aerosol sprays are very flammable.
  • Don't use vapour rubs, petroleum jelly, or oil-based hand lotion. These are flammable. Use water-based products instead.
  • Don't use oxygen while cooking with gas. Ask the oxygen unit supplier about other types of cooking.
  • Don't oil the oxygen unit. And don't use it with oily or greasy hands.
  • Don't place a liquid oxygen unit on its side. The oxygen inside can evaporate. Oxygen should always be stored upright in a secured device.
  • Don't touch the oxygen unit with wet hands from using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. When using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, rub all of the liquid into your skin. Your hands must be fully dry before touching the oxygen unit.

Where can you learn more?

Go to https://www.healthwise.net/patientEd

Enter J112 in the search box to learn more about "Using Oxygen Safely".

Adaptation Date: 04/22/2026

Adapted By: Alberta Health Services

Adaptation Reviewed By: Alberta Health Services

Adapted with permission from copyrighted materials from Ignite Healthwise, LLC (Healthwise). This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty and is not responsible or liable for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.

Adapted with permission from copyrighted materials from Ignite Healthwise, LLC (Healthwise). This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty and is not responsible or liable for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.

To learn more about Ignite Healthwise, LLC, visit webmdignite.com.

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