Oxygen cylinders: what precautions apply to creams and heat sources?

If you use prescribed medicinal oxygen at home, have the cylinder instructions explained and show your care products to the professional organising treatment. The cited guidance comes from the French leaflets for OXYGENE MEDICINAL AIR LIQUIDE SANTE FRANCE 200 bar and OXYGENE MEDICINAL SOL FRANCE 200 bar, inhalation gas in cylinders.

Oxygen is an oxidising agent: it promotes and accelerates combustion. The leaflets describe a risk of ignition of combustible materials, including oils, grease and clothing. The presence of oxygen therefore makes precautions about the surroundings and products that may come into contact with it important.

The AIR LIQUIDE leaflet says not to smoke or use an electronic cigarette throughout treatment. It also excludes flames and glowing materials in the room where oxygen is used. The SOL leaflet says not to smoke near the patient or cylinder and to avoid heat or equipment that generates sparks.

Do not apply greasy substances to surfaces in contact with oxygen. The AIR LIQUIDE leaflet strongly advises water-based products for the hands, face or inside the nose. The SOL leaflet prohibits greasing or lubricating the equipment, nasal cannulae and mask; have the care products being used checked.

Other household products matter too. The SOL leaflet prohibits pressurised aerosols and solvents on or near the equipment and requires ventilation of the place of use, including at home. The AIR LIQUIDE leaflet says not to use toasters, hairdryers or similar appliances during treatment.

Have the equipment explained by the professional responsible for treatment: the leaflets require trained staff and reading the exact labels and instructions. If the integrated pressure regulator is faulty, the SOL leaflet says not to use that cylinder, not to attempt a repair, and to return it to the manufacturer while reporting the defect. Contact the professional responsible for your oxygen therapy to clarify what happens next.