This article provides sequential instructions for the safe operation of home or portable medical oxygen tanks, which are typically high-pressure compressed gas cylinders. Learning the proper technique for turning the tank on and off is an important aspect of supplemental oxygen therapy. Always follow the specific instructions and safety guidelines provided by your medical equipment supplier and physician for the exact device you are using.
Essential Safety Precautions
Oxygen is a powerful oxidizer that vigorously supports combustion, causing materials to ignite easily and burn much faster than in normal air. Oxygen equipment must be kept at least five feet away from any heat source, open flames, or anything that can produce sparks. This includes smoking materials, stoves, heaters, and electrical devices.
Never use oil, grease, petroleum-based products like lotions or gels, or any flammable solvent on or near the oxygen tank, its valves, or the regulator. These substances can react violently with high-pressure oxygen, potentially causing a fire or explosion. Always ensure your hands are clean and free of these materials before handling any part of the system.
The oxygen cylinder should always be secured, either by placing it in an approved cart or stand, or by laying it flat, to prevent it from falling over. An unsecured, falling cylinder can suffer damage to its valve, which could cause a sudden, dangerous release of high-pressure gas. Furthermore, a well-ventilated area is necessary for storage and use to prevent any potential buildup of oxygen concentration.
Preparing the Tank and Regulator
Before activating the flow, ensure the tank is secured in its carrier or stand and that the main tank valve is closed. The regulator, the device that reduces the high pressure of the tank and controls the oxygen flow rate, must be properly attached to the cylinder’s valve post. This typically involves aligning the regulator pins with the corresponding holes on the tank valve and tightening a T-handle or nut to secure the connection.
Some larger cylinders require “cracking” the valve first, meaning briefly turning the main valve on and off to clear dust or debris before attaching the regulator. Once the regulator is firmly in place, confirm the flow selector dial on the regulator is set to the “Off” position or zero. You can then attach the nasal cannula or mask tubing to the regulator’s outlet port.
Activating the Oxygen Flow
Slowly open the main cylinder valve, which is typically a large knob or wheel on top of the tank. Turn the valve counter-clockwise, often using a cylinder wrench or key provided by your supplier. Open the valve slowly to prevent a sudden rush of high-pressure oxygen from damaging the regulator.
After the main valve is opened, the pressure gauge on the regulator will rise, indicating the amount of oxygen remaining in the tank. A full tank typically reads between 1,800 and 2,200 pounds per square inch (psi).
Adjust the flow selector dial or knob on the regulator to the specific flow rate, measured in liters per minute (LPM), prescribed by your physician. Once set, you should be able to hear or feel the oxygen flowing through the tubing. Always confirm the flow rate matches your prescription before beginning therapy.
Safe Deactivation and Storage
When the oxygen therapy session is complete, the system must be safely depressurized before storage. First, turn the main tank valve clockwise until it is tightly closed, stopping the flow of high-pressure gas from the cylinder into the regulator.
Next, the remaining oxygen trapped in the regulator and tubing must be vented, a process called “bleeding the line.” Leave the flow regulator dial set to the prescribed LPM until the needle on the pressure gauge drops completely to zero. This ensures the regulator is depressurized.
Once the pressure gauge reads zero, turn the flow regulator dial back to the “Off” or zero position. The cylinder should be stored upright and secured, away from heat sources and in a well-ventilated area.