Emergency Oxygen

Oxygen Equipment Care and Handling Guidelines

Three federal agencies have oversight of oxygen: the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Department of Transportation (DOT), and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). 

1.     The FDA regulation of oxygen is defined by dose and duration of the oxygen administration.  When the dose of oxygen is delivered for less than 6 liters per minute or for duration of less than 15 minutes, a prescription for oxygen is needed.  When oxygen is delivered at a dose of at least 6 liters per minute or for duration of more than 15 minutes, it is considered first aid use, commonly called emergency oxygen, and does not require a prescription.

2.     The YMCA will only use emergency oxygen when giving emergency first aid care. This means that we only use fixed flow regulators set to 15 lpm.

3.     Oxygen for emergency use must be labeled with the words "emergency oxygen".  The manufacturer labels the units we have.

4.     DOT regulations list oxygen as a material that is regulated.  However, a "materials of trade" exception exempts private motor vehicles not ordinarily engaged in the business of transporting hazardous materials AND this exemption allows for the transportation of up to 220 pounds of oxygen without having complying with the packaging and transportation requirements.  DOT also regulates placarding of vehicles that carry oxygen.  Those who transport less than 1001 pounds of this material are exempt from the requirement of displaying placards on vehicles.

5.     OSHA standards apply to the safe handling and storage of oxygen that are discussed below.

Safe Transportation

·      The YMCA of Central Ohio will only transport oxygen in quantities less than 220 pounds.  With the type of units we have purchased, this is not a concern.

·      Only certified instructors or knowledgeable staff will transport oxygen tanks for training purposes or when tanks need to be refilled.

·      Oxygen cylinders shall be secured during transport to prevent movement and damage as a result of sudden stops, acceleration or abrupt maneuver.

·      Cylinders should not be transported in the trunks.  Environmental conditions such as heat exposure may cause the temperature of the cylinder to rise to excessive levels, which could lead to a potentially hazardous release of oxygen.

·      DO NOT SMOKE when transporting emergency oxygen.

·      When the destination is reached, immediately remove the oxygen tanks from the vehicle.

·      Oxygen tanks will only be transported in their original case.

Safe Handling and Use

 ·      Once the regulator and flow meter are attached, keep the cylinder in its original case.

·      Keep products such as grease and oil away from direct contact with oxygen.

·      Do not handle oxygen cylinders or apparatus with hands or gloves contaminated with oil or grease.

·      Never drag or roll cylinders.

·      Never carry a cylinder by the valve or regulator.

·      Do not drop a cylinder or permit them to strike each other or be handled roughly.

·      Small oxygen cylinders such as the ones we have do not have valve protection caps or guards.  These cylinders are susceptible to valve damage if dropped.  Special precautions must be taken when handling these cylinders outside their protective cases.  In the event a cylinder is dropped or damaged, it must be returned to the vendor for inspection.

·      All labeling on the cylinders and container must remain intact.

·      Cylinders should only be filled by experienced and properly trained persons.

·      Cylinders must be hydrotested per the manufacturer guidelines. 

Cleaning

·      Clean unit according to manufacturer's guidelines.

·      Do not use cleaning materials containing oil or petroleum products.

Refilling

·      Oxygen cylinders should only be refilled by an appropriately licensed professional. The YMCA of Central Ohio gives their Oxygen tanks to the Grove City branch during Aquatics SPAC. The Aquatics Director of the Grove City YMCA then takes the tanks to be refilled and returns them at the following SPAC.

In the event that a branch runs out between meetings, please arrange drop off and pick up with the Grove City YMCA Aquatics Director.

Storage

·      Store O2 tanks not in use in a secure location chained to the wall and accessible only to authorized personnel. The tank currently in use should be in a secured case behind the service desk.

·      Store in a cool, dry and well-ventilated area.

·      Store separately from any flammable gases or petroleum products. Never permit oil, grease or other combustibles to come in contact with cylinders.

·      Oxygen cylinders should never be subjected to storage temperatures above 125 degrees Fahrenheit.

·      Do not store cylinders where they are exposed to direct sunlight, excessive rise in temperature, near radiators or sources of heat.  Do not store cylinders in locations where moving objects my strike or fall on them, near elevators or hallways where they can be knocked over, or in water heater closets or near telephone or electric boxes. 

Disposal

Unit should be returned to the supplier in accordance with supplier's instructions.