Viewing: Oxygen Safety Advice for England

    Using your oxygen safely is very important.  We recommend you take your time and familiarise yourself with the safety instructions in the literature given to you by your technician when they installed your oxygen equipment.

    Patients must not smoke whilst undergoing oxygen therapy. Electronic Cigarettes should also not be used whilst a patient is undergoing oxygen therapy. Additionally, batteries of electronic cigarettes should not be charged in the vicinity of a patient undergoing oxygen therapy or the oxygen source itself.

    If you require further assistance or have any questions about your oxygen equipment, you can contact our patient helpline on:

    0800 917 9840 (freephone)

    For emergencies our staff are available 24 hours per day, however for general enquires please contact our staff during office hours.

    NOTE: in case of fire immediately vacate the premises. Only take your oxygen equipment with you if it does not hinder you. Stay out of the premises. Call the Fire and Rescue Services and advise them you are using medical oxygen. If you feel unwell, or you require emergency oxygen, request an ambulance immediately by phoning 999.

    USEFUL HELP & ADVICE

    • Oxygen is a fire accelerator and can cause rapid burning

      Higher concentrations of oxygen than normal in the environment can have three major effects:

        1. Substances which would not normally catch fire may actually do so.
        2. Substances which will not normally burn or catch fire will do so more easily.
        3. Oxygen is heavier than air and can saturate fabrics. Once they are oxygen rich they are much more flammable.
    • DO's with Oxygen

      DO keep at least 10 feet (3m) away from sparking objects, naked sources of flame, flammable materials and extreme heat.

      DO ensure you turn off your oxygen supply when not in use, even for short durations.

      DO allow at least 30 minutes after you have removed your oxygen before, for example, cooking. Oxygen may build up in material and make it more flammable, so allow time for it to be dispersed.

      DO ensure oxygen is used in a well-ventilated room and not in a confined area.

      DO ensure the firebreak (provided on concentrator machines only) remains in the tubing as left by the Vivisol technician. This piece of white plastic should have the blue arrow pointing towards the patient. It helps stop a fire spreading up the tubing if one end catches alight.

    • DON’T’s With Oxygen

      DO NOT smoke or let anyone else smoke near you. Not only will smoking aggravate your condition, it is extremely dangerous when oxygen is being used.

      DO NOT use or let anyone else use electronic cigarettes near you whilst undergoing oxygen therapy. Additionally, batteries of electronic cigarettes should not be charged in the vicinity of a patient undergoing oxygen therapy or the oxygen source itself.

      DO NOT apply oil or grease to the equipment. Keep all equipment clean using a damp cloth and a mild cleaning fluid, allowing equipment to dry properly before using. Ensure your hands are clean when handling your equipment.

      DO NOT use face or hand creams that are oil based. Only use water based creams. If unsure seek advice from your pharmacist. For more advice click here.

      When using your oxygen, DO NOT leave your mask or cannula in your lap or lying on the bed or chair for any length of time.

      DO NOT let your tubing get trapped as this can reduce the flow of oxygen or even stop it. The maximum length of tubing we can install is 15m so always take care not to slip or trip up over your tubing. Be extra careful around doors and furniture.

      DO NOT let anyone tamper with your oxygen equipment or change the flow rate ordered by your Healthcare Professional.

      DO NOT cover or hang items on your concentrator or other oxygen equipment.

    We are continually adding to our range of videos demonstrating how to safely use your Vivisol equipment. Please click on the relevant link below:

    How to use your portable oxygen cylinder 

    How to use your static oxygen cylinder 

    How to use your paediatric oxygen cylinder

    How to use your liquid oxygen system

    Useful Links

    Asthma + Lung UK
    https://www.asthmaandlung.org.uk/
    National Fire Service
    http://www.fireservice.co.uk
    Smoking Cessation
    http://www.smokefree.nhs.uk
    Cystic Fibrosis Trust
    http://www.cftrust.org.uk
    Pulmonary Hypertension Association
    http://www.phassociation.uk.com
    Organisation for the Understanding of Cluster Headache OUCH (UK)
    http://www.ouchuk.org

    Other therapy areas we support

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    Home Oxygen Therapy


    Vivisol aims to optimise the quality of life for patients requiring home oxygen, by providing a quality service underpinned by knowledge, safety and experience.

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    Sleep Apnoea Therapy


    Clinical data indicates that Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) is one of the most frequent causes of sleep-disordered breathing. OSA is a clinical condition characterised by numerous episodes of apnoea and hypopnea during each hour of sleep.

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    Home Ventilation Therapy


    Vivisol is one of the European leaders in providing Home NIV services. We always combine the best technology and a quality service with the competence of our highly specialised Healthcare Professionals.

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    Aerosol / Nebuliser Therapy


    Aerosol therapy facilitates the administration of nebulised medicines directly into the lungs. It may be used to treat chronic asthma, acute asthma, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) or other conditions.

    travelling with oxygen

    Vivitravel


    Vivitravel offers patients private oxygen therapy which includes; access to a wide range of equipment, 24-7 patient support contact centre, with dedicated holiday enquiry line and travel within the South East of England and Scotland.

    Contact info

    Registered Office Address:

    Dolby Medical Home
    Respiratory Care Ltd
    North Suite, Lomond Court,
    Castle Business Park, Stirling,
    FK9 4TU

    View on Map

    Registered in Scotland
    No. 063902

    Telephone:

    Home oxygen enquiries: 0800 833 531

    Respiratory support: 0800 121 4012

    Gatwick Office Address

    Vivisol
    Palladian, Manor Court,
    Manor Royal, Crawley,
    RH10 9PY

    View on Map

    Telephone:

    Home oxygen enquiries: 0800 917 9840

    Respiratory support: 0800 121 4012

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    To find out more about The Vivisol Group and The SOL Group click on the links here: The VIVISOL Group The SOL Group The VIVISOL Group us | The SOL Group