Using oxygen at work
Some workers with respiratory disease may be able to stay at work or return to work if they are able to use oxygen in the workplace.
Types of Oxygen
Compressed oxygen is stored under pressure in cylinders. Large cylinders can be stored and used at work, for example, whilst working at a desk, however, these are extremely heavy. Smaller more portable cylinders can be used if the worker needs to be more mobile in the workplace.
Liquid oxygen can also be used at work. Liquid oxygen is kept chilled inside a small, insulated case. The liquid warms and becomes a breathable gas. Liquid oxygen cases are smaller and easier to carry around in the workplace especially if the worker is in a more active role. The worker can refill their small liquid oxygen case from a big tank kept either at home or in the workplace. The worker’s oxygen delivery service will fill their large tank every 1 to 2 weeks
If the worker requires continuous oxygen and will be in a sedentary job then a standard oxygen concentrator could be installed in the workplace. This is a machine about the size of a mini fridge, it is mains powered. It works by sucking in air and removing the nitrogen out of the air concentrating the oxygen. Having a concentrator in the workplace ensures that the workers oxygen supply never runs out. A concentrator needs electricity to work so it is advisable to have a back-up cylinder of oxygen in the workplace just in case of a power cut or electricity failure.
Portable oxygen concentrators (POCs) are a miniature version of the standard oxygen concentrator. They can be run from a power supply or internal batteries. These offer the worker even more mobility and freedom. They are not limited to the amount of oxygen they can supply, making POCs ideal for workers who travel. They can even be used on long-haul flights.
Ways to Breathe the Oxygen
The worker will need other equipment to use their oxygen. The most common way to deliver oxygen to a worker is by nasal cannula. This is plastic tubing which wraps over the workers ears, like eyeglasses, with two prongs that fit into their nostrils.
Some workers may need an oxygen mask. The mask fits over the nose and mouth. It is more difficult to talk whilst wearing a mask so most workers are more likely to choose nasal cannula as their delivery device.
It is important that good hygiene is observed with both oxygen delevery methods. An area should be made available where the worker can wash the plastic tubing once or twice a week with soap and water, and then rinse it very well. The worker should also replace their cannula (or mask) every 2 to 4 weeks and if they get a cold, change the cannula (or mask) when their cold has resolved.
Using Oxygen
Using oxygen can make the workers lips, mouth, or nose dry. They may use a water-based lubricant (such as K-Y jelly) to add moisture to them. They should never use Vaseline, petroleum jelly, or other oil-based products as these can be a fire hazard.
Travel and Oxygen
If the worker has to travel then they need to make sure oxygen will be during their trip. If they plan to fly with oxygen, they need to tell the airline before their trip that they plan to bring oxygen. Many airlines have special rules about traveling with oxygen.
Oxygen safety
Oxygen makes things burn much faster. If a worker is using oxygen in the workplace they must take extra care to keep themselves, their coleagues and the workplace safe.
Have the workplace ready
Employers are legally required to assess the risks in the workplace and take reasonable practicable precautions to ensure the safety of workers and members of the public. The risks of a worker using oxygen in the workplace should be carefully considered in a risk assessment.
The main danger to workers (and colleagues around them) using oxygen is the potential fire hazard. As oxygen is colourless and odourless it is not easily detected. The worker using oxygen in the workplace should check the equipment for leaks and poor connections on a daily basis.
Smoking should be forbidden in the workplace.
Make sure that the workplace has working smoke detectors and fire extinguishers.
Keep the worker at least 6 feet away from any source of fire.
Keep liquids that may catch fire away the oxygen. This includes cleaning products that contain oil, grease, alcohol, or other liquids that can burn.
For further information please see http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/hse8.pdf
When to seek medical help
If the worker has any of the following symptoms, they should first check their oxygen equipment:
· They are getting a lot of headaches
· They feel more nervous than usual.
· Their lips or fingernails are blue.
· They feel drowsy or seem confused.
· Their breathing is slow, shallow, difficult, or irregular.
They should make sure the connections between their tubes and their oxygen supply are not leaking.
They should ensure that the oxygen is flowing.
If their oxygen equipment is working well, then they should seek help from their health care provider.
Useful link:
http://www.airproducts.com/medical/uk/homecare/homecare6.html