Medical Oxygen Equipment Use

Purpose

To describe the District’s procedures for the use of medical oxygen equipment.

Scope

This medical oxygen equipment use guideline is created to provide a viable, consistent way for the Fire District to assure that all members participating in the operation of medical oxygen equipment do so in a safe consistent manner.

Responsibility

It shall be the responsibility of all Fire District personnel to ensure that the intent of this order be followed.

Procedure

Regulators:

  1. Regulators shall be stored in a cool area free of dirt, oils, and grease.
  2. All oxygen regulators shall receive a lead and flow test (as described in this Procedures Guideline) annually to ensure proper performance.
  3. The Nestucca Rural Fire Protection District shall use only regulators constructed of materials having an oxygen compatibility equivalent to brass.
  4. The Fire District shall ensure that any components added to the regulator, such as gauge guards, are installed so that they do not block the regulator vent holes.

Leak and Flow Test Procedures:

  1. Attach the regulator to an appropriate cylinder. SLOWLY open the cylinder valve.
  2. Close the cylinder valve. The pressure shown on the gauge should not decay more than 100 psi in 90 seconds. (Approx. 10cc/min.) If the pressure decays more rapidly, mark the regulator Out of Service (OOS) and notify the Maintenance Officer. Regulators tagged OOS will be returned to the factory for servicing.

Cylinders:

  1. Spare oxygen cylinders shall be stored in a cool area free of dirt, oils and grease. Whenever practical, cylinders should be stored in a secured vertical position and all ports shall have plastic caps.
  2. Before using a cylinder, inspect it for the last hydrostatic test date. If it has been longer than five (5) years since the last test date, return the cylinder to the storage area and tag it OOS.
  3. Cylinders must be replaced at 500 psi. Never use a cylinder that registers 300 psi or lower. When cylinders are depleted, a new cylinder will be secured and the empty cylinder will be cycled back to the storage area. (See procedures for attaching a regulator to a cylinder)
  4. A Station Officer will ensure that empty cylinders are replaced. Nestucca Rural Fire Protection District personnel WILL NOT refill oxygen cylinders.
  5. No Nestucca Rural Fire Protection District personnel will perform any repairs or maintenance to any oxygen system components. Any malfunctions shall be reported to the Maintenance Officer.

Attaching oxygen regulators to cylinders:

  1. When attaching the regulator to a cylinder:
    1. Ensure that hands are clean
    2. Ensure gasket washer is in place
    3. Ensure both washer and regulator are free of any particles (dust, lint, etc.) or other contaminants
    4. Ensure that nothing is blocking the regulator vent holes.
  2. Ensure that the cylinder is placed in an upright position and the cylinder post
    valve is pointed in a safe direction (away from personnel) and open then close before the regulator is attached to the cylinder. (Caution: ensure that hands are clean)
  3. Ensure that when opening a cylinder post valve with the regulator attached, it is opened slowly and positioned away from personnel.

Violation of this policy is subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination covered in the disciplinary action SOG.