Q: How should oxygen cylinders be stored in the patient's residence?
A: There are three issue relative to oxygen storage:
- security
- placement away from heat sources
- adequate ventilation
In the patients residence the cylinders should be placed:
- in appropriate stands to prevent tipping, secured to the wall, or placed on their side on the floor
- in areas unavailable to the public. This would exclude outside storage places such as on open porches or decks
away from heat sources
- in areas with adequate ventilation. Placement in a closed closet would not provide adequate ventilation. Placement under the patient's bed could be acceptable provided there are no bed coverings which occlude airflow and no heat source under the bed