Statement on the safe use of oxygen cylinders
23 April 2020
The Association of Anaesthetists has learned of a patient death following an explosion and fire involving an oxygen cylinder. It is important to remember that oxygen delivery from a cylinder is a very safe process and adverse events are very rare.
At this time when healthcare professionals may be working outwith their usual scope of practice and may be using oxygen cylinders when this is not part of their usual routine, the Association reiterates its advice on the safe use of oxygen cylinders:
Set up the cylinder for use away from the patient.
Connect the appropriate equipment to the cylinder outlet before opening the cylinder valve.Open the valve slowly, and select the desired flow.
Ideally, cylinders should be placed in purpose designed holders or trolleys where they can be kept away from direct contact with combustible material.
Avoid placing the cylinder on the bed next to the patient if at all possible; use extra care when there is no option but to place the cylinder on the bed only after the cylinder has been turned on first and the flow selected.
Further advice is available in the article published by Kelly et al. in Anaesthesia following the Bath ICU fire. Manufacturers of oxygen cylinders offer their own safety guidance.
ENDS