OXYGEN LEAKS at SMH
Risk Evaluation and Corrective Actions
This document is intended to inform personnel of the hazards of enriched atmospheres of oxygen and the actions to take should an oxygen leak be detected. This document does not address the therapeutic use of oxygen.
Many patients may need oxygen therapy while being treated at SMH. Oxygen may be administered for several hours or may last for the duration of a patient’s stay. Normally, the oxygen is administered by having oxygen flow through thin tubes that end just inside the patient’s nose. The oxygen supply may be from metal tanks or through the fixed building system. The small tanks normally lasts a few hours. The surplus oxygen from the patient and the exhaled air are released into the room. Because patient care rooms have good general ventilation, the oxygen that is released is quickly removed from the room. Therefore, an oxygen build up does not occur during this type of normal use.
The Hazard Potential for Oxygen
Pure oxygen does not burn itself but makes fires burn faster and hotter. To prevent the enhanced fire situation, any location where oxygen is stored or used must be relatively free of flammable and combustible items. Examples of these materials include alcohols, solvents, petroleum products, and papers. Open flames, sparks, or high heat from smoking items, radiant heaters, and certain appliances must be controlled. The highest safe temperature for the oxygen tank and accessories is 125 degrees Fahrenheit.
Oxygen Leaks and Corrective Actions
The quantity of oxygen that might leak from a system may range from extremely low up to an emergency situation. Leaks can occur from O-rings connections, the valve packing, in blenders, or from the oxygen supply tubes used. The relative hazard rating and the appropriate action at SMH is:
- Non-detectable leaks:
This type of leak is normally not detectable (no hissing sound). These leaks may be the result of a failure in the O-ring or other connections. The quantity of oxygen released into the room is less than what might be used by a patient. The general ventilation will adequately remove the excessive oxygen to prevent an enriched atmosphere of oxygen. These problems are repaired during routine maintenance activities. MC Facilities will repair these leaks immediately after detection. - Slow leak (detectable by sound):
Slow leaks are detectable by sound. The quantity of oxygen released into the room may range up to that which may be normally used for a patient. This quantity of oxygen being released poses minimal hazard to the patient or staff. However, immediate action is needed. When detected, personnel need to call the MC Facilities Dispatch at x3-4567. Responding Facilities personnel, depending upon the location, may require the system be shut down. Prior to taking this action, Respiratory Care will be notified so those patients requiring oxygen can be switched to bottled oxygen. - Catastrophic leakage (broken valve or coupling):
The wall-mounted oxygen systems at SMH help to prevent the catastrophic release of oxygen in patient care locations. Should massive quantities of oxygen be released, the enriched atmosphere of oxygen can greatly enhance a fire. Should this event occur, staff need to call Security at x13 and declare a Utility Emergency. Security will dispatch MC Facilities and Respiratory Care so immediate action can be taken and patient care is not compromised.
For additional information, the MSDS and product safety card for oxygen need to be reviewed. These are available at:
QUESTIONS? Contact EH&S at (585) 275-3241 or e-mail EH&S Questions.
This page last updated 11/8/04. Disclaimer
