Precautions Taken Before Installing an Oxygen Concentrator

Oxygen concentrator is a crucial piece of medical equipment and its installation should be carried out to enable it to function to its optimum without compromising on any of the functions or health risks to the patient.

Some advanced measures will guarantee an undisturbed supply of oxygen and its efficiency for a prolonged time.

Inspect And Assess Where The Installation Position

The location of the oxygen concentrator is an important aspect to assess before it is placed. It should be kept at a location that allows for good air circulation to enable efficient function of the machine.

The concentrator extracts oxygen from room air while discarding the nitrogen from it and it is only an efficient flow of oxygen that will result in optimum use of the machine. It should ideally be placed between 1 to 2 feet away from a wall or enclosed space like a closet so that there is adequate air passage for the concentrator.

Check The Power Source

For the smooth operation of the oxygen concentrator it must be connected to an electricity source that can provide continuous power to the machine. It should be placed close to the socket that the machine will be plugged in, and it should also be capable of withstanding the voltage of the machine.

Any other appliances should ideally not be connected to the same electrical socket and use should be made of the mains or generator supply for the duration it is in use.

Beware Of Fire Hazards

The concentrator uses the purest of the pure form of oxygen which is highly combustible and so, all sorts of ignitions should be kept at an arms distance. Candles, open fires, cigarettes, and gas stoves are some of the common ignitions to avoid when the machine is running.

It should also be made a habit for caretakers to inform patients and relatives of the same; the use of petroleum jelly like petroleum oils should also be avoided around the concentrator.

Maintenance of Cleanliness and Hygiene

The installation site of the concentrator should not contain any particle of dust or any contamination of the air which will hinder the performance and functioning of the concentrator. The apparatus should also be cleaned and sterilized thoroughly before installation, and must be disinfected and cleaned throughout the entire time it is in use.

Familiarize With Instructions

At any given time the caretaker and the patient should have been informed about the usage and maintenance of the oxygen concentrator.

Reading the user manual and acquiring the basic knowledge on the handling of alarms and working at different flow rates are extremely vital. It is even more beneficial when healthcare providers or suppliers are able to impart some form of training to the users.

Choose The Appropriate Position

It should be placed in such a manner that it is within reach of the user, and the tubing is not long enough to cause a hazard while the patient moves around a particular radius with ease.

Conclusion

An efficient long-term use of the concentrator can be guaranteed with appropriate installation of the machine, which would involve assessing the suitability of the environment for the optimum performance of the machine, continuous provision of electricity, avoiding any possible risks of fire hazard.