Posted By Brenda H Hi, Just looking for thoughts etc on this one. We have a property which is made up of fully self contained flats for elderly residents who require extra care needs. The block does have a communal lounge and staff work on site 24 hrs a day and provide care to the people in their flats. The block isn't a residential care home and the residents have assured tenancies, i.e. the same rights as people who live in a normal block of flats, and the scheme aims at them retaining as normal life as possible without having to move into an actual care home. The issue is with one person who occasionally smokes in their flat where they have a gas cylinder (health needs). Obviously the two don't go together well. My concern is that we have staff on site 24 hrs a day and if something happened they would be at risk. However, in theory they are no more at risk than caretaking staff who spend time in flats cleaning stairwells & corridors, i.e. we don't know what goes on in the flats of those who rent them off us and nor do we mandate such things, unless they are stictly illegal! Any thoughts?

Posted By Brenda H Hi Joolz, Thanks for your reply, the issue wasn't so much one to do with assessment, but whether or not the risk is acceptable. The only reason we know about the cylinder is because a member of staff noticed it when in there and could smell the smoke.

Posted By Messy Shaw The risk from O2 cylinders & smoking is generally low. Informing the resident not to smoke when they are consuming the O2 or directly afterwards seems a reasonable control measure. I recall a NHS patient who suffered fatal burns after slipping his O2 mask off around his neck (but switched on) before retreating to a escape staircase for a smoke, only to ignite the O2 rich atmosphere around his body (and virtually neat O2 trapped between his pyjamas & his skin) As for the risks to staff: Having a comprehensive emergency plan and ensuring all key staff members are aware of it's contents, especially with regards to O2 cylinders & backed up with fire drills, seems one way to approach the subject. As far as the fire risk assessment (FRA): If the flats do truly have the same status as a residential flat (and not a care facility), The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety)Order 2005 (as far as requiring a FRA) would only relate to the common parts of the building and would not apply within the flat

Posted By graeme12345 The main hazards would be of oxygen enrichment of the air in the room, which would increase the likelihood and severity of a fire that might occur. There are a number of precautions to follow when using oxygen equipment. The main one is NOT TO SMOKE when using this equipment. Possibly keep the cylinder in another room. The person can then smoke in another room. Both rooms to be well ventilated. * Has the person been given adequate instruction and information on how to use the equipment properly? by the supplier of the equipment. * The cylinder should have a purpose built trolley * The cylinder should be chained to the trolley, to stop the cylinder from falling over * Store the cylinder in a well ventilated area and away from flammable materials when not in use * The equipment must be maintained properly, how are the hoses and valves checked for leaks and at what intervals, the chemist supplying the equipment should be able to supply this info. * Keep the equipment clean * Valves are to be opened slowly when using the equipment * Ensure valves are closed properly after use inform the person / tenant of the advice, get the tenant to sign to say they have received this advice, and then monitor the situation every week by checking that the advice is being followed. HTP's

Posted By Stuart Hufton I looked into this a while ago, more from a gas fire in the room point of view. I spoke to Air Products (who provide the kit on behalf of the PCT) and they informed me there was no significant risk. There should be a specific risk assessment carried out by the engineer who delivers the kit and this should be left with the cylinder. The pressure reducer and demand valve are at the cylinder end of the nebuliser, reducing the risk of leakage at the mask end.

Posted By Abs Malik I working in the Care and Support Sector, we have had similar issues. And as mentioned by others, supremacy in bedrooms ceases to exist. Very difficult to control what happens. We get around it by asking the fire officers to speak to the resident concerned. This may not stop the residents. BUT it provides evidnce that you have taken reasonable steps to eliminate the risk. Make a note of all the fire officer visits and attach it to your risk assessment. Abs