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Posted By Phillipe
Hi
We have an employee returning to work soon who is required to have 3 x O2 cylinders (portable around 3ft high) stored on the premises (office) to help her with her breathing. She has an O2 concentrator by her desk also, which does not operate under pressure and basically plugs into the wall and switches on. This device is canular fed to her and aids her with her breathing by providing a more concentrated level of O2, this itself is not the issue. My concern is the storage of the 3 cylinders. I understand the room they are to be stored in must be well ventilated, not a confined space, chained to prevent falling over, away from combustible materials, etc. Would you be happy to store them inside or outside. I have seen this type on hospital wards, nursing homes etc so really just need some advice.
Risk assessment will be undertaken this afternoon.
Thanks
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Posted By A Campbell Morning Phillipe, This may be of help for you from the hse site http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/hse8.pdfHow long would you expect 3 cylinders to last for? I ask as smaller amounts may be of benefit for storage. Hope this assists Tony
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Posted By Phillipe
Hi
I believe the cylinders will be replaced every 3-6 months as part of the contract or soon one would hope if they are actually used. They are merely a precaution in case the O2 concentrator packs up during working hours
Phil
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Posted By FAH
Hi Phillipe
Regretably, the list of additional isues to be considered for O2 & its reason for being in the workplace is extensive.
Given the minimal info provided, it isn't easy to determine what precautions may be the most appropriate for the storage of the cylinders, but there is a fair bit of guidance out there for that.
Remember to include the means by which the gas is provided to the user for vulnerability etc; and don't forget that there are manual handling issues of all aspects of the situation.
Lastly, please remember to revisit your fire risk assessment and especially the Emergency Response procedure as you have now raised the fire risk level in the immediate vicinity as well as imported a very specific set of problems in the event that an evac is required.
Frank Hallett
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Posted By Bob Youel
also talk to your insurer / Fire prevention officer
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Posted By Sally
I agree with talking to your local fire brigade. We have a couple of pupils in schools who have similar set ups and the fire brigade have been very helpful in assisting us to identify suitable locations etc.
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Posted By SteveD-M
Even at relatively low concentrations oxygen will aggressively support combustion. At the concentrations provided by the concentrator (85%- 95%) there is an increased risk.
A typical 2L cylinder can hold up to 600L of gas
However oxygen, used following the correct procedures, is safe.
You will need to update the fire risk assessment accordingly. Making sure that any details are either passed to your local fire service prior to or available in the event of an incident.
The most common cause of fire with concentrators is the user trying to smoke at the same time so they should have been given clear instructions, however worth a check..
Be careful of any HR/Disability issues when communicating your concerns..
There is a BCGA information note that is helpful, but if you need further advice drop me a note.
Have a nice day..Its Friday!!!
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Rank: Guest
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Posted By Phillipe
All
Thanks for your responses, all appreciated.
regards
Phil
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