Rank: Forum user 
|
Does anyone have a risk assessment for a returning employee with a breathing disorder that means they need to have a personal oxygen backpack with them in work. I assume they will need a PEEP and that we have to inform the fire service of the presence of oxygen? It is an office environment in a multi occupied building and our organisation has the whole of the second floor or 3 floors.
Mal
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Super forum user
|
…and hopefully they don’t smoke(don’t laugh I had an uncle, an ex miner, who died of emphysema who still smoked when he was on oxygen!) I assume where they are working, well ventilated and the oxygen supply does not leak and create an oxygen enriched atmosphere. What happens if the oxygen cylinder stops working? Would you consider keeping a back on site just in case? I think this is mainly a case of asking yourself questions and deciding on the most likely and sensible answers. I’d record this in some sort of document, the key stakeholders have agreed to it. This is just in case a new boss turns up and asks: “Why is that there person carrying an oxygen cylinder and is it allowed?”
|
 1 user thanked A Kurdziel for this useful post.
|
|
|
|
Rank: Forum user
|
Thanks for your interest and no as with all workplaces we do not allow smoking on site. There are lots of case studies on the internet but thay are all American based and are as would be the case here, driven by disability discrimination law if we do not allow the person back to work. My understanding is that they would carry two small bottles in the back pack, the one that they are using and a spare. Given that they use it at home we are relying on their competency of handling the oxygen to be able to detect when something is wrong and act accordingley.
Mal
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Super forum user
|
They would only need a PEEP if they needed assistance to leave the building - but if they can leave under their own steam, no PEEP is necessary. It is possible with a breathing issue, that they might need help or equipment, but they would be in the best place to provide that information. There is no need to inform the fire service. I predict any O2 will be with the person in the backpack who will be outside by the time the fire service arrive. Plus I assume they are relatively small cylinders?
My only concern is that other staff - and in particular maintenance and cleaning staff - are aware to keep oil based substances away from the cylinders. A well meaning maintenance person using an oil can to free a stcky valve might not be the best idea.
And has been said before, smoking is a slight concern - for example, if socialising at a smoking point with others. But this is a low risk and one the user can control if aware
|
1 user thanked Messey for this useful post.
|
|
|
|
Rank: Super forum user 
|
I would ask about their comfort while seated in the office or canteen etc. with the cylinders being in his backpack.
|
|
|
|
|
|
You cannot post new topics in this forum.
You cannot reply to topics in this forum.
You cannot delete your posts in this forum.
You cannot edit your posts in this forum.
You cannot create polls in this forum.
You cannot vote in polls in this forum.