Fire and Life-Safety Group (FLS)

Portable Oxygen Tanks Policies and Procedures

Introduction

This document was prepared to list some but not all of the requirements based on the requirements of the Campus Fire Marshal and Applicable Code Sections.  Please ensure that all the requirements of applicable codes at the time of use are verified and followed. 

Requirements for Use of Portable Oxygen Tanks In Campus Buildings:

1.  A copy of the doctor prescription is to be submitted to the appropriate department for the buildings in which the tank will be used.

2.  Certification for portable oxygen tank (comes with the tank and must come from a Colorado source, so it can be easily verified) is to be availiable for inspection.

3.  No more than one container is permitted at any given location.

4.  The user is required to read, understand and fully implement all of the manufacturer's requirements and recommendations supplied witht he oxygen tank.

5.  The user is required to keep the container and its discharge port away from flammables or open fires at all time.  The minimum separation distance is 10 feet.  Longer separation distances, if listed by the manufacturer, need to be implemented.

6.  The user is to note that many self-extinguishing ordinary combustibles and even ordinarily non-combustible material will become flame sustaining fuels in oxygen enriched atmospheres.  Examples include aluminum, human skin and flame retardant treated fabrics and clothing.

7.  Only small oxygen containers that are acceptable to the prescribing physician should be used.