Domiciliary oxygen units are used by some individuals with severe respiratory conditions for ongoing oxygen therapy, either within hospital or at home. Oxygen units may be required either for continuous or intermittent use.
Portable oxygen units are those which are lightweight, easy to transport and provide sufficient oxygen availability for shorter periods of oxygen therapy. They are available in back pack or trolley style.
Oxygen can be delivered either using a mask which sits over the person’s face or through nasal prongs which deliver oxygen directly via the nasal passages. There are three main types of oxygen appliances:
- liquid oxygen which is oxygen that has been transformed into liquid form by a cooling oxygen gas. In its liquid form the oxygen can be stored in much smaller containers
- pressurised oxygen which is stored in a cylinder under high pressure with cylinders ranging in size
- oxygen concentrators which are electrical appliances that concentrate the oxygen in the air and remove the other gases.
Workplace solutions and adjustments
People who may require oxygen therapy in the workplace are those who have chronic conditions such as:
- chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
- lung disease or
- cystic fibrosis.
In order for a person to be eligible for at home oxygen service or assistance with oxygen equipment, they need to meet a certain criteria and will usually require a thorough medical assessment or be referred by a Physiotherapist. Portable equipment or extra oxygen equipment to use within the workplace is usually not eligible through state based aids and equipment schemes. Therefore if separate oxygen equipment is required for use within the workplace, funding assistance may be available through the Employment Assistance Fund (EAF). Please refer to the full guidelines at the following link to determine eligibility:
For a person using oxygen in the workplace consideration needs to be given to:
- avoiding flames or sparking electrical appliances
- provision of adequate room to provide space for oxygen unit
- the most appropriate oxygen delivery method as a mask may make it difficult for the individual to communicate effectively in the workplace
- the amount of time spent at work and therefore whether a smaller portable unit or a larger domiciliary unit would be most suitable.
For people who require the use of oxygen while at work or are considering it, the following links may be useful:
References
American Lung Association 2004, Oxygen – quick glance guide, American Lung Association, New York, viewed 27 January 2011, http://www.lungusa.org/associations/states/minnesota/events-programs/mn-copd-coalition/provider-toolkit/oxygen-quick-glance-guide.pdf
American Thoracic Society 2011, Patient Information Series: Oxygen Therapy, American Thoracic Society, New York, viewed 27 January 2011, http://patients.thoracic.org/information-series/en/resources/oxygen-therapy.pdf
eHow Health Live Strong 1999-2011, How To Qualify For Home Oxygen, eHow Health Live Strong, Bellevue USA, viewed 27 January 2011, http://www.ehow.com/how_2077241_qualify-home-oxygen.html
The Australian Lung Foundation 2010, LungNet Information and Support Centre, The Australian Lung Foundation, viewed 27 January 2011, http://www.lungfoundation.com.au/lung-information/lungnet-information-a-support-centre