Specification:

• Oxygen purity 99.6% (min)
• Complies with European Pharmacopoeia specification, 1985.

Physical Data:

• Molecular weight: 32.00
• Physical state in cylinder: Gas
• Specific gravity of gas (15^oC 1013mb): 1.106
• Density of gas (15^oC 1013mb): 1.355kg/m3
• Combustion characteristics: Non flammable but strongly supports combustion

Notes:

• Actual contents and weights of gas may vary about the nominal figures indicated.
• This is the approximate weight of a full cylinder and valve. Some cylinders manufactured to older standards may weigh more than this. Add the nominal weight of gas to obtain the approximate weight of full cylinder.
• The length excludes the cylinder valve.

Handling and Storage Precautions:

• Oxygen is non-flammable but strongly supports combustion. Some materials which do not normally burn in air will burn in Oxygen. Highly dangerous when in contact with oils, greases, tarry substances and many plastics.
• The normal precautions required in the storage and use of gas cylinders are applicable as outlined in the Gas Data and Safety Sheet. These are fully explained in the document "Medical Gas Data and Safety Sheet".
  

Uses:

• Oxygen is used extensively in medical practice to increase oxygenation in patients with acute and chronic lung disease and cardiac disorders, for resuscitation, and for the treatment of victims of poisoning. It is always administered during anaesthesia. Oxygen is also used in hyperbaric chambers under strictly controlled conditions.

Administration:

• Oxygen is administered by mask, tent, endotracheal tube, nasal catheter and by special equipment in prolonged ventilation procedures. Masks are used for controlled flows which may give concentrations over 60% by volume. Tents are used where the concentration need not exceed 50% by volume. Nasal catheters provide concentrations of up to 30% by volume dependent upon how far they penetrate the anterior nares. Respiratory facemasks are also used to provide oxygen concentrations of approximately 30% of inhaled air.
• Humidification of the gas may be needed when nasal catheters are used with a flow rate of over 3 litres per minute.
• Dependent on whether masks, tents or nasal catheters are used, flow rates may be varied at the discretion of the physician.
• Cylinder should only be used in conjunction with medical oxygen gas pressure regulators.
  

Absolute Contraindications:

• Newly born and premature infants should be given oxygen only if absolutely necessary because of the risk of the development of retinal damage due to retrolental fibroplasia. Specialist advice is strongly recommended.
• Patients who have chronic respiratory disease with carbon dioxide retention may develop apnoea if given oxygen. This is due to reduction in the stimulus to the respiratory center provided by carbon dioxide.

Cylinder Characteristics:

• Colour code (BS 1319C):
• Body colour: Black
• Shoulder colour: White

- Gas Specification
- Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)
- Medical Oxygen Flow Hour Table
- Cylinder Characteristics