Oxygen Cylinder Improperly Stored in Wheelchair
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency was identified when a resident was observed with an oxygen cylinder/tank placed in the seat of their wheelchair, leaning against the back of the chair. The oxygen cylinder/tank was covered in dust and cobwebs, indicating it had been left in this position for an extended period. When asked, the resident could not specify how long the tank had been there. The Director of Nursing (DON) confirmed awareness of the oxygen cylinder/tank in the wheelchair and explained that facility policy requires oxygen tanks to be secured in a carrier and stored in the designated oxygen storage room when not in use. A review of the facility's policy on oxygen safety and storage revealed that oxygen cylinders must be properly secured in racks, carriers, or approved stands to prevent them from falling, and must be stored in an enclosed, secure area when not in use. The observed practice of leaving the oxygen cylinder/tank unsecured in the wheelchair did not comply with these requirements, resulting in a failure to provide safe and appropriate respiratory care for the resident.