CAIRE HELiOS Plus Technical & Service Manual page 7

III
Safety
NOTE: Liquid oxygen at atmospheric pressure expands
at a ratio of approximately 860:1 (at 0 bar/ 0psig) when
vaporizing into a gas. This can occur very rapidly when
exposed to the heat in the atmosphere. See Figure 1 for
comparison.
Figure 1: LOX to Gas ratio
WARNING: When using concentrated oxygen, the risk of
fire is increased.
WARNING: When transporting the H300 or H850, position
it horizontally, flat side down, to ensure that it does not tip
over. Tipping over and falling off a transport surface could
damage the portable or cause personal injury.
WARNING: Do not carry the H300 or H850 under clothing.
These units normally vent oxygen. Placing a portable unit
under clothing may saturate fabrics with oxygen and cause
them to burn rapidly if exposed to sparks or flame. It may
take several hours for oxygen levels in the fabric to return to
normal.
WARNING: Do not open the vent valve during non-fill use.
Do not put it in any position other than closed, upright, and
vertical.
WARNING: Always keep oxygen tubing or cannulas away
from the path of walking to avoid potential injury.
CAUTION: Consistent with the recommendations of the
medical community on the use of conserving devices (which
includes the nasal cannula), it is recommended that the H300
& H850 be qualified on patients in the situations it will be
used (rest, exercise, sleep). Differences in nasal cannula
design may vary the ability to trigger a conserving device.
NOTE: Figure 2 below is referred to as the fire/combustion
triangle. This triangle describes the three factors required for
fire/combustion to occur.
Figure 2: Fire/Combustion Triangle
NOTE: To reduce the risk of combustion/fire when dealing
with LOX, please refer to the following suggestions
• Obtain all replacement parts for medical oxygen
equipment from the manufacturer.
• Use only recommended oxygen compatible cleaning and
leak detection products.
• Keep the reservoir upright at all times. Secure liquid
oxygen equipment when transporting to prevent
accidental tipover and spillage.
• If a liquid oxygen spill occurs indoors, open doors and
windows to ventilate the area. Avoid sources of ignition
and do not walk on or roll equipment over the affected
area.
• Any clothing or porous material that is splashed with
liquid oxygen or otherwise absorbs high concentrations of
oxygen should be removed and aired for at least one hour
away from any source of ignition.
HELiOS Portables Technical Service Manual • PN 20562190 Rev E
6