DQA Memo 16-006 / Revised Guidance for the Safe Use of Oxygen - Use of Hair Dryers

Wisconsin Department of Health Services sent this bulletin at 04/14/2016 08:00 AM CDT
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Division of Quality Assurance: Notifications & Updates

Attn: Adult Family Homes, Community-based Residential Facilities, Facilities Serving People with Developmental Disabilities, Nursing Homes, and Residential Care Apartment Complexes

DQA Memo 16-006 Revised Guidance for the Safe Use of Oxygen - Use of Hair Dryers

Please visit the link below to view DQA Memo 16-006 Revised Guidance for the Safe Use of Oxygen - Use of Hair Dryers.

https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/dqa/memos/16-006.pdf

The purpose of this memorandum is to provide updated guidance regarding the safe use of hair dryers by residents who are receiving oxygen therapy in residential and health care facilities.  Life Safety Code regulations state that the resident nasal cannula or face mask must be at least one foot away from the heating element (NFPA 99 section 8-2.1.2.3.).  As a result, resident nasal cannula or face mask oxygen use is permitted when the heat source of the hair dryer is located on or near the floor, i.e., the base of the hair dryer. 

This memo replaces DQA Memo 12-005.