Understanding Oxygen Signage Requirements

• By: Maureen Carland
• On: 03/06/2025 07:05:06
• In: Quality/Regulatory

Managing life safety compliance is a complex task that involves navigating multiple codes, ensuring the correct code editions are applied, and determining which requirements are relevant to your facility. This blog post breaks down the key requirements for oxygen signage in healthcare settings.

Oxygen Signage Requirements: Storage vs. Usage
The Healthcare Facilities Code® (NFPA 99) outlines most of the requirements related to oxygen systems, storage, and signage. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has adopted the 2012 edition of NFPA 99, which categorizes oxygen signage into two main areas:

1. Signage for Oxygen Storage
When oxygen cylinders or containers are stored within an enclosure, a precautionary sign must be placed on the door or gate.
The sign must be readable from at least five feet away and include specific wording.
This requirement applies to rooms or enclosures storing multiple cylinders but does not extend to individual cylinders used throughout the facility. For example, oxygen cylinders on carts, at nurse stations, or staged in small quantities for emergency use do not require storage signage.

2. Signage for Oxygen in Use
The signage requirements depend on the facility's smoking policy:
Non-smoking facilities must display precautionary signage at major entry points of the building.
Facilities that permit smoking must provide signage in all areas where supplemental oxygen is in use, including aisles and walkways leading to these areas.
All signage must be visible from at least five feet away. The annex section of NFPA 99 recommends signs be no smaller than 8 x 11 inches, with specific wording and symbols.

Special Consideration: Liquid Oxygen Transfilling
If liquid oxygen is used and transfilling occurs—where liquid oxygen is transferred from a base reservoir to portable containers—additional signage is required at the transfilling location. These signs must indicate that transfilling is in progress and that smoking is not permitted in the immediate area.
 
Where to Find More Information
For detailed guidance, refer to Chapter 11 (Gas Equipment) of NFPA 99. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) provides a free online viewer for accessing codes and standards. Hardcopy versions and user-friendly online subscriptions are also available at www.nfpa.org
 
AHCA is always available to support members with life safety compliance questions. Inquiries can be emailed to emergencyprep@ahca.org
 
Staff contact: mcarland@mehca.org