Winslow, Elizabeth H. PhD, RN, FAAN; Jacobson, Ann F. PhD, RN. “Dispelling the Petroleum Jelly Fable.” American Journal of Nursing Quantity 98(11), November 1998, p 16RR.

Quote:
Not too long ago, a hospital with which I’ve been associated eliminated petroleum jelly from the patient-care items to forestall its use on patients receiving oxygen. The ban was based mostly on the Nationwide Fireplace Safety Association’s (NFPA) 1996 version of its Customary for Health Care Amenities, which states, “Oil, grease, or different flammable contaminants shall not be used with oxygen gear” (merchandise eight-6.2.2.2), and “Flammable and combustible liquids shall not be permitted inside the positioning of intentional expulsion” (item 8-6.2.2.3). The hospital’s administration inferred that petroleum jelly presented a hearth hazard. Ironically, no ban was positioned on petroleum-based mostly products such as antibiotic ointments, petroleum jelly gauze, and hand or body lotion, that are commonly used in caring for patients receiving oxygen. No issues had been reported with these merchandise.

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At the most recent assembly of the NFPA Technical Committee on Fuel Delivery Tools, it was proposed that the wording of 8-6.2.2.2 be modified to, “Oil, grease and different flammable substances should not be utilized in or on oxygen tools.” If permitted, this wording will likely be included in the January 1999 difficulty of the NFPA’s Normal for Health Care Services. The revision should assist get rid of confusion over petroleum jelly, which could also be considered safe for use on patients receiving oxygen, but not in or on the oxygen equipment itself.