Attachment G - 1.docx

Attachment G Thermal Fuses (FSV) (1of 2)

Mandatory requirements for provision of thermal fuses are as follows

a. Thermal fuses must be provided for all patients on home oxygen therapy unless there is a documented clinical contraindication (e.g., patients using heated humidity, patients with flow rates in excess of 25 Liters in accordance with minute, patients with behavioral conditions that make use of thermal fuses impractical). If thermal fuses are not provided due to clinical contraindication, this must be documented in the patient’s medical record.

b. Two thermal fuses must be provided and installed in each home oxygen delivery system (one at the patient end- short cannula- and one at the oxygen source-see diagram). This must be done for the patient’s primary oxygen therapy equipment as well as any portable oxygen therapy equipment.

c. Thermal fuses are not required for portable pulse dose/intermittent oxygen therapy equipment when the equipment does not have a continuous flow setting.

d. Thermal fuses provided must work regardless of their orientation in the oxygen tubing (bidirectional) or have a design that prevents them from being installed in the wrong orientation (e.g., source end of thermal fuse has threads or bayonets that make backwards installation impossible).

e. Existing unidirectional thermal fuses that are capable of being installed in the wrong orientation must be replaced at the next scheduled home oxygen visit or sooner if possible.

f. At the time of installation, education must be provided to the patient describing the proper use and placement of thermal fuses, including that a thermal fuse does not make it safe to smoke, be near people who are smoking, or be near any source of sparks or flame while using oxygen.

g. Thermal fuses must be replaced at the end of their expected life in accordance with manufacturer’s guidelines.

h. Thermal fuses must be replaced if actuated or involved in a fire.

VA 1624 Clinical Respiratory Assessment – Vent (VISN 12) Rev 6/4/2020