Oxygen is a nonflammable substance that is stored in liquid or gas form and is used by a student to
aid in breathing, and in many cases, in treating an ongoing medical condition. It is always a
prescribed medication and will be considered medical support/needed equipment for a student just as
any other auxiliary device, (i.e., wheelchair, walker).
OXYGEN CAN BE SAFELY TRANSPORTED ON A SCHOOL BUS WITH PROPER
PLANNING AND SECUREMENT.
Procedures/Guidelines
1. Information regarding a student's use of oxygen must be documented on the student's
individual education program (IEP). It is suggested that a district transportation department
representative be present at the IEP meeting, and be informed and involved during such
planning stages.
2. Prior to initial transportation, personnel at the school and the transportation department should
be informed as to the type and size of the oxygen tank that will be transported. It is
recommended that an emergency plan be in place in the event of a medical emergency or
equipment failure.
3. If a student is only using the oxygen on an "as needed" basis, it is NOT recommended that the
bus operator or attendant be responsible for making the decision as to what is necessary. This is
the responsibility of trained medical personnel only.
4. The oxygen should be housed in a portable unit which should be under l S pounds total weight.
It is the local districts' responsibility to determine who will load and unload the medical
support equipment. The district also needs to provide appropriate training for these procedures.
5. Gas oxygen tanks are cylinders that come in various sizes and are labeled as "MEDICAL E"
tanks. "MEDICAL E" tanks are not larger than 22 cubic feet capacity, are approximately 4 1/2"
in diameter, and weigh less than 12 pounds. They are usually no more than 31" tall.
6. Liquid oxygen units come in portable containers that are smaller than the gas tanks. Most such
units are less than ten pounds and are no more than five inches in diameter. Liquid oxygen
units are no more than 13 inches tall. In order to transport these units they must not be larger
than 39 cubic feet.
7.Oxygen tanks should be secured to the sidewall of the school bus in a rack or mounting that
will sustain at least five times the weight of the tank. This type of securement can be built in-
house or secured through gas or welding supply companies.