9/6/22
Quick Tips #219.1
Within the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) medical services and first aid regulation (29 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 1910.151) paragraph (b) states: “In the absence of an infirmary, clinic, or hospital in near proximity to the workplace which is used for the treatment of all injured employees, a person or persons shall be adequately trained to render first aid. Adequate first aid supplies shall be readily available.”
Performance requirements and contents of first aid kits are given in the American National Standards Institute/International Safety Equipment Association (ANSI/ISEA) Z308.1 American National Standard – Minimum Requirements for Workplace First Aid Kits and Supplies standard. ANSI standards become mandatory only when they are adopted by OSHA. ANSI Z308.1 has not been adopted by OSHA. However, OSHA has often referred employers to ANSI Z308.1 as a source of guidance for the minimum requirements for first aid kits and does so in Appendix A to 1910.151 – First aid kits (Non-Mandatory).
On April 15, 2022, ANSI approved the latest edition of ANSI/ISEA Z308.1-2021. The 2021 edition is the sixth revision of this voluntary consensus standard that was first published in 1978. It became effective on October 15, 2022.
Several notable updates have been made in the 2021 edition:
Below is a list of the minimum required components of the Class A and Class B kits. The quantity and size specifications of these components are the minimum necessary to comply with the 2021 standard. Class A kits are designed to deal with the most common types of workplace injuries. Class B kits are designed to deal with injuries in more complex or high-risk environments and contain a broader range and quantity of supplies.
ANSI/ISEA Z308.1 -2021 - Classes of First Aid Kits and Required Contents |
||||
First Aid Supply |
Minimum Quantity |
Minimum Size or Volume |
||
Class A Kits |
Class B Kits |
U.S. |
Metric |
|
Adhesive Bandage |
16 |
50 |
1 x 3 inches (in) |
2.5 x 7.5 centimeters (cm) |
Adhesive Tape |
1 |
2 |
2.5 yards (yds) |
2.3 meters (m) |
Antibiotic Application |
10 |
25 |
1/57 ounce (oz) |
0.5 gram (g) |
Antiseptic |
10 |
50 |
1/57 oz |
0.5 g |
Breathing Barrier |
1 |
1 |
N/A |
N/A |
Burn Dressing (gel soaked) |
1 |
2 |
4 x 4 in |
10 x 10 cm |
Burn Treatment |
10 |
25 |
1/32 oz |
0.9 g |
Cold Pack |
1 |
2 |
4 x 5 in |
10 x 12.5 cm |
Eye Covering (with means of attachment) |
2 |
2 |
2.9 square in |
19 square cm |
Eye/Skin Wash |
1 |
0 |
1 fluid oz |
29 milliliters (ml) |
0 |
1 |
4 fluid oz |
118.3 ml |
|
Foil Blanket |
1 |
1 |
52 x 84 in |
132 x 213 cm |
First Aid Guide |
1 |
1 |
N/A |
N/A |
Hand Sanitizer |
10 |
20 |
1/32 oz |
0.9 g |
Medical Exam Gloves |
2 pair |
4 pair |
N/A |
N/A |
Roller Bandage |
1 |
2 |
2 in x 4 yds |
5 cm x 3.66 m |
0 |
1 |
4 in x 4 yds |
10 cm x 3.66 m |
|
Scissors |
1 |
1 |
N/A |
N/A |
Splint |
0 |
1 |
4 x 2.4 in |
10.2 x 61 cm |
Sterile Pad |
2 |
4 |
3 x 3 in |
7.5 x 7.5 cm |
Tourniquet |
0 |
1 |
1.5 in (width) |
3.8 cm (width) |
Trauma Pad |
2 |
4 |
5 x 9 in |
12.7 x 22.9 cm |
Triangular Bandage |
1 |
2 |
40 x 40 x 56 in |
101 x 101 x 142 cm |
First aid kit containers are classified by portability, the ability to be mounted, resistance to water, and corrosion and impact resistance.
Type I: Intended for use in stationary, indoor applications where kit contents have minimal potential for damage. These kits are not intended to be portable and should have a means for mounting in a fixed position. Some applications for Type I first aid kits are general indoor use, office use or use in a light manufacturing facility. First aid cabinets fall in this classification.
Type II: Intended for portable use in indoor applications where there is potential for damage to kit supplies due to environmental factors and rough handling is minimal. Some applications for Type II first aid kits are general indoor use or use in office or manufacturing environments.
Type III: Intended for portable use in mobile indoor and/or outdoor settings where there is potential for damage of kit supplies due to environment is not probable. These kits should have the means to be mounted in a fixed position and have a water-resistant seal. Typical applications are general indoor use and sheltered outdoor use.
Type IV: Intended for portable use in mobile industries and/or outdoor settings where there is potential for damage to kit supplies due to environmental factors and rough handling is significant. These kits must have a means to be mounted in a fixed position and must be corrosion, moisture and impact resistant (meet the performance requirements of ANSI/ISA Z308.1-2021 Section 5.2.5). Typical applications for Type IV first aid kits include the transportation, utility and construction industries, and the armed forces.
Q: What first aid kit labeling and markings are required?
A: Section 7 of ANSI/ISEA Z308.1-2021 addresses labeling and marking of first aid kits. Each kit must be labeled with its contents and their locations must be visibly marked. All labeling and markings must be legible, permanent and if adhesive labels are used they must not be easily removed.
Q: Is bloodborne pathogen-related personal protective equipment required in first aid kits?
A: No, but OSHA does recommend it in 29 CFR 1910.151 Non-Mandatory Appendix A: “If it is reasonably anticipated that employees will be exposed to blood or other potentially infectious materials while using first aid supplies, employers are required to provide appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) in compliance with the provisions of the occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens standard, 1910.1030(d)(3). This standard lists the appropriate PPE for the type of exposure, such as gloves, gowns, face shields, mask or eye protection.”
The information contained in this article is intended for general information purposes only and is based on information available as of the initial date of publication. No representation is made that the information or references are complete or remain current. This article is not a substitute for review of current applicable government regulations, industry standards, or other standards specific to your business and/or activities and should not be construed as legal advice or opinion. Readers with specific questions should refer to the applicable standards or consult with an attorney.
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