Workplace First Aid Kits

What’s the difference between an ANSI First Aid Kit and an OSHA First Aid Kit?

ANSI is an organization that creates and facilitate standards that when adhered to create a standard of quality and safety for industries.

OSHA, Occupational Safety and Health Administration is a regulatory, government agency whose sole mission is to ensure that employees have safe working conditions. OSHA sets safety standards and provides enforcement to make sure the standards are adhered to. ANSI standards can be adopted by OSHA therefore becoming law.

When talking about first aid kits, ANSI & OSHA approved first aid kits mean exactly the same thing. ANSI created the standard for first aid kits and supplies while OSHA adopted that standard as law and provides the enforcement of such law.

What items are required for an ANSI Class A first aid kit?

Class A first aid kits are intended to provide a basic range of products to deal with most common types of injuries encountered in the workplace”
Class A Kits must include at a minimum the following:

• 16 Adhesive Bandages
• 1 Adhesive Tape 2.5 yd total
• 10 Antibiotic Ointment
• 10 Antiseptic
• 1 CPR Breathing Barrier
• 10 Burn Treatment
• 1 Cold Pack
• 2 Eye Coverings
• 1 Eye Wash 1 oz
• 1 First Aid Guide
• 6 Hand Sanitizer
• 2 Pair Medical Gloves
• 1 Roller Bandage 2 Inch
• 1 Scissor
• 2 Sterile Pads 3x3
• 2 Trauma Pads 5x9
• 1 Triangular Bandage

What items are required for an ANSI Class B first aid kit?

Class B First aid kits are intended to provide broader range and quantity of supplies to deal with injuries encountered in more populated, complex and or high risk workplace environments. The ANSI Class B List includes:

• 50 Adhesive Bandages
• 2 Adhesive Tape 2.5 yd total
• 25 Antibiotic Ointment
• 50 Antiseptic
• 1 CPR Breathing Barrier
• 25 Burn Treatment
• 2 Cold Pack
• 2 Eye Coverings
• 1 Eye Wash 4 oz
• 1 First Aid Guide
• 10 Hand Sanitizer
• 4 Pair Medical Gloves
• 2 Roller Bandage 2 Inch
• 1 Roller Bandage 4 Inch
• 1 Scissor
• 1 Splint
• 4 Sterile Pads 3x3
• 4 Trauma Pads 5x9
• 1 Tourniquet
• 2 Triangular Bandage

How do I know which class of OSHA first aid kit I need?

The best way to determine which class of first aid kit you need is to review work processes and potential injuries that may occur. If your work facility has a high potential for injuries then you should consider a Class B first aid kit. If your environment has a low potential for injuries then choose a Class A. As a general suggestion you always want to have adequate supplies on hand to treat most injuries that could occur. Should OSHA come to inspect, it’s always better to be overly cautious. You don’t want to be fined for not having enough first aid supplies in your kit!

Which type of container do I need for my workplace first aid kit?

ANSI has developed first aid kit container types incorporated in the Z308.1-2015 first aid kit standard. The type of first aid kit container is dependent on the type of workplace and work performed. There are 4 types of first aid kit containers:

• Type 1 - Intended for use in stationary, indoor setting where the potential for damage of kit supplies due to environmental factors and rough handling is minimal. Type 1 kits shall have a means for mounting in a fixed position and are generally not intended to be portable. Uses:Indoor Use : Mountable
  Applications such as general indoor use, office, manufacturing facilities  
• Type II - Intended for portable use in indoor setting where the potential for damage of kit supplies due to environmental factors and rough handling is minimal
  Uses: Indoor Use : Portable
  Applications such as general indoor use, office, manufacturing facilities.  
• Type III - Intended for portable use in mobile, indoor and/or outdoor settings where the potential for damage to kit supplies due to environmental factors is not probable. Shall have a means to be mounted in a fixed position and shall have a water resistant seal.
  Uses: Indoor or Outdoor: Mountable : Water Resistant
  Applications such as general indoor use and sheltered outdoor use.  
• Type IV - Intended for portable use in mobile industries and/or outdoor setting where the potential for damage to kit supplies due to environmental factors and rough handling is significant. Shall have a means to be mounted in a fixed position and shall meet impact and performance standards.
  Uses: Indoor or Outdoor : Mountable : Waterproof : Performance Standards
  Applications such as transportation, utility, construction and armed force.  

Do I need to include any other items in my workplace first aid kit?

While it is required that workplace first aid kits comply with the minimum first aid supply standards, it is recognized that each work environment is unique. Additional first aid supplies or quantities of supplies should be based on the specific hazards that exist in each work environment.
Additional items that could be augmented in workplace first aid kits include:

• Low dosage aspirin (treats heart attack & stroke)
• Hemostatic Dressings (for those with compromised blood clotting)
• Electrolyte Replacement (Heat stress related injuries)
• Glucose Replacement (Diabetic or hypoglycemic episodes)
• Analgesics (Pain relief or swelling control)
• Hydrocortisone (Itchiness and skin rashes)
• Antihistamine (Allergic reactions)
• Foil Blanket (Treat shock or cold injuries)