"How To Inspect Your First Aid Kit" is the first of a three part series  showing you how to inspect, sanitize and restock your first aid kit.  In this article, we use a standard 4 shelf industrial first aid kit as an example but the principles can be applied to any first aid kit.  See our "How To" section for more articles.

Today's focus it about inspecting your first aid cabinet.  This step ensures your cabinet will be ready to sanitize and restock when you have finished the inspection.

Why Inspect Your First Aid Cabinet?

The purpose to inspect your first aid cabinet is to organize, prepare for replenishment and ensure it is safe to use. Following these basic steps are easy and only take a minute.  The 4 steps to inspect are:

The purpose of organizing is to ensure that the contents of your kit are safe and ready to use.  Regardless of the type of container/box/bag your supplies are stored, the following points still apply to you.  Ok, Here is what you should look for as you organize.

1.  Check for Unsafe/Damaged Products
Check for damaged, soiled, dirty or even partially used products.  As a practice, all items should be single use to prevent cross contamination.  That means that a tube of ointment that has a resealable cap should be considered contaminated.  If this is for home use you can be a little more lenient.  Open bottles of eyewash should be thrown out.  partially used ointment It is best to use "single use" type products.

2.  Check for expiration dates
Many of the items in a first aid kit have a shelf life.  The expiration date will be marked on the container or individual package.  Items including sprays, ointments, wipes, medicines, eyewash and eyedrops will all have dates.  If an outer box does have dates, be sure to check the product inside.  Many times like products you are replacing will have different dates.  When you mix them it is important to use the old dates first.  Product placement and rotation are important.  Always put the newer product behind the older.  Be especially careful when inspecting the door pouches.  More about this will be covered in the "restock and refill" article.  

3.  Review & Observe the usage and available inventory.  
As you check your supplies, pay attention to how much has been used.  This will help you plan for the future, avoiding the possibility of running out of a particular item.  Good observation can also help you pinpoint the types of injuries that are occurring, possibly helping you to change work or safety processes and creating a healthier and safer workplace.

4.  Arrange & organize the product to it's appropriate location in the cabinet.
Why are we talking about this now when we have to check the supplies, sanitize the cabinet and then restock?  Every item has it's place.  Consistency is key to managing and maintaining your supplies.  When someone uses the supplies, they will always look in the same spot for that item.  It will also help you speed up the inventory process after we clean and sanitize the cabinet. Know where your supplies are suppose to be and move the items back to their dedicated spot.  This includes items on the door.

After you do this a few times it moves along quick and this first step should only take a minute or two.  We have prepared to more "How To" articles to prepare your first aid kit for success.  See tour next article about how to organize, sanitize and maintain your first aid supplies.  Once that is complete we will show you how to refill and restock your first aid supplies.

We are first aid kit refill experts

We know what it takes to maintain your first aid supplies.  Since 1966, MFASCO Health & Safety has been making first aid kits and offering resources to help you maintain your kit.  Every first aid kit we make has a refill checklist you can download from the product page.  This makes reordering simple.

Restock your first aid supplies with confidence!

MFASCO not only manufactures first aid kits, we offer easy to use first aid kit refill tools right here on our website.  Take a look at these helpful resources.
Make sure your first aid supplies are safe and ready to use. It's important to regularly check your first aid kit for missing or outdated products. Restocking supplies isn't difficult using one of MFASCO's 4 handy tools.

#1 - Every first aid kit we make has refill checklist available for download on the product page.

#2 - "Reorder List" allows you to save refill items to a single list.

#3 - ReStockKit is a visual refill system for larger kits that hang on a wall.

#4 - Finally, Make-A-First-Aid-Kit allows you to create your own kit or refill list in a few short minutes.

#5 - Refill Reminders.  When you use our reorder list, you can schedule reminder emails to be sent to you.  
See our Restock page and check out each of the 4 refill & restock first aid supplies options available.

We're here to help.

We have helpful articles and videos how to refill and restock your first aid supplies.  MFASCO Health & Safety is ready to help you select the right tools and supplies for your needs. Give us a call or email us for assistance.

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"How to Sanitize and Organize Your First Aid Kit" is second in a three part series  showing you how to inspect, sanitize and restock your first aid kit.  In this article, we use a standard 4 shelf industrial first aid kit as an example but the principles can be applied to any first aid kit.  See our "How To" section for more articles.

If you are following our "How-To", you should have already inspected the cabinet for damaged, partially used or unsafe products and thrown those away.  Any expired products would be discarded as well.  Those steps are critical to properly maintaining a first aid cabinet.  Once done, we can then sanitize our cabinet using a simple 3 step process.

1.  Empty the cabinet 1 shelf at a time.  Place the items you are removing temporarily on another shelf or on top of the cabinet.  This is a great opportunity to once again check for any scraps or items that do not belong there and discard them.  Keep in mind that you may have missed some expired or unsafe products.  It is common for first aid kits to have too many products on each shelf and items get overlooked during inspection because they are hidden behind other items.  Keep track of where the items came from.  A simple trick is to take the items on the top shelf and set them on the bottom shelf, keeping them in the same order.


2.  Use a real sanitizing disinfectant spray to sanitize the shelf.  We like a combination cleaner/disinfectant spray like Dispatch Disinfectant because it not only disinfects, but it also cleans.  Take a look at our other cleaners and disinfectants here.    We have several products that are perfect for this task.  Notice how we have never used the word "Clean" to describe this step?  Our goal isn't just to clean and tidy, but to sanitize.  Think about it.  People who are bleeding or sick open the cabinet and handle the supplies.  We want to ensure that the cabinet is safe from any contamination.  We want to reduce any potential cross contamination.  

Be sure to wear protective gloves made from vinyl, latex or nitrile while you sanitize.  Work one shelf at a time, spraying the cleaner, waiting a minute and then using a paper towel to wipe is down.  The foam cleaner will help remove dirt and debris while the disinfectant does the sanitizing.

It is important to remember that germs from the common cold or flu can be spread quickly and easily from doors, handles and even first aid kits.  Don't forget to sanitize the outside of the cabinet as well.  Be sure to sanitize the latches, snaps, handles, front facing door and any other area including the shelves of your first aid cabinet to prevent the spreading of germs.

It might be necessary to use a good degreaser cleaner for the dirt as some of these germicidal sanitizing sprays are not designed to cut through grease.


 3.  After you have sanitized the cabinet, place the items back, organizing them in their correct places.  Again, use this opportunity to look over the products for expired dates or other reasons why you should not put the product back in the cabinet.  If you have a checklist, use it to help you place the items back in the correct order. 

If this is your first time organizing your cabinet, consider grouping your supplies so similar items are together.  Keep the gauze with the gauze, bandages with the bandages and medicines grouped together as well. Ultimately, you will want to use a checklist to make this task fast and easy.  MFASCO Health & Safety has checklists, refill supplies and all of the sanitizing supplies you need to help sanitize and restock your first and kit .

Your first aid kit is now ready to be restocked.  Notice that there are empty spaces in the picture displayed here?  Sometimes, empty cartons will be thrown away by others.  When you visually inspect your cabinet, it may be difficult to remember what was in that empty spot.  Your checklist will always help you keep your cabinet organized and in the same order each time you finish maintaining your first aid cabinet.

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"How To Restock Your First Aid Kit" is the last of a three part series  showing you how to inspect, sanitize and restock your first aid kit.  In this article, we use a standard 4 shelf industrial first aid kit as an example but the principles can be applied to any first aid kit.  See our "How To" section for more articles.

In this article, we cover how to determine what supplies you need, how to create a checklist and how to set up regular inspections.

1.  How do I determine what first aid supplies I need for my kit?

 This is usually the most difficult part for most people but in fact is pretty easy.  We can figure this out by taking a minute understanding the purpose of your kit, what potential injuries can occur and the OSHA requirements for your workplace (if applicable).


Purpose and Use of your first aid kit
This is easy.  The purpose of any first aid kit is to treat minor cuts, scrapes, burns and other types of injuries.  In the workplace, it is not only meant to help the employee, but also to keep them productive on the job.  The kit is not to be a first responder/EMT bag.  It is for basic first aid that employee╒s can access.  All of the supplies maintained in the first aid cabinet are common sense supplies that everyone is familiar how to use.

Identifying Potential injuries.
Carefully look at the past injuries you have treated.  This will help determine they types of first aid supplies you will want to have available for use.  Do you have cuts and scrapes?  If yes then include a variety of bandages and gauze.  Are you experiencing dust and particles in eyes?  If yes, consider including eyewash in your kit. Also, look at the environment you are in.  Are you stocking a first aid kit for a sheet metal cutting operation?  If so, MORE bandages, gauze and blood pressure bandages should be included than normal.  If there is welding or any type of heat then additional burn gel should be stocked.  Flying particles, dust or chemicals would require you to keep more eye wash type products.  Woodcutting would demand splinter tools and bandages.  If this is for a home, simply consider how many bandages, gauze and burns you have treated in the past year or two.  Plan for any potential injury by having supplies ready.  So, if you have never had someone severely cut, that does not mean you don't need a pressure bandage.  Always keep basic first aid supplies on hand for any potential injury.

OSHA  / ANSI requirements
If the first aid kit is for a workplace, OSHA (Occupational Safety & Health Administration) has requirements for first aid supplies at work.  Generally speaking, if your business is in near proximity to a medical facility (10 minutes) you might not be required to have a first aid kit.  BUT, it is common sense for every workplace to be prepared and have a basic first aid kit at a minimum, a first aid kit that will help treat minor cuts, crapes or burns.  Why pay money to send your employee off property to a clinic for a bandage?  OSHA expects that workplace first aid kits are to maintain or exceed the ANSI (American National Standards Institute) standard.  Most likely, your idea of a basic first aid kit will contain much more than the ANSI minimum requirements.

If you keep a record of your injuries, this can be very helpful in understanding the types of common injuries that occur.  Under OSHA's new record keeping regulations, record keeping is not required for minor injuries or use of the first aid cabinet unless it causes time off work or the injury is treated off site at a medical facility.

The ANSI requirement offers a great starting point for any first aid kit.  The ANSI Z308.1=2009 minimum required items are:

• (1) First Aid Guide
• (1) Absorbent Compress 4ΓÇ│ X 8ΓÇ│ minimum
• (16) 1 X 3 Adhesive Bandages
• (1) Adhesive Tape 2.5 yard roll
• (10) Antiseptic Treatment Applications 0.9 Gram each
• (6) Burn Treatment Applications 0.9 Gram each
• (4) 3ΓÇ│ X 3ΓÇ│ Sterile Gauze Pads
• (2) Pair Medical Exam Gloves
• (1) Triangular Bandage 40ΓÇ│ X 40ΓÇ│ X 56ΓÇ│ min
• (6) Antibiotic Ointment Applications 0.5 Gram each.

There are also now ten items listed as Recommended Supplies including:

•   Analgesic (oral, non-drowsy formula)
•   Bandage Compress, 2ΓÇ│ X 2ΓÇ│ min.
•   Breathing Barrier, single use
•   Burn Dressing, 12 square inches
•   Cold Pack 4 X 5 min.
•   Eye Covering 1/4 thick min.
•   Eye/Face Wash Sterile 4 oz. min.
•   Roller Bandage 2 X 4 yards min.
•   Hand Sanitizer

So, to answer the question, "how do I know what supplies I need?", you need to know the purpose of your first aid kit, identify your potential injuries and also be sure to include ANSI required items.  Once you have a list, we can move onto the second step in refilling and restocking your first aid kit.


 2.  Create a Checklist

Based on step 1, you should create and keep a first aid checklist.  If you need help, we have 4 different resources for you to check your first aid kit supplies.

Make A First Aid Kit- Create your own custom printable checklist at our website.  You can select the container, supplies and even give them a name.  The list can be saved for quick and easy reordering

Reorder List- On the MFASCO website, search for each item you want to keep in your kit and add it to your "My Item List".  When you need to reorder, simply go to the "Reorder List" page and print your list.  Check your cabinet and mark off the items you need.

RestockKit- This is a simple graphical checklist.  MFASCO Health & Safety has several checklists already made and ready to use for each of the industrial first aid kit types (2-5 shelf).  Our RestockKit program uses a simple graphical checklist that will help you remember where each item is placed.  When it is time to order, simply print off a checklist, check the cabinet and then place your order here at MFASCO.  If you have your own custom list several easy ways to create a checklist and methods to set-up regular inspections.  See a helpful "how to use restockkit" video here

Refill This Kit Now - We offer a complete line of industrial first aid kits.  Each of these kits and many of the other first aid kits we offer include a great refill option.  Go to any product detail page for one of these kits and look to the right of the description tab to find the "Refill This Kit" tab.  See the example picture here. 


  

3.  Restock & Refill

Once you have a checklist, go to your cabinet, compare your list to what you currently have in your kit.  By this time the only thing in your cabinet should be good usable inventory.  Anything old, partially used, expired etc.. should be thrown away.  See our article on how to inspect your first aid cabinet.  

Order Supplies Based on Usage
It is important you remember to plan for usage between now and the next time you inspect your kit.  If you go through a lot of bandage strips, be sure to order enough to last you until the next time you order.  Also, if you have 1/2  a box or less left, consider ordering another box.  When you stock your kit you will combine the two boxes together.  Most boxes of bandages, ointments and medicines are designed to have extra space to combine a new box with some left over product.  We will talk about mixing expiration dates in a moment.  Complete your checklist and order your items. 


Organize Your Cabinet
After you have placed your order and it arrives, it is time to restock your cabinet.  Use the graphical checklist if you forget where things belong.  Also remember to group your products by type and keep it consistent.  This is the time to place the items where they belong, every time you replenish.  If you are combining a new box with a partially empty one, inspect the expiration dates (if applicable) and be sure to place the older stock in front where it will get used first.  For medicines, place then close to the drawer flap where people reach for them first. 
 

Now that your first aid cabinet is setup, the key is to maintain it.  We have an automated reminder system that will email you when it is time to check your first aid supplies.  You can find at any of our first aid kit restocking areas of our site including "Make A First Aid Kit", "RestockKit" and "Reorder List".  We have also included the reminder option on any first aid kit that offers a refill list.  Look for the "Refill This Kit" option below the description on the product page. 

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How to disinfect safety glasses 
Every day millions of Americans wear safety glasses to protect themselves from eye injuries.  Thousands of children wear safety glasses in vocational and technology classes at our public schools. Much attention is given to the proper use and warnings related to eye injuries and prevention but little is given to the care, cleaning and disinfecting of safety glasses. This is especially important for environments where safety glasses are shared between other people. This brief article will help us learn how to disinfect our safety glasses so they are safe and ready to use.

Why should I disinfect my safety glasses? 
Some may ask why it is necessary to disinfect safety glasses? Why don’t I just clean them? When glasses are shared between people, there is a potential for cross contamination between users. Cold, flu or other germs can be transmitted by the safety glasses. Blood or other bodily fluids may contain bloodborne pathogens that carry virus’ including hepatitis or AIDS. It is important to treat any bodily fluids as potentially infectious.  Cleaning and disinfecting safety glasses makes sense and promotes good health and safety hygiene practices. It is important to be aware of these types of hazards as they are not always visibly seen.

Should I clean my safety glasses before I disinfect them? 
Yes, we suggest you clean your safety glasses with a mild detergent or cleaner to remove any dirt or debris from the safety glasses. This will remove most of the contaminants from the glasses. Be gentle when cleaning and scrubbing the glasses. Plastic and polycarbonate lenses tend to scratch easily. Do not use abrasives to clean the glasses. Water temperature should be at least 110 degrees.

What is the best solution to use to disinfect my safety glasses? 
There are several inexpensive and easy to use household products that will do the job quickly and safely. Household bleach can be diluted with water to disinfect glasses. A ratio of 1 part bleach per thousand is ample to use according to Michigan State University. The same ratio can be used for ammonia and water or even tincture of iodine and water. Completely immerse and soak the glasses in the disinfecting solution for at least 2 minutes and then rinse off with warm water.  Be sure to rinse your glasses in warm water to remove any soap, cleaner or disinfectant solution.  Failure to remove the cleaners or disinfectants could cause film, haze, discoloration and could even effect the integrity of some forms of plastic.  Be sure they are rinsed off completely and dried with a lint free cloth.

How often should I disinfect my safety glasses?
Safety glasses that are shared should be disinfected after every use. This will help reduce cross contamination. If you are not sharing glasses, disinfecting only needs to occur as necessary. It is always a good idea to regularly inspect safety glasses before each use. Look for scratches or any other type of damage that may interfere with the safety performance and discard and replace as necessary.

MFASCO Safety Glasses & Eye Protection Resources:

Employers need to be able to maintain a clean working environment for their employees, and as part of the routine maintenance & care for your equipment, it is important to keep your seeing protection disinfected and sanitized. We have a number of resources available to help you keep stocked up on essential supplies, and maintain a clean working environment. 

Eye Protection Products & Accessories:

• Safety Glasses 
• Face Protection & Safety Glasses Cleaning Supplies 
• Accessories for Safety Glasses & Face Protection 

Additional Resources for Workplace Eye Protection: 

• How do Safety Glasses Protect Your Eyes 
• 5 Tips for Workplace Safety 
• How to Select the Right PPE Gear 
• Vocational School Safety Eyewear

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Hearing is one of our most valuable senses.  It helps us communicate, earn a living, warns us of danger and provides pleasure.  These facts should remind us how important it is for us to protect our hearing.  Sudden loud noises and exposure to constant noise can damage our hearing.  Hearing protection helps reduce our exposure to dangerous noise.  This brief article will help you determine if you need to protect your hearing.  If you wear hearing protection, we also include helpful information to select and care for your hearing protection.  Spend a few minutes to understand these practices and save your hearing.  Remember, hearing damage is not reversible.  Be proactive and protect yourself.

Know your work environment

Whether at home or work, it is important to know what noise levels you are being exposed.  This simple chart shown here will provide examples of power tools a typical carpenter uses and how much noise each produces.  Anything over 85 decibels is considered dangerous to your hearing health.

Noise Testing - If you are exposed to noise at work, your employer is required to conduct tests to determine the levels.  Results will determine what level of protection you will need to wear in order to be safe.  

Noise Reduction Rating - Hearing protectors are required to be tested by the manufacturer to determine how much noise will be reduced.  This NRR (Noise Reduction Rating) is labeled on every package of hearing protection.  The goal is for hearing protection to bring you below 85 decibels of noise. 

Frequency Of Use - Any work environment should not only be measured by noise level but also time.  As a matter of fact, OSHA says that noise should be measured as a "time weighted average".  Sometimes noise levels may increase or decrease.  Testing should be conducted over a period of hours so an average noise exposure can be determined.  How often and long exposure takes place can influence your hearing health.

Selecting the right protection

Reusable or Disposable Plugs or Muffs? - There are many types of ear protection products.  With just a few answered questions, you will be able to select from a much narrower choice.  Consider the following question:

• Is this a temporary need?  
• Do I need to wear these day after day after day?
• What NRR is required to protect my ears?
• Can I wear this style while wearing a helmet, hard hat or other protective clothing?
• Are they comfortable
• Can I reuse these more than once?
• Am I sharing these with others?

Inspect & Care

Caring for your hearing protection can extend the life and usability of the product.  Depending on the type of ear protection you have will determine if you can wash and sanitize your product.  Hygiene is vital to your ear health.  Work environments can be dirty and so can ears!  Hearing protection that can be washed generally includes ear muffs and reusable bands and plugs.  Disposable foam plugs should not be cleaned.  They are "disposable".

General cleaning & washing involves using warm soapy water for reusable plugs and bands.  Wash off any grime, dirt and oils from the protector.  Inspect for damage or wear that may influence the ability of the hearing protector to perform properly.  Cracks, missing pieces or other noticeable defects are evidence that it's time to replace your protector.  

For those who use disposable plugs.  These are generally made from foam and involve rolling or squeezing to insert into the ear canal.  Be sure to wash your hands first before rolling and squeezing.  Dirt will be transferred from your hands to the protector which will be contacting your ear canal.  Use common sense and always inspect and take good care of your hearing protection so it can take care of you.

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Did you know that first aid kits regularly need to be checked for damaged or outdated supplies? If it's been a while since you took a look at your inventory, follow these steps for keeping your kit up to date:

Dispose of any unsafe, opened or damaged supplies. Even if an open item has a resealable cap, it's safest to treat it as if it's cross-contaminated after one use.

Look at the expiration date on each item and dispose of any that are outdated. Items that have expired will not be as effective.

Finally, rotate your items so that the newest are in the back of the first aid kit.

See this helpful article http://www.mfasco.com/Blog/How-To-Articles/How-To-Inspect-Check-Your-First-Aid-Kit.html

Take a look below at the entire 3 part series about how to inspect, organize and restock your first aid cabinet

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Update Your First Aid Kit
It's time to check your first aid supplies.  Take a look at our first aid refill category or quick refill packs to easily refill your first aid kit.  Every first aid kit we make has an easy "refill this kit" link as well.

Selected Items On Sale
For a limited time, some of our popular refill items are on sale.  Take a look at our items on sale here. 

Refill This Kit
Did you know that every MFASCO kit we make has a fast and easy to use refill system? Simply find the MFASCO kit you want to restock, click on the "Refill This Kit" icon or scroll down the page and the item list with pictures and add to cart buttons are ready for your review. See our brief video below to see it work!

Make A Kit
We're excited to introduce Make A Kit, the Internet's first and only online tool that allows you to create your own custom first aid kit from scratch. Answer a few questions, select your container & products from this easy to use tool and we will make your custom first aid kit and ship it right away.

Go to the Make A Kit page now and give it a try. It is free to use. You will also find a helpful instructional video as well as an FAQ to learn more about this wonderful tool.

Website Refill Tools
We also have created 5 easy to use refill tools that will help you restock your first aid kits.

1.  Print Checklist - Go to any of our kits or refills and click on the "Refill This Kit" link and you will see the "Print Refill List" text link to print your checklist.

2.  Refill This Kit - Every kit or refill pack we make has a "Refill This Kit" link the pictures.  Click the link to direct you down the page where you can add to cart individual items from the list.  

3.  RestockKit - If you have an industrial metal cabinet, RestockKit is a visual point and click refill tool.  Click here and select which cabinet you have to get started.

4.  Reorder List - Our version of a "saved list" is fast and easy to use.  From either the item product page OR any search list result, look for the "Add To List" icon like this icon

5.  Make-A-First-Aid-Kit  - Our flagship custom first aid kit making tool also creates a checklist once you have built your kit. See how Make-A-Kit works here.

How to refill your first aid kit
If you're not sure how to refill your first aid kit, take a look at our Learning Center.  It has many articles and videos that show you how to maintain and restock your supplies:

• How to inspect a first aid kit- 
• How to restock your first aid kit- 
• How to organize and sanitize your first aid kit- 
• 5 Part Workplace First Aid series- 

Other helpful resources 
Our Learning Center contains hundreds of great health & safety related articles, infographics, videos and ebooks.  Here are a few of our most popular additions: 

• Why is first aid important
• What is a first aid kit used for?
• Supply list for for basic first aid kits
• Essential first aid kit supplies list ebook
• How to customize a first aid kit
• Top first aid kit types for 2019

We're here to help. Contact customer service if you need help or have questions.

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Update Your First Aid Kit
It's time to check your first aid supplies.  Take a look at our first aid refill category or quick refill packs to easily refill your first aid kit.  Every first aid kit we make has an easy "refill this kit" link as well.  Go to our First Aid Kit category if you want to start fresh with a brand new first aid kit.

Selected Items On Sale
For a limited time, some of our popular refill items are on sale.  Take a look at our items on sale here. 

First Aid Kits & Refills
If you are looking for a refill for your first aid kit take a look at the links below.  We have complete first aid kit refills for your first aid kit.  

• Complete Refill Packs 
• Class A (ANSI) Refill Pack
• Class B (ANSI) Refill pack
• Industrial 4 Shelf Refill Pack
• Unit Refills

Website Refill Tools
We also have created 5 easy to use refill tools that will help you restock your first aid kits.

1.  Print Checklist - Go to any of our kits or refills and click on the "Refill This Kit" link and you will see the "Print Refill List" text link to print your checklist.

2.  Refill This Kit - Every kit or refill pack we make has a "Refill This Kit" link the pictures.  Click the link to direct you down the page where you can add to cart individual items from the list.  

3.  RestockKit - If you have an industrial metal cabinet, RestockKit is a visual point and click refill tool.  Click here and select which cabinet you have to get started.

4.  Reorder List - Our version of a "saved list" is fast and easy to use.  From either the item product page OR any search list result, look for the "Add To List" icon like this icon

5.  Make-A-First-Aid-Kit  - Our flagship custom first aid kit making tool also creates a checklist once you have built your kit. See how Make-A-Kit works here.

Refill This Kit
Did you know that every MFASCO kit we make has a fast and easy to use refill system? Simply find the MFASCO kit you want to restock, click on the "Refill This Kit" icon or scroll down the page and the item list with pictures and add to cart buttons are ready for your review. See our brief video below to see it work!

How to refill your first aid kit
If you're not sure how to refill your first aid kit, take a look at our Learning Center.  It has many articles and videos that show you how to maintain and restock your supplies:

• How to inspect a first aid kit- 
• How to restock your first aid kit- 
• How to organize and sanitize your first aid kit- 
• 5 Part Workplace First Aid series- 

Other helpful resources 
Our Learning Center contains hundreds of great health & safety related articles, info-graphics, videos and eBooks.  Here are a few of our most popular resources curated for you: 

• Why is first aid important
• What is a first aid kit used for?
• Supply list for for basic first aid kits
• Essential first aid kit supplies list ebook
• How to customize a first aid kit
• Top first aid kit types for 2019

If your not sure why you should check your supplies, take a look at this important article "10 clues you need to update your first aid kit"

Do you want to start over with a custom first aid kit?
Make A Kit is the Internet's first and only online tool that allows you to create your own custom first aid kit from scratch. Answer a few questions, select your container & products from this easy to use tool and we will make your custom first aid kit and ship it right away.  Go to the Make A Kit page now and give it a try. It is free to use. You will also find a helpful instructional video as well as an FAQ to learn more about this wonderful tool.

We're here to help. Contact customer service if you need help checking your supplies.

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First Aid Kits & Refills
If you are looking for a refill for your first aid kit take a look at the links below.  We have complete first aid kit refills for your first aid kit.  

• Complete Refill Packs 
• Class A (ANSI) Refill Pack
• Class B (ANSI) Refill pack
• Industrial 4 Shelf Refill Pack
• Unit Refills

Website Refill Tools
We also have created 5 easy to use refill tools that will help you restock your first aid kits.

1.  Print Checklist - Go to any of our kits or refills and click on the "Refill This Kit" link and you will see the "Print Refill List" text link to print your checklist.

2.  Refill This Kit - Every kit or refill pack we make has a "Refill This Kit" link the pictures.  Click the link to direct you down the page where you can add to cart individual items from the list.  

3.  RestockKit - If you have an industrial metal cabinet, RestockKit is a visual point and click refill tool.  Click here and select which cabinet you have to get started.

4.  Reorder List - Our version of a "saved list" is fast and easy to use.  From either the item product page OR any search list result, look for the "Add To List" icon like this icon

5.  Make-A-First-Aid-Kit  - Our flagship custom first aid kit making tool also creates a checklist once you have built your kit. See how Make-A-Kit works here.

How to refill your first aid kit
If you're not sure how to refill your first aid kit, take a look at our Learning Center.  It has many articles and videos that show you how to maintain and restock your supplies:

• How to inspect your first aid kit
• How to orgainze & sanitize your first aid kit
• How to restock your first aid supplies

If your not sure why you should check your supplies, take a look at this important article "10 clues you need to update your first aid kit"

We're here to help. Contact customer service if you need help checking your supplies.

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Unless we walk around in a suit or armor, we will at one time or another have to deal with minor cuts, scrapes, burns and sprains.  Sometimes these injuries can be a little more severe and first aid will need to be administered.  The majority of injuries are not life threatening but still need treatment.  Here are 5 ways to prepare for a medical emergency.

1.  Know your potential injuries 
Medical emergencies are not just cuts, scrapes and burns.  They can include seizures, overdose, dehydration, diabetic concerns as well as sudden impact injuries.  Most people are not equipped to diagnose and treat medical emergencies other than basic first aid.  Past experience will help you know what some potential emergencies will be.  The environment can also help you plan.  In a work situation, working with hot materials generally would cause us to be prepared for burns.  An environment that has sharp objects would cause us to prepare for bleeding.  Use common sense, look around your environment and know your potential risks.

2.  Carry Medical Info with you 
It is always important to carry medical information with you.  Those who have a medical condition understand the risks and some even wear medical bracelets or necklace’s that inform first responders about their condition.  

3.  Have supplies available 
A portable emergency bag or a first aid kit should be available and ready to use.  These products should be clean, safe to use and easily accessible.  Be sure to have supplies that address the potential emergencies that could occur where you are.  If you are traveling, some additional supplies should be kept that deal with common ailments like fever, nausea, pain and allergy relief.  Sometimes a local drug store might not be available while traveling.  If you are not sure where to begin or how to prepare your kit, there is a very good “How To” article about inspecting, sanitizing and refilling your first aid kit that will help get you started.

4.  Understand how to use the supplies 
This is much easier than it sounds.  The supplies you have available should be easily identified so anyone with common sense can help the injured person.  The packaging should be easy to read and open.  Having strange unrecognizable items in a emergency bag will only confuse people during an emergency.  It is always a good idea to review the items together as a group and talk about what they are and how they are used.  Take the emergency bag and remove all of the items and let everyone look them over and ask questions.  This will give confidence to the responder and in the long run help treat the victim faster and better.  Of course proper first aid training from a reputable organization is always best.

5.  Plan Ahead 
How can you plan ahead for a medical emergency?  True, emergencies always seem to happen at a time and place when we least expect them.  It would be ideal to actually go through a practice drill and incorporate all of the steps necessary to respond quickly.  Knowing the potential injury, knowing the medical background of the victim, having available supplies and knowing how to use them will guide you through how to plan ahead for most of these emergencies.  

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The contents of a first aid kit are like fresh fruit, over time they begin to get stale and eventually the unused items need to be thrown away and replaced with fresh supplies.  Today we are going to share 10 Clues why you need to update your first aid kit.  These are not in any particular order.  Keep in mind, regardless of the container you are using, these 10 clues apply to every first aid kit.

1.  Screw caps (shared items)
Any item that can be resealed is suspect.  You should be concerned if your first aid kit is being used by more than just you.  The potential for cross contamination by sharing ointment tubes, liquids with brush tip applicators, pain relief tablets or even eyewash with a screw cap have potential risks. Only use single use items for first aid kits that are shared among others.
 
2.  Yellowing packaging
Many items like bandages or gauze are packaged in a paper like wrapper.  Over time they begin to yellow, revealing their age.  Most of these items are sterilized through radiation after packaging.  Yellowing usually is a sign that the package/wrapper is failing and it is time to throw it away.  

3.  Rusted or damaged container
The container used needs to be able to be sanitized.  Rusty, dirty containers should be cleaned and sanitized so they can keep the contents safe.  Hinges, shelves and other parts of the container help seal out contamination.  If your container is rusty get a new one.

4.  Old fashion treatment methods
Time offers new technology to better treat wounds.  It also reveals old outdated treatment methods that we learn are not safe.  Items like Merthiolate which were common place 20 years ago are actually banned in some states.  If the packaging says "Allow blood to spurt 3 times before tightening" throw it away!

5.  Expired products
If it looks old get rid of it.  If it is a liquid or any type of topical product and there is no expiration date, throw it away.  Look over every package for expiration dates.  All outdated items should be discarded.

6.  Unsafe items
Especially for shared first aid kits, things like reusable splinter picks, tourniquets, eye loop magnets and the like are all unsafe and should be reserved for trained health care personnel.  A picture is worth a thousand words.  If you don't recognize what it is for, question if it should be in your first aid cabinet.

7.  Contaminated products
Some first aid supplies are shared among workers.  Any sign of blood or questionable fluids should be considered infectious and not safe.  Universal precautions should be taken, the contaminated item(s) should be discarded and the container should be sanitized.  

8.  Partially used products
People will tear open a single use item, use a portion and then leave the rest in the first aid kit.  Any single use first aid item that has been opened, damaged or shows any sign of tampering needs to be thrown away.
 
9.  You have not checked it in the last 6 months
We actually recommend you check your first aid kit more often that that, especially if there is a concern for expiring products.  Find a regular time to inspect, organize and restock your first aid kit.

10.  When your first aid kit is a 1936 "Lone Ranger first aid kit"
A little tongue and cheek here but in all sincerity, look at your container and supplies.  If they look old, unsafe or simply scary, update your container and or supplies.

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While millions of children are shopping for school supplies, teachers and school districts are prepare lesson plans and and policies for another school season here in the United States. Because our company was founded by a retired school teacher almost 70 years ago, we know a good first aid plan for the school classroom when we see one. We suggest you look at what the San Francisco Unified School District is doing. They are a good example of how a large school district manages their first aid supplies.

Who is responsible for the first aid supplies?
The central school supply warehouse stocks all of the first aid supplies needed to prepare a classroom. The school district has created all of the necessary order requisition forms necessary for teachers and administrators to request supplies. School site administrators or someone who is designated responsible for first aid supplies should order and track supplies at the beginning of the school year. Required supplies are all included in the approved school list that the district has designated. The central warehouse for the school will stock all of the supplies the designated person will need to order.

What supplies are needed?
The containers for the supplies include the classroom box, field trip fanny pack and yard fanny pack. They should all be included on the order form along with the list of supplies. Once ordered, the supplies and kits should be assembled at the school before the school year begins.

These are the basic first aid supplies on the approved list that can be stocked in all of the kits. The classroom will use a plastic container while the field trip kit and yard kit will use a fanny pack. The same supplies go inside each of the various container/kit types. The supplies include:

• 20 Antiseptic Wipes (for would cleaning)
• 1 Box of 3/4" X 3" Bandaids
• First Aid Instruction Card
• 10 3 X 3 Gauze Pads
• 10 Vinyl Disposable Gloves
• 20 packages of Hand sanitizer (not meant for wound cleaning)
• 1 Plastic container (fanny pack for field trip or yard kit)
• Tissues

How to maintain the first aid kit 
Every classroom should have a first aid kit, field trip kit and a yard kit. The approved district first aid supply form will include a list of items and quantities. Maintaining the supplies is easy. Each teachers can replenish their supplies at monthly faculty meetings. A monthly checklist should be used to inspect supplies and order what is needed a week before the monthly meetings.

Questions and policies
The district should have a comprehensive first aid policy so teachers and administrators know how they should respond in case of an incident. See our article "4 tips for school first aid guidelines and procedures" for information and links that can help you establish a policy. We like the model that the San Francisco Unified School District has established for their schools. Again, these are suggest as examples but ultimately your school district should establish their own policies and procedures.

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Accidents happen in the workplace every day.  Having a first aid kit that is stocked and ready to use.  Most of us will have an old first aid kit that has not been restocked in ages so today we are providing 3 examples of a first aid reorder list.  Regardless of the box or container you are using, these first aid reorder checklists will help you update and restock your kit in no time.

Reorder List #1 - Basic First Aid Kit List
OSHA uses the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) recommended list as a minimum example which includes:

The ANSI requirement offers a great starting point for any first aid kit. The ANSI Z308.1=2009 minimum required items are: 

• (1) First Aid Guide 
• (1) Absorbent Compress 4" X 8" minimum 
• (16) 1 X 3 Adhesive Bandages 
• (1) Adhesive Tape 2.5 yard roll 
• (10) Antiseptic Treatment Applications 0.9 Gram each 
• (6) Burn Treatment Applications 0.9 Gram each 
• (4) 3" X 3" Sterile Gauze Pads 
• (2) Pair Medical Exam Gloves 
• (1) Triangular Bandage 4" X 40" X 56" min 
• (6) Antibiotic Ointment Applications 0.5 Gram each. 

ANSI also recommends supplies like these: 

•  Analgesic (oral, non-drowsy formula) 
•  Bandage Compress, 2" X 2" min. 
•  Breathing Barrier
• Single use Burn Dressing 12 square inches 
• Cold Pack 4 X 5 min. 
•  Eye Covering 1/4 thick min. 
•  Eye/Face Wash Sterile 4 oz. min. 
•  Roller Bandage 2 X 4 yards min. 
•  Hand Sanitizer

Reorder List #2 - Traditional Industrial Refill
This list is based from our 3 Shelf Industrial First Aid Kit.  The complete refill is here.  Use the "Refill This Kit" link on that page as your reorder list.

• Eye Wash 4 Oz
• Eye Wash Single Use 1/2 Oz
• Cpr Face Shield Value
• Cold Pack Unit Large
• Splinter Out 20'S
• Burn Dressing 2 X 6
• First Aid Cream 25
• Antiseptic Pump Spray 2 Oz
• Burn Pump Spray 2Oz
• Cohesive Bandage Tan 1"
• Cohesive Bandage 2'' Tan
• Adhesive Tape Triple Cut
• Blood Stopping Bandage
• Triple Antibiotic Ointment 25
• Forcep Splinter 3 1/2
• Scissor Kit Size
• Eye Pads Oval Each
• Gauze Pads 3 X 3 25/Bx
• Triangular Bandage 40'' Ns
• Bandaid 7/8 X 3 50
• Fingertip Bandaid 40
• Knuckle Bandaid 40
• Bandaid  3/4" (100)
• First Aid Guide
• Antacid Tab 50 X 2
• Pain Relief Tab 50 X 2
• Cold Relief 50X2
• Ammonia Inhalants
• Antiseptic Swabs 10
• Butterfly Closures Med
• Non-Adhering Pads 2X3 10
• Paws Antimicrobial Wipes 10
• Gauze Roll Ns 2" Each
• Gauze Roll Ns 3" Each
• Gloves Vinyl Lge (2Pr)

Reorder List #3 - Basic Outdoor First Aid Kit Reorder List
This is a basic outdoor first aid kit contents list you can easily refill.  We have the complete Outdoor Kit refill here.

• 6 antibiotic ointment
• 6-antiseptic towelettes
• 6-alcohol pads
• 6-hand sanitizer packets
• 3-sting x pads
• 20 plastic bandages
• 10-cloth bandages
• 4-xlarge bandages
• 4-knuckle bandages
• 4 fingertip bandages
• 6 gauze pads 2'' x 2''
• 6-gauze pads 3'' x 3''
• 6-gauze pads 4'' x 4''
• 2-oval eye pads 
• Electrolyte Tablets Packet
• Sunscreen Packet
• Lip Guard Packet
• Sting Relief Packet
• Diphen Tablet Packet
• Ivy Cleanse Towelette
• Bug X Towelettes
• Cool Jel Packet

More Custom Reorder Lists 

If you want to create your own custom reorder list, MFASCO Health & Safety offers some great refill tools including:

Make A First Aid Kit -  (create your own custom first aid kit online with this state of the art tool)

ReStockKit (a visual reorder list for industrial first aid kits)

First Aid Kit Refills (we offer complete refills for many of our first aid kits)

Reorder Lists - This is where all saved lists are stored.  You can create a custom Reorder List by adding individual items to a saved list you create.  You must be signed in to use this feature.

Refill This Kit (All of the first aid kits we make include a fast and easy to use reorder list)

MFASCO Health & Safety Tools Make First Aid Reorder Lists Fast and Simple

Most people have enough on their plate already, so updating first aid kits has to be a streamlined process. The alternative is the task gets pushed off, and eventually an accident turns into a catastrophic situation. MFASCO doesn’t just provide health and safety products; we offer easy-to-use services that make tasks like first aid reorders simple and cost effective. That way you can spend more time on other tasks knowing you’re prepared and safe.

First Aid Products & Accessories
MFASCO's Make a Kit Tool
Complete First Aid Kit Refill Packs
Reorder Lists for First Aid Kits

Additional Resources for Reordering First Aid Kits & Supplies
How to Inspect First Aid Kits
Top 8 First Aid Kit Types
What is in a First Aid Kit?
Essential First Aid Kit Supply List

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We explain what ANSI and OSHA first aid kits are in our "FAQ" frequently asked questions that follow. If you need assistance or have questions about your first aid kit, please give us a call at 800-221-9222 so we can help.

We're here to help with your ANSI/OSHA first aid question.

We're available to help you find the right supplies for your first aid kits. If you have questions or need assistance refilling your first aid kit, give us a call at 800-221-9222

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