The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) does not regulate first aid requirements for industries other than logging. However, the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA) do establish minimum performance requirements for first aid kits and their supplies. First aid kits are divided into two general categories. Class A kits can handle all common workplace incidents. Class B kits include material to address complex and high-risk environments.
These agencies regularly update their guidelines as operational hazards change. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2022 update with required compliance by October 16th requires more hand sanitizer packs. In addition, kits need to include a foil blanket, which can be used to treat hypothermia and shock.1
The requirements for Class B kits include the following materials:2
| Quantity | Item Description |
|---|---|
| 50 | Adhesive Bandages, 1″ x 3″ |
| 2 | Adhesive Tape 2.5 yd |
| 25 | Antibiotic Treatment Application, 1/57 oz |
| 50 | Antiseptic Applications 1/57 oz |
| 2 | Burn Dressing, gel soaked, 4″ x 4″ |
| 25 | Burn Treatment, 1/32 oz |
| 2 | Cold Pack |
| 1 | CPR Breathing Barrier |
| 2 | Eye Covering |
| 1 | Eye Wash, 4 oz. |
| 1 | First Aid Guide |
| 1 | Foil Blanket 52″ x 84″ |
| 20 | Hand Sanitizer, 1/32 oz |
| 8 | Medical Exam Gloves |
| 2 | Roller Bandage, 2″ x 4 yds |
| 1 | Roller Bandage, 4″ x 4 yds |
| 1 | Scissors |
| 1 | Splint – min 4″ x 24″ |
| 4 | Sterile Pad, 3″ x 3″ |
| 1 | Tourniquet |
| 4 | Trauma Pad, 5″ x 9″ |
| 2 | Triangular Bandage, 40″ x 40″ x 56″ |
Citations
1. F-C Safety. (n.d.). First Aid Kits at Work, OSHA Requirements. https://fc-safety.com/first-aid-kits-at-work-osha-requirements-and-the-ansi-isea-2022-update (accessed January 5, 2023).
2. F-C Safety. (n.d.). New ANSI Standards Announced. https://fc-safety.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/FC-Safety-ANSI-Standard-2021.pdf (accessed January 5, 2023).
Images: “First aid kit” by Marcin Wichary licensed under CC BY 2.0