If you're starting up a business, you have probably heard and know a little about OSHA, and maybe even the ANSI standard, but in case you have more questions, we'll be covering some of the basics today on OSHA compliant first aid kids and keeping your workspace safe and ready for emergencies.
What is OSHA?
As established in the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) sets, regulates, and enforces certain standards to ensure that we can work in safe and healthy environments on the job. They also provide training, health education, and assistance when needed.
Do I need OSHA Compliant First Aid Kits?
OSHA does not actually require any specific supplies in your first aid kit. However, they did provide some standards to help employers in the right direction when it comes to first aid care in the workplace. This is called the ANSI/ISEA Z308.1 Standard, named for the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA). First aid kits that meet these listed requirements are considered to be OSHA-compliant first aid kits.
Below you'll find lists for the most recent ANSI/ISEA standards, which were put into effect in June of 2016. Class A First Aid Kits cover the most common injuries and accidents in the workplace, like minor cuts and sprains, while Class B First Aid Kits include a larger quantity and range of supplies to accommodate high-risk environments, like manual labor.
ANSI/ISEA Z308.1 Standard Class A - Required Supplies for First Aid Kits
- 16 Adhesive Bandages, 1" x 3"
- 1 Adhesive Tape 2.5 yd
- 10 Antibiotic Treatment Application, 1/57 oz
- 10 Antiseptic Applications 1/57 oz
- 1 Breathing Barrier
- 1 Burn Dressing, gel soaked, 4" x 4"
- 10 Burn Treatment, 1/32 oz
- 1 Cold Pack
- 2 Eye Covering
- 1 Eye Wash, 1 oz.
- 1 First Aid Guide
- 6 Hand Sanitizer, 0.9g
- 2 Pair Exam Gloves
- 1 Roller Bandage, 2" x 4 yds
- 1 Scissors
- 2 Sterile Pad, 3" x 3"
- 2 Trauma Pad, 5" x 9"
- 1 Triangular Bandage, 40" x 40" x 56"
ANSI/ISEA Z308.1 Standard Class B - Required Supplies for First Aid Kits
- 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
- 1 Breathing Barrier
- 2 Burn Dressing, gel soaked, 4" x 4"
- 25 Burn Treatment, 1/32 oz
- 2 Cold Pack
- 2 Eye Covering
- 1 Eye Wash, 4 oz.
- 1 First Aid Guide
- 10 Hand Sanitizer, 0.9g
- 4 Pair 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"
Since these are more like guidelines, and not requirements, it is okay to use first aid kits that follow older ANSI/ISEA standards, but not recommended.
What else do I need to know about OSHA requirements?
Keep in mind that while most first aid kits will satisfy your needs, they do not cover Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and bloodbourne pathogen regulations! According to OSHA, PPE violations and bloodbourne pathogens violations ranked 9th and 10th, respectively, as the most common violations, so it's important to remember to include those when you are preparing your workplace.
There are many places to find PPE and OSHA compliant bloodbourne pathogen kits.
Don't just be prepared, be ready!
If you are an employee, make sure you know where to find first aid kits and bloodbourne pathogen kits in times of emergency. If you are an employer, it is your responsibility to instruct and train your employees appropriately.
You may also consider professional training for your employees in CPR, AED, and first aid care, which is available across the U.S.
Learn more about OSHA
Read more about OSHA at their official website, where you can look up regulations, training resources, statistics, and more.
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