Is your first aid kit stocked to be compliant?

Injuries, illnesses and emergencies of all kinds can happen during the workday from minor to severe. A well-stocked first aid kit is critical to helping employees stay safe on the job. But did you know that not having the right types of supplies can affect your compliance with OSHA?

Workplace first aid kit requirements

When it comes to first aid kits on the job, ANSI provides guidance for requirements and OSHA enforces that guidance as the benchmark for compliance.

Using ANSI-compliant kits is the easiest way to meet OSHA's requirement of having "adequate" first aid supplies on site. Failure to comply can lead to fines and penalties.

According to OSHA, here is the list of what is minimally required for a workplace first aid kit. These requirements apply to smaller worksites with approximately two to three employees. For larger worksites or multiple operations at the same location, additional kits should be accessible on site or larger quantities of supplies included.

1. Gauze pads (at least 4 by 4 inches)
2. Two large gauze pads (at least 8 by 10 inches)
3. Box of adhesive bandages
4. One package of gauze roller bandage at least 2 inches wide
5. Two triangular bandages
6. Wound cleaning agent such as sealed moistened towelettes
7. Scissors
8. At least one blanket
9. Tweezers
10. Adhesive tape
11. Latex gloves
12. Resuscitation equipment such as a resuscitation bag, airway or pocket mask
13. Two elastic wraps
14. Splint
15. Directions for requesting emergency assistance

Class A or Class B: Which first aid kit fits your organization?

In addition to making sure you have the supplies you need, it’s also important to know if your organization is considered Class A or Class B by ANSI. This distinction will dictate the types and quantities of products needed to maintain compliance.

Class A first aid kits are for lower-risk work environments and require products intended for common injuries such as major wounds, minor wounds and burns and eye injuries.

According to ANSI, Class A kits should include adhesive bandages, adhesive tape, antibiotic application, antiseptic, a breathing barrier, burn dressing, burn treatment, a cold pack, an eye covering, a first aid guide, hand sanitizer, medical exam gloves, eye and skin wash, a roller bandage, scissors, sterile pads, trauma pads and triangular bandages.

Class B first aid kits provide supplies for injuries that could occur in more populated, complex or high-risk work environments. These kits require all of the supplies for Class A in larger quantities, and they require a splint and a tourniquet.

Helping to keep first aid kits well-stocked and compliant

Once you know all that is needed for your workplace first aid kit, it is important to make a plan on how you will regularly inspect and stock your supplies. Making sure supplies are not expired and that you don’t run out is essential.

Partnering with a First Aid & Safety provider like Cintas can help take this maintenance off your plate. With a Cintas first aid service, you receive a first aid cabinet stocked with the specific supplies you need. Your dedicated representative will regularly come on site to your facility to deliver and stock your supplies. During each visit, your trained representative will check the expiration dates of all of your supplies and replace inventory as needed.

Discover how a first aid service from Cintas can provide peace of mind that your supplies are stocked to support employee safety and your compliance.