A properly selected and well stocked first aid kit that is ready to use is essential for emergency preparedness.First aid supplies must be adequate and reflect the types of injuries that could occur in the workplace such as cuts and lacerations, burns, fractures, contusions, and eye injuries.
Remember these important tips when it comes to first aid kits at your facility or job site: Adequate first aid supplies must be readily available. Each employee should know the location of first aid kits in each facility or job site.
First aid kits should be inspected at least monthly to make sure that adequate quantities of supplies are available to respond to an incident. A label on the cover of the kit can note the inspection date.
Make sure that supplies have not expired.
Make sure you have the right type of first aid kit for your location or job site.
ANSI/ISEA Z308.1-2021, a voluntary consensus standard, establishes the items and quantity of supplies available in workplace first aid kits based on the following Classifications:
Class A – These first aid kits are intended to provide a basic range of products to deal with the most common types of injuries in the workplace such as major wounds, minor wounds such as cuts and abrasions, minor burns, and eye injuries. Items contained in Class A kits include adhesive bandages, adhesive tape,
antibiotic application, antiseptic, a breathing barrier, burn dressing, burn treatment, eye covering, a first aid guide, hand sanitizer, medical exam gloves, eye/skin wash, roller bandage, scissors, sterile pads, trauma pads, and triangular bandages.
Class B – These first aid kits are intended to provide a broader range and quantity of supplies to deal with injuries that personnel may encounter in a more populated, complex and/or high-risk work environment. The first aid kits designated as Class B contain two items not found in Class A kits: a tourniquet and a splint. They also contain all of the items bound in Class A kits but in greater Quantities.
ANSI Z308.1-2021 also specifies the types of
containers for first aid kits as follows:
Type I – used in stationary indoor settings. Type 1 first aid kits are not intended to be portable, but rather mounted in a fixed position.
Type II – Are meant for portable use indoors. Type III – Are meant for portable use in mobile, indoor, and outdoor settings. Type IV – Are intended for portable use in mobile industries and/or outdoor settings.
Remember,
safety doesn’t have to be difficult. Simple steps, such as selecting the right type of first aid kit, can ensure that you are prepared for workplace injuries.
