First Aid

Free First Aid Newsletter!
Discuss in my Forum

OSHA Compliance for First Aid in the Workplace

Requirements for First Aid and CPR Supplies

By Rod Brouhard, About.com

Updated: July 08, 2006

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board

See More About:

(Continued from Page 1)

OSHA standard 1910.151 (b) also states an employer must have "adequate first aid supplies...readily available," although specific first aid supplies are not listed.

OSHA does not have a minimum requirement, but references ANSI Z308.1-2003 Minimum Requirements for Workplace First Aid Kits. According to the ANSI document, a basic workplace first aid kit should include:

At least one absorbent compress, 32 sq. in. (81.3 sq. cm.) with no side smaller than 4 in. (10 cm)
At least 16 adhesive bandages, 1 in. x 3 in. (2.5 cm x 7.5 cm)
One roll of adhesive tape, 5 yd. (457.2 cm) total
At least ten packets of antiseptic, 0.5g (0.14 fl oz.) applications
At least six applications of burn treatments, 0.5 g (0.14 fl. oz.)
Two or more pairs of medical exam gloves (latex or non-latex)
At least four sterile pads, 3 in. x 3 in. (7.5 x 7.5 cm)
One triangular bandage, 40 in. x 40 in. x 56 in. (101 cm x 101 cm x 142 cm)

Additional (but optional) items include:

Four 2x2 inch bandage compresses
Two 3x3 inch bandage compresses
One 4x4 inch bandage compresses
One eye patch
One ounce of eye wash
One chemical cold pack, 4x5 inch
Two roller bandages, two inches wide
One roller bandage, three inches wide
CPR barrier device

These items are intended to be the minimum for a workplace first aid kit. Depending on the potential for injury, a more complete kit may be necessary. OSHA recommendations do not include an automated external defibrillator (AED), but current emergency cardiac care guidelines from the American Heart Association recommend AEDs in most public places.

Questions? Comments? Post to the Forum!