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OSHA Compliance for First Aid in the Workplace
Requirements for First Aid and CPR Supplies

By Rod Brouhard, About.com

Updated July 08, 2006

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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.

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