The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) revised the standard relating to first aid kits in the workplace. ANSI Z308.1-2003 has been replaced by ANSI Z308.1-2009. There are a few changes that our customers should pay attention to. The old standard listed eight items that were required as minimum fill for workplace first aid kits. The new standard brings the required item total to ten. The other notable change is that latex is to be eliminated from first aid altogether.
The new required items are:
(1) First Aid Guide
(1) Absorbent Compress 4″ X 8″ minimum
(16) 1″ X 3″ Adhesive Bandages
(1) Adhesive Tape 2.5 yard roll
(10) Antiseptic Treatment Applications 0.9 Gram each
(6) Burn Treatment Applications 0.9 Gram each
(4) 3″ X 3″ Sterile Gauze Pads
(2) Pair Medical Exam Gloves
(1) Triangular Bandage 40″ X 40″ X 56″ min
(6) Antibiotic Ointment Applications 0.5 Gram each.
There are also now ten items listed as Recommended Supplies.
The recommended items are:
- Analgesic (oral, non-drowsy formula)
- Bandage Compress, 2″ X 2″ min.
- Breathing Barrier, single use
- Burn Dressing, 12 square inches
- Cold Pack, 4″ X 5″ min.
- Eye Covering, 1/4″ thick min.
- Eye/Face Wash Sterile, 4 oz. min.
- Roller Bandage, 2″ X 4 yards min.
- Hand Sanitizer
The new standard also calls for the kits to be labeled with specific wordage. The label should read as follows: Caution! This kit meets ANSI/ISEA Z308.1-2009 only when required minimum fill is maintained with first aid products marked “ANSI/ISEA Z308.” The required kit may be suitable for some businesses. However, the adequacy of the contents for hazards of each work environment should always be evaluated by competent personnel.
For a variety of operations, employers may find that additional first aid supplies and kits are needed. For more information visit the ANSI website or contact me.
It’s good to see the requirements are updated every so often.
Thank you for the comment John!
Where can I find out the regulations on whether or not it is legal and/or acceptable to stock over the counter medications in a first aid box at work? Thanks.
Thanks for the feedback Clifford! You should be able to find out more about first aid boxes in the workplace through OSHA Medical Services and First Aid regulation, 29 CFR 1910.151. For a copy of the Standard ANSI Z308.1-2009, contact International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA) at: 1901 North Moore Street, Ste. 808, Arlington, VA 22209-1762
or call 703.525.1695, http://www.safetyequipment.org, http://www.ansi.org/
We hope this helps you out! Thanks again for reaching out to us, let us know if you have any other questions!
Hello! My employer is in the manufacturing industry. I noticed that the end of your very informational post it says “For a variety of operations, employers may find that additional first aid supplies and kits are needed” – How do I find out what is required for my employer based off of the industry? Thanks!
Hello Chantel!
Thank you for your request. Someone from our MRO department will be in contact with you shortly.
Hello, I trying to find out a reference that will tell me that first aid needs to inspected and items expire removed from service. I have look in the 29 CFR and no Luck.
Thanks for your help.
Lou
Thank you for your comment Lou. A product manager will be contacting you shortly with the information you requested.