First Aid Kits

First Aid Kit

A stocked first aid kit.

A first aid kit allows trained workers to respond to a minor injury or illness, and to provide temporary relief of a more serious injury until professional medical assistance is obtained.

WHAT TO DO:

1. Keep one or more first aid kits clean, dry, and readily available to workers.

2. Notify the workers of the locations of the first aid kits.

3. Keep the first aid kits well-stocked to treat common industrial injuries (bumps and abrasions, cuts, burns, strains and sprains, and eye injuries).

Every salvage yard should maintain a first aid kit on-site at the facility in the event of a medical emergency. A well stocked First Aid Kit can complement other safety equipment such as the eye wash station and personal protective equipment. Together these supplies can protect employees.

OSHA First Aid Kits and supplies are required to be readily available per 29CFR1910.151.b (Medical Services and First Aid). 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 the following:

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At least one absorbent compress, 32 sq. in. (81.3 sq. cm.) with no side smaller than 4 in. (10 cm)

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At least 16 adhesive bandages, 1 in. x 3 in. (2.5 cm x 7.5 cm)

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One roll of adhesive tape, 5 yd. (457.2 cm) total

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At least ten packets of antiseptic, 0.5g (0.14 fl oz.) applications

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At least six applications of burn treatments, 0.5 g (0.14 fl. oz.)

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Two or more pairs of medical exam gloves (latex or non-latex)

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At least four sterile pads, 3 in. x 3 in. (7.5 x 7.5 cm)

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One triangular bandage, 40 in. x 40 in. x 56 in. (101 cm x 101 cm x 142 cm)

Additional (but optional) items include:

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Four 2x2 inch bandage compresses

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Two 3x3 inch bandage compresses

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One 4x4 inch bandage compresses

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One eye patch

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One ounce of eye wash

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One chemical cold pack, 4x5 inch

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Two roller bandages, two inches wide

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One roller bandage, three inches wide

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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. The first aid supplies should be located in an easily accessible area, and the first aid provider generally should not have to travel through several doorways, hallways and/or stairways to access first aid supplies.

First Aid Kit