• OSHA does not specify the placement of first-aid kits based on employee numbers, density or geography.
• First-aid kits should not be stored in employee break areas.
• The location of first-aid kits, supplies, or cabinets and rooms should be clearly marked

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) does not specify the placement of first-aid kits and/or cabinets based on employee numbers, density, or geography. OSHA does state that supplies must be “readily available.” In a Letter of Interpretation dated April 18, 2002, “readily available” is defined as a three to four minute response time.

Do not store first-aid kits or supplies in areas which are used as break areas by employees. This includes supervisors’ offices. OSHA has cited companies because medical supplies were located in the same room that employees ate or drank in. This violates 1910.1030(d)(2)(ix) which prohibits eating, drinking, smoking, applying cosmetics or lip balm, and handling contact lenses where there is a possibility of exposure to bloodborne pathogens.

Some OSHA standards do address location/placement requirements for first-aid kits, e.g., for telecommunication, logging, and diving operations.

The standard does not specify whether first-aid supplies may be locked up or not. The standard does require first-aid supplies be “readily available.” OSHA says the employer can take “positive control measures” for first-aid supplies as long as supplies are at hand, ready for use, and can be obtained easily and quickly.

Posting

The location of first-aid kits, supplies, or cabinets and rooms should be clearly marked using prominent signs and labels so that employees can quickly find them in an emergency.