The ABCs of first aid kits: Understanding kit types
OSHA requires first aid kits in the workplace, but do you know which kits are required? Don’t let the class A, class B, OSHA, or ANSI alphabet soup confuse you. Instead, let’s examine the classifications and types of first aid kits so you can comply with confidence.
First aid supplies are dictated by hazard assessments
29 CFR 1910.151 Appendix A references the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Z308.1-1998 minimum requirements for workplace first aid kits. The standard provides a starting point or recommendations for first aid kits but doesn’t specify the exact contents to have in a first aid kit. Instead, OSHA expects the employer to determine what would be appropriate based on workplace hazards, exposures, workforce size, injury history, and assessing potential injuries.
Here are some helpful resources you can use to assess what you need in your first aid kits:
- OSHA 300 log to see the types of injuries already reported;
- Near miss reports to see the types of injuries that could potentially have occurred;
- Safety data sheets (Section 4) to see what type of first aid may be needed following exposures; and
- Interviews with occupational medical professionals, first aid responders, and employees to identify potential workplace injuries or illnesses.
Employers must also assess whether multiple first aid kits or additional supplies may be required.
First aid kit classifications
ANSI references two classes of kits; class A and class B.
- Class A kits are designed to handle the most common types of workplace injuries. They are suited for smaller businesses with lower risks such as minor cuts, burns, or abrasions.
- Class B kits are typically used by larger business with higher risks. These kits are designed with a broader range and quantity of supplies to deal with more complex injuries.
The classes may be further broken down by “type”:
- Type I kits are ideal for indoor, stationary work areas where they are mounted and protected from environmental exposures. These kits are often used in offices and manufacturing settings.
- Type II kits are also commonly used in office and manufacturing settings and are like type 1 kits but also include portability to be carried to various locations as needed.
- Type III kits are intended for indoor or outdoor use and portable applications where environmental stressors are minimal. These kits may be mounted but can be quickly moved if needed. They are often found in general indoor work locations or outdoor, sheltered work areas.
- Type IV are ideal for mobile or outdoor use where environmental factors and rough handling are commonplace.
Specialty kit types
Additionally, workplace first aid kits can be enhanced to provide appropriate contents for specific situations such as:
- Commercial vehicle kits— The Department of Transportation (DOT) doesn’t require first-aid kits in commercial motor vehicles, although some states do have requirements for kits in certain types of commercial vehicles (buses, refuse trucks, etc.). OSHA also has no specific requirements for first-aid kits in commercial vehicles, but their regulations at 29 CFR 1910.151(b) and Appendix A to 1910.151, as well as a Letter of Interpretation dated 02/02/2007, specify that first aid supplies may need to be provided based on the specific needs of the workplace.
- Vehicle kits — Similar to commercial vehicles kits, the DOT doesn’t require first aid kits in vehicles. OSHA, however, requires employers to provide first aid supplies based on the specific needs of the workplace, which may include work non-commercial vehicles such as fleet pickup truck, sales representatives car, etc.
- Bleeding kits — The most important lifesaving technique is stopping arterial blood loss. A person can bleed to death in fewer than 5 minutes. These kits contain supplies specific for bleeding control during events such as natural disasters, shooting/bombing events, or other mass casualty incidents.
Effectively managing first aid kits
Selecting the right first aid kit can seem like a juggling act. First aid kits that are too small or lack certain supplies may result in ineffective care. On the flip side, first aid kits with an overabundance of supplies may expire before they can be used or may create confusion during treatment.
Assigning a coordinator
Having someone assigned to manage, inspect, and replace first aid supplies can take some of the inspection workload from the safety manager or supervisors. The coordinator could also enlist employees as part of a team to inspect area first aid kits (an added employee engagement bonus!). Once this team is streamlined, the coordinator can begin working closely with procurement to fine-tune what’s needed while ensuring regulatory compliance.
Key to remember: Not all first aid kits are created equal. Determining first aid kit class and types required in the workplace, employers must consider not just the potential or likelihood of an incident, but also risk exposures, number of employees, environmental factors and special needs.
