OSHA Requirements for First Aid Kits

OSHA Requirements for First Aid Kits
The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration strives to ensure safe and healthy work conditions for employees by conducting research, providing information, educating and training industries on safety and health. OSHA has established first aid kit requirements for industries that are required to have a kit. The department also recommends that nonmandatory businesses and individuals maintain the same items in their kits.

Gauze

Every kit should include gauze pads that are at least 4 by 4 inches. It should also include two large gauze pads that are at least 8 by 10 inches, one or more boxes of adhesive bandages, a package gauze roller bandage that is at least two inches wide and two triangular bandages.

Cleaning Agents

Your first aid kit should include cleaning agents that can be used to clean and sterilize an open wound. This can include a sealed moistened towelettes or alcohol swabs.

Implements

Tweezers, scissors and adhesive tape should be included in your first aid kit. These items will help you service a wound if necessary.

Resuscitation Equipment

Resuscitation equipment and instructions should be included in your first aid kit. The equipment should include items such as a resuscitation bag, airway mask or pocket mask. These items should be sealed and sterile.

ACE Bandages

Include two elastic wraps in your kit such as ACE bandages or athletic wraps. These items should also be sealed and sterile. Splints for arms, legs and fingers should complement your wraps.

Emergency Assistance Information

Every first aid kit should include clearly listed directions for emergency assistance. Your contact information should include direct numbers to the local fire and police stations. You should also include emergency contact information for staff members or family members that should be contacted in case of an emergency.

Protective Equipment

Include personal protective equipment in your first aid kit to shield individuals for exposure to blood and other infectious materials. Your kit should include latex and leather gloves, face shields, masks, gowns and eye protection such as goggles or other protected glasses.

Acceptable Quantities

If you are designing your first aid kit for multi-members, increase the quantity of each selected item. Ideally, a standard kit meeting all of the OSHA requirements is compatible for up to three people.

Article Written By Charmayne Smith

Writing professionally since 2004, Charmayne Smith focuses on corporate materials such as training manuals, business plans, grant applications and technical manuals. Smith's articles have appeared in the "Houston Chronicle" and on various websites, drawing on her extensive experience in corporate management and property/casualty insurance.

Write for Trails.com
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