First Aid Kit Regulations: OSHA and ANSI’s Standards Explained
There’s no substitute for a quality first aid kit. Having a first aid kit is important for the safety of your employees and customers.
The last thing you want in your business is for someone to get hurt. Worst still, is if someone gets hurt and you’re unable to help. This isn’t just problematic for their health and your impending legal difficulties, but it is a violation of regulatory compliance.
OSHA Compliance
OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) requires all employees to have access to medical attention. If you’re in an area without a medical facility nearby, your first aid kit requirements will be steeper. But, for the most part, your business’s first aid kit will require these items:
- Gauze pads (at least 4 x 4 inches)
- Two large gauze pads (at least 8 x 10 inches)
- Box adhesive bandages (band-aids)
- One package gauze roller bandage at least 2 inches wide
- Two triangular bandages
- Wound cleaning agent such as sealed moistened towelettes
- Scissors
- At least one blanket
- Tweezers
- Adhesive tape
- Latex gloves
- Resuscitation equipment such as resuscitation bag, airway, or pocket mask
- Two elastic wraps
- Splint
- Directions for requesting emergency assistance
The more employees you have, the more supplies you’ll need. If you’re unsure of what you should have, reach out to your OSHA representative or consult with a reliable first aid supplier.
Employee Training Requirements
All employers are required to train employees on how to do their jobs safely. Additionally, all employers need a first aid kit. If you’re in a remote region where there are no medical facilities within a reasonable distance, your requirements are steeper.
Because of the length of time it would take for emergency services to reach the worksite, an employee trained in first aid needs to be available. This employee must have a valid certificate in first aid training from the American Red Cross, National Safety Council, the American Heart Association, or the bureau overlooking your industry. More information can be found here.
ANSI Compliance
The ANSI (American National Standards Institute) is a private, non-profit organization that oversees the development of voluntary consensus standards for products, services, processes, systems, and personnel in the United States.
While no first aid kits are required to abide by these frameworks, having them indicates an increased level of compliance and quality. More information on types of ANSI-compliant kits and their classifications can be found here.
First-Aid Kits Through SITEX Are OSHA And ANSI Compliant
Keeping up with OSHA and ANSI requirements is challenging, especially when you’re trying to run a business. You want to keep your employees safe, but you need an easy way to do it.
SITEX is here to help! When you get a first aid kit through SITEX, you’re not just getting premium, regulatory-compliant materials. You’re also getting a partner who’s dedicated to the quality of the first aid kit and your satisfaction. We will monitor your first aid kit, and keep it fully stocked with the items you need.
To put your first aid fears to rest, give us a call at 270-631-2231, visit our website, or ask about a free quote.
