NEW ANSI 2015 WORKPLACE FIRST AID GUIDELINES
WHY YOUR FIRST AID KIT NEEDS AN UPGRADE OR REPLACEMENT:
American National Standard
Minimum requirements for Workplace First Aid Kits and Supplies Z308.1-2015
The minimum requirements for workplace First Aid Kits and Supplies guidelines were approved to go into effect on June 17th, 2015 by the American National Standards Institute, Inc (ANSI). They decided to establish two classes of specific first aid kits, Class A and Class B. These kits have been classified into four types- depending on the work setting and ensuring that each kit contained both a variety and an adequate supply of the essential items needed to deal with the most common types of injuries and/or illnesses that could occur at a workplace.
- Class A kits are considered more basic for most general settings.
- Class B kits have a larger variety of items and extra supply for workplace settings that are considered higher-risk or industry specific.
Another variation of the standard requirements to be included is that the first aid kit containers be practical in regard to the workplace. The kits have been classified into four types. Type I kits are considered to be geared towards the general office settings, manufacturing facility or basic indoor use where there are no real high risk areas. These kits must have the ability to be mounted. Type II kits are to be transportable for indoor settings with no real “rough-handling” or equivalent to Type I kit environments. Type III kits are to be transportable, for both indoor and outdoor uses, and with the ability to be mounted. Common environments include both general indoor use and protected outdoor use. Type IV first aid Kits are Type II heavy and are to have a water resistance seal for added protection. Industries recommended to have these types of kits included the utility, transportation, construction and the armed forces.
General requirements include the following items: Adhesive bandages, adhesive tape, antibiotic application, antiseptic, a breathing barrier, burn dressing (gel soaked), burn treatment, cold packs, eye covering, eye/skin wash, first aid guide, hand sanitizer, medical exam gloves, roller bandages, scissors, splint (class b kit specific) , sterile pads, tourniquet (class b kit specific), trauma pads, and triangular bandages. In addition, marking and labeling must be clear and permanent and the location of the kit must be easily accessible.
By establishing two classes of first aid kits, the choice will be easier for the consumer. Each kit has a variety and plenty of supply of required items for the company workplace. The four types of kits will help the company choose what is required for them depending on the environment allowing for easy usage.
Whether an office environment or a factory, it is required to be prepared to treat minor injuries. Even if you have a kit, it likely no longer includes content needed for the types of incidents that occur in the workplace. The International Safety Equipment Association 2015 minimum requirements for workplace first aid kits and supplies (American National Standard ANSI/ISEA Z308.1-2015) is effective now. The assortment and quantity of supplies included in a first aid kit were chosen based upon a review of increased workplace incidents requiring first aid treatment, similar international standards and current practices in treating injuries.
Below we have listed the basic component & kit case requirements. We have also linked to products that will help you comply with these regulations. For full compliance information and for help complying with the new regulations please feel free to contact us at any time.
- After reading the below ANSI Information, you will want a new ANSI 2015 Kit, Cabinet or Upgrade Pack. Click Here When Done.
