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First Aid Kits: Types and Classes

Is My First Aid Kit ANSI Compliant?

On a construction site, being safe while getting the job done is always the number one priority. One of the easiest ways to help mitigate injuries and reduce risk is to ensure that American National Standards Institute (ANSI)-compliant First Aid kits are located prominently on the jobsite and stocked appropriately. And these kits aren’t just filled with a few band-aides and some ointment, they are meticulously loaded with first aid supplies for a variety of potential workplace injuries.

Under ANSI/ISEA Z303.1-2015, OSHA established minimum requirements for First Aid kits and classified those into Class A and Class B kits.
  • Class A Kits – designed for more common workplaces and include a basic range of products
  • Class B Kits – designed for more high-risk workplaces and include an increased amount of supplies and a few additional items

Both kits are intended to address minor injuries or mitigate bigger injuries until professional help arrives.

Class A Kits

In general, Class A kits work best for workplaces that operate at a lower level of potential risk. These may include offices, schools or even home use. Class A kits provide first aid items for minor injuries such as cuts, abrasions, burns, and eye injuries.

To be compliant with ANSI Minimum Requirements for Workplace First Aid Kits, Class A kits must include the following:
  • Adhesive bandages
  • Adhesive tape
  • Antibiotic application
  • Antiseptic applications
  • Breathing barrier
  • Burn dressing
  • Burn treatment applications
  • Cold pack
  • Eye covering
  • Eye/skin wash
  • First Aid guide
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Medical exam gloves
  • Roller bandage
  • Scissors
  • Sterile pads
  • Trauma pads
  • Triangular bandage

In the construction industry, you may find Class A kits in the jobsite trailer or in offices. However, larger construction jobsites are going to need the Class B kits, which contain increased quantities of supplies and a few additional ones. One of our safety gurus coined this phrase: “If there is PPE, Go B” (thanks Trevor).

Class B Kits

These kits contain all the supplies found in Class A kits, but in greater quantities (e.g., they contain 50 adhesive bandages rather than the 16 required in Class A) and they also include a padded splint and tourniquet (not found in Class A kits). On a construction, manufacturing, or other high-hazard jobsite, Class B kits will be necessary.

The products in a Class B kits include a more comprehensive selection of emergency supplies because the need for First Aid on a jobsite can be greater. The potential injuries at a construction site are more complex and thus require a broader range and higher quantity of supplies.

Ensure Safety Onsite

One way to ensure that jobsite First Aid kits comply with ANSI standards is to designate Safety Managers. These are employees with an added responsibility to monitor and maintain the contents of the kits. They are responsible for ensuring that supplies are stocked, not expired, and in proper working condition. Some employers have the Safety Managers trained in CPR and other medically-related topics.

Be Prepared For Any Situation

First Aid kits are ubiquitous on construction sites and bigger builds will most likely have multiple Class B cabinets sprinkled around the jobsite. This is with good reason, as there are more potential hazards in the construction industry and the injury readiness need is higher. Understanding what your workplace needs in terms of First Aid supplies guarantees a healthier, safer workplace.

More info on ANSI/ISEA Standard Z308.1-2015:

Blog on ANSI Standard for First Aid Kits

OSHA – First Aid links

https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1910/1910.266AppA
https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/medicalfirstaid/programs.html

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