Skip nav to main content.
1-800-874-8767

For Sales and Customer Service | Mon-Thur 9AM-5PM, Fri 9AM-4PM MST

Free shipping on orders $100 or more!

What Are Class B First Aid Kits and Which Places Need Them?

| IvoryGorilla

 

In 2015, the American National Standards Institute released new first aid guidelines. Given the prevalence of workplace injuries, the ANSI determined that it was time to boost workplace safety measures.

As a result, they divided first aid kit recommendations into two groups. In addition to the standard first aid kit recommendations, there are now class B first aid kits that some industries should use.

What goes into a class B first aid kit? How do you know if class B is right for your industry? Where can you purchase the first aid supplies you need?

Read on to learn everything you need to know about class B first aid kits.

The Primary Differences Between Class A and Class B First Aid Kits

When the ANSI changed its first aid guidelines, it didn’t just create a new category of first aid kits. It also impacted what should go in a Class A first aid kit.

The checklist for a Class A first aid kit includes 71 individual items. These include everything you’d expect from a standard first aid kit, such as:

  • Adhesive bandages
  • Scissors
  • Adhesive Tape
  • Antiseptic wipes
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Eyewash
  • Gauze

Class A first aid kits are recommended for companies that employ 40 or fewer people. They are permissible for industries that are low-impact and low-risk.

Class B first aid kits should include additional supplies that treat life-threatening injuries. These additional supplies include things like a tourniquet and padded splint.

Class B first aid kits should also include all supplies found in a Class A kit but in greater quantities.

What Supplies Go Into a Class B First Aid Kit?

Chances are, you’ve been relying on a first aid kit that is more comparable to Class A than Class B. To get a better sense of what supplies you still need, let’s take a closer look at what goes in a Class B first aid kit.

Supplies and quantities are as follows:

  • 50 adhesive bandages (1 x 3″ each)
  • 2 rolls of adhesive tape (2.5 yards each)
  • 25 antibiotic applications
  • 50 antiseptic wipes
  • 1 breathing barrier
  • 2 burn dressings
  • 25 burn treatments
  • 2 cold packs
  • 2 eye coverings
  • 4 fluid ounces eye and skin wash
  • 1 first aid guide
  • 10 hand sanitizer wipes or packets (1/32 ounces each)
  • 4 pairs of medical gloves
  • 2 2-inch roller bandages
  • 1 4-inch roller bandage
  • 1 pair of scissors
  • 1 splint
  • 4 sterile pads (3 x 3″ each)
  • 1 tourniquet
  • 4 trauma pads (5 x 9″ each)
  • 2 triangular bandages (40 x 40 56″ each)

Class A first aid kits require these same supplies (except the 4-inch roller bandages, splint, and tourniquet). However, the Class B first aid kits require larger quantities of almost all supplies.

Who Is Required To Use Class B First Aid Kits?

As an employer, you are required to follow OSHA guidelines. However, OSHA has somewhat vague guidelines regarding first aid kits. OSHA guidelines state that if you cannot provide employees with a nearby infirmary or clinic, you must have adequate supplies on hand.

What do adequate supplies entail? OSHA relies on ANSI guidelines to clear that up. In other words, you may need to have the exact list of supplies that we’ve provided at your workplace.

High-risk workplaces include construction sites, warehouses, and large manufacturing plants. In order to determine whether or not you need a Class B first aid kit, you may need to conduct risk assessment.

Consider reviewing injury data regarding your industry. This may be found through the Bureau of Labor or through OSHA.

You can also consult a medical professional. Medical professionals can evaluate your workplace. Then, they can make recommendations based on what they’ve found and what injuries you should prepare for.

Additional Requirements

OSHA is a federal organization. That means that OSHA regulations apply to all businesses within the United States. That being said, meeting OSHA standards may not be enough.

Make sure that you understand any state or local ordinances, as well. It is possible that you will need to keep additional supplies on hand based on where your business is located.

We can create custom first aid kits for any business. If you need more in your first aid kit than what is considered standard, let us know. We’ll accommodate your needs to the best of our ability.

Where Can You Get Supplies and Refills For First Aid Kits?

First Aid Supplies Online is a great resource for any business. We have been in the first aid business for over 30 years and offer high-quality cost friendly supplies. We are able to fulfill first aid supply orders nationwide and generally ship the same day we receive the order.

Looking for individual supplies? All of our supplies are available for individual purchase via our online store. This makes it easy to stock your first aid kit with essentials and extras any time you need.

Looking for fast and easy refill services? We also offer refill kits that align with ANSI standards. These refill kits vary in size to ensure that every business will find the first aid supplies that they need.

We’ve served major retailers such as Starbucks and Five Guys Burgers and Fries. We’ve also worked with first responders and high-risk industries that require life-saving supplies. At First Aid Supplies Online, our experience can back up our promise to make your business safer.

Stay Up To Date on Workplace First Aid Kits

OSHA and ANSI are working hard to ensure that workplace safety standards are top-notch. As a result, guidelines and requirements may change on a regular basis. First Aid Supplies Online is here to help you stay up to date on the latest changes, and that includes the addition of Class B first aid kits.

Do you have questions about Class B first aid kits? Do you want to find out more about how we can keep your first aid kits stocked? Contact us today to find out everything you need to know about workplace safety.