ANSI Z308.1-2021 Compliance for First Aid Kits

ANSI Z308.1-2021 standard, effective October 2022,

We receive a lot of questions about the minimum requirements about the ANSI standards for workplace first aid kits.

This is the sixth revision of a voluntary industry consensus standard that was first published in 1978 and builds upon the initial objective to standardize first aid kits to ensure that items needed to treat the most common types of injuries and sudden illnesses encountered in the workplace are readily accessible and available.

The previous revision ANSI Z308.1-2015 introduced two classes of first aid kits: Class A kits with contents designed to deal with most common types of workplace injuries, and Class B kits with a broader range and quantity of supplies to deal with injuries in more complex or high-risk environments. This new standard is important because it is the standard that OSHA refers to as the minimum requirement for a workplace first aid kit.

The standard is mute on what constitutes a more complex or high-risk environment that would require a Class B kit.

In addition, the 2015 standard requires the Class A and Class B first aid kits to be labeled. We offer these labels for sale here.

The latest revision, ANSI Z308.1-2021 includes several notable updates. A foil blanked has been added to both Class A and Class B kits, the quantity of hand sanitizer for both Class A and Class B kits has increased. For the Class B kit more specificity on the type of tourniquet required has been outlined to distinguish them from those types of bands used to draw blood, which are not as effective in preventing blood loss, as intended.

To make it easy for you to meet the requirements, the line items in this ANSI first aid checklist are linked to the actual items on our website for easy purchase.

Classes of First Aid Kits and Required Supplies

ANSI/ISEA Z308.1-2021, Class A Kit Label

ANSI/ISEA Z308.1-2021, Class A, Type I, II, III or IV First Aid Kit

This kit meets the ANSI/ISEA Z308.1-2021 standard as sold. It contains first aid products that meet performance specifications detailed in the standard at the below required minimum fill. It will continue to be compliant only when maintained with products that meet the standard at specified quantities.

The described kit should be considered adequate for a workplace only when a hazard assessment of the work environment has been completed by competent personnel. For a variety of operations, employers may find that additional first aid supplies and kits are needed. Kits should be inspected frequently to ensure the completeness and usability of all first aid supplies. Any supply beyond its marked expiration date should be discarded and replaced.

ANSI/ISEA Z308.1-2021, Class B Kit Label

ANSI/ISEA Z308.1-2021, Class B, Type I, II, Ill or IV First Aid Kit

This kit meets the ANSI/ISEA Z308.1-2021 standard as sold. It contains first aid products that meet performance specifications detailed in the standard at the below required minimum fill. It will continue to be compliant only when maintained with products that meet the standard at specified quantities.

The described kit should be considered adequate for a workplace only when a hazard assessment of the work environment has been completed by competent personnel. For a variety of operations, employers may find that additional first aid supplies and kits are needed. Kits should be inspected frequently to ensure the completeness and usability of all first aid supplies. Any supply beyond its marked expiration date should be discarded and replaced.

First aid kit types did not change in the new standard and we reproduce the table here for your convenience.

Type I kits are the most common, used indoors and wall mountable.

Type II kits are portable and are most commonly used as first responder kits.

Type III kits are either portable or wall mountable for indoor or outdoor use and must be water-resistant.  Type III kits are most commonly mounted or stored in remote locations where they might be exposed to the effects of weather.

Type IV kits cover all kit types that need to be waterproof indoors or outdoors.  This would include marine applications, permanent outside locations and for use in automotive vehicles.

Characteristics of Types First Aid Kits