NEW ANSI STANDARD
Very quietly and without fanfare ANSI, that’s the American National Standards Institute, revised the standard relating to first aid in the workplace. ANSI Z308.1-2003 has been replaced by ANSI Z308.1-2009.
Although there isn’t a lot new here there are a couple of wrinkles that need our attention.
The old standard listed eight items that were required as minimum requirement for workplace first aid.
The new standard adds two items bringing the required item total to ten. There are also now ten items listed as Recommended Supplies. The new standard also calls for the kits to be labeled with specific wordage.
In addition to the label, the standard is going to require manufacturers to label individual first aid products that are used to meet this new standard.
The other notable change is that latex is to be eliminated from first aid altogether. This standard is good for Type I, II, III or IV kits.
The new required items are:
- (1) First Aid Guide
- (1) Absorbent Compress 4″ X 8″
- (16) 1″ X 3″ Adhesive Bandages
- (1) Adhesive Tape 2.5 yards
- (10) Antiseptic Treatment Applications 0.9 Gram each
- (6) Burn Treatment Applications 0.9 Gram each
- (4) 3″ X 3″ Sterile Gauze Pads
- (2) Pair Medical Exam Gloves
- (1) Triangular Bandage 40″ X 40″ X 56″ min.
- (8) Antibiotic Ointment Treatment Applications 0.5 Gram each.
The recommended items are:
- Analgesic (Oral)
- Bandage Compress 2″ X 35In. min.
- Breathing Barrier, single use
- Burn Dressing 12 square inches
- Cold Pack 4″ X 5″ min.
- Eye Covering 1/4″ thick min.
- Eye/Face Wash Sterile 4 oz. min.
- Roller Bandage 2″ X 4 yards
- Hand Sanitizer, 0.9 Gram min.
The label should read as follows:
“Caution! This kit meets ANSI/ISEA Z308.1-2009 only when required minimum fill is maintained with first aid products marked ‘ANSI/ISEA Z308’.”
The described kit may be suitable for some businesses. However, the adequacy of the contents for hazards of each work environment should always be evaluated by competent personnel. For a variety of operations, employers may find that additional first aid supplies and kits are needed.