GENERAL WORKPLACE SAFETY
2.42
Revised 1-11
Environmental Health and Safety
335-3041
OVERVIEW
University units must provide first aid kits in University workplaces suitable for the occupational workplace and response time of emergency medical services.
RESPONSIBILITY
Units are to provide first aid kits at workplaces.
Unit supervisors or designees are to make sure appropriate first aid supplies are maintained and stocked.
FIRST AID KITS
General Requirements
First aid kits are to be:
- Easily accessible to employees;
- Clearly marked;
- Stored in containers that protect kit items from damage, deterioration, or contamination;
- Easily moved to the location of an injured or acutely ill person, and
- Placed on vehicles in the absence of readily-accessible first aid kits in a fixed location.
Vehicles which may require first aid kits include crew vehicles, construction, and agricultural vehicles.
Selection
Units may select from three options to select first aid kits and supplies. See below.
Option 1
Units may purchase first aid kits and supplies from University Stores. (See BPPM 70.35.) Units determine the first aid kit contents based upon the number of personnel assigned to the workplace and the occupational setting.
Refer to the table below to determine the minimum size first aid kit required for the workplace:
Number of Personnel Normally Assigned to the Workplace Minimum Size First Aid Kit Required at the Workplace 1-5 12 package kit 6-15 16 package kit 16-30 24 package kit 31-50 36 package kit
12 Package Kit Contents
1 pkg. absorbent gauze, 24" x 72" (1 per pkg.)
1 pkg. adhesive bandages, 1" (16 per pkg.)
1 pkg. bandage compresses, 4" (1 per pkg.)
1 pkg. scissors and tweezers (1 each per pkg.)
1 pkg. triangular bandage, 40" (1 per pkg.)
1 pkg. antiseptic soap or pads (3 per pkg.)
1 pkg. stretch roller gauze, 3" x 5 yds (1 pkg.)
1 roll of 1" medical tape
2 pairs of latex gloves (sizes M and L)
1 pkg. CPR face shields
1 biohazard bag
16 Package Kit Contents
1 pkg. absorbent gauze, 24" x 72" (1 per pkg.)
1 pkg. adhesive bandages, 1" (16 per pkg.)
2 pkgs. bandage compresses, 4" (1 per pkg.)
1 pkg. eye dressing (1 per pkg.)
1 pkg. scissors and tweezers (1 each per pkg.)
1 pkg. triangular bandage, 40" (1 per pkg.)
1 pkg. antiseptic soap or pads (3 per pkg.)
3 pkgs. stretch roller gauze, 3" x 5 yds (1 pkg.)
1 roll of 1" medical tape
2 pairs of latex gloves (sizes M and L)
1 pkg. CPR face shields
1 biohazard bag
24 Package Kit Contents
2 pkgs. absorbent gauze, 24" x 72" (1 per pkg.)
1 pkg. adhesive bandages, 1" (16 per pkg.)
2 pkgs. bandage compresses, 4" (1 per pkg.)
1 pkg. eye dressing (1 per pkg.)
1 pkg. scissors and tweezers (1 each per pkg.)
5 pkgs. triangular bandage, 40" (1 per pkg.)
1 pkg. antiseptic soap or pads (3 per pkg.)
4 pkgs. stretch roller gauze, 3" x 5 yd (1 pkg.)
1 roll of 1" medical tape
1 chemical cold pack
3 pairs of latex gloves (sizes M, L, and XL)
1 pkg. CPR face shields
1 biohazard bag
36 Package Kit Contents
4 pkgs. absorbent gauze, 24" x 72" (1 per pkg.)
2 pkgs. adhesive bandages, 1" (16 per pkg.)
5 pkgs. bandage compresses, 4" (1 per pkg.)
2 pkgs. eye dressing (1 per pkg.)
1 pkg. scissors and tweezers (1 each per pkg.)
5 pkgs. triangular bandage, 40" (1 per pkg.)
1 pkg. antiseptic soap or pads (3 per pkg.)
6 pkgs. stretch roller gauze, 3" x 5 yds (1 pkg.)
1 roll of 1" medical tape
2 chemical cold packs
3 pairs of latex gloves (sizes M, L, and XL)
1 pkg. CPR face shields
1 biohazard bag
2 additional items from the above 36-package kit list. Add items which seem best suited to the work environment.
Special First Aid Supplies
Units are to add the following contents to first aid kits based on the occupational setting:
Office/Adminstrative Workplaces
- No additions
Laboratory Workplaces
- Sterile non-adherent dressings
NOTE: To identify the need for additional special first aid supplies, laboratory managers and principal investigators are to review the material safety data sheets (MSDSs) of the chemicals used in applicable laboratory areas. For example, laboratories using hydrofluoric acid are to have calcium gluconate gel to treat acid exposure.
Agricultural Workplaces
- Heavy duty scissors (to remove clothing)
- Glucose packets (diabetics)
- Large and medium size closing plastic bag (for traumatic amputation)
- Saline eyewash (16 ounces)
- Bee sting swabs
- Emergency blanket
- 4 Sterile compress bandages (4" x 4")
- Goggles
- 2" wide roll of medical tape
Industrial Workplaces
- Sterile non-adhesive dressing
- Heavy duty scissors (to remove clothing)
- Emergency blanket
- 4 Sterile compress bandages (4" x 4")
- Large and medium size closing plastic bag (for traumatic amputation)
- Goggles
- 2" wide roll of medical tape
Wilderness/Remote Workplaces
Units are to consider obtaining first aid kits and first aid contents recommended by the Wilderness Medicine Institute if employees work in the wilderness or remote locations. Contact EH&S for assistance.
Option 2
Units may establish contracts with companies to obtain first aid kits and restocking services suitable for unit workplaces. Contact Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S) for information regarding companies which provide these services.
Option 3
Units may purchase first aid kits and supplies designed for a specific workplace from safety supply companies.
Over-the-Counter Medications
First aid kits may include over-the-counter medications if such medications meet the following criteria:
- For adults only
- Not for the convenience of employees
- For minor emergency use
- Purchased in small quantities
Other First Aid-Related SPPMs
For additional information regarding first aid procedures, refer to the following sections: