New ANSI Z308.1 2015 Edition – Workplace First Aid Kits

ANSI Z308.1, “American National Standard – Minimum Requirements for Workplace First Aid Kits and Supplies,” has just been revised.  The new 2015 Edition is available from Document Center Inc. now.  The new edition corrects a measurement error in the 2014 Edition which was released at the beginning of this year.  It also has a number of other new updates that I’ll review below.

Are there new classes of first aid kits in this update?  Yes, there are two classes of first aid kits that have been introduced in the ANSI Z308.1 2015 Edition.  These classes are based on based on the assortment and quantity of first aid supplies.  Class A kits are for the most common workplace injuries, like minor cuts, abrasions and sprains.  This means Class B kits contain more variety and quantity of supplies for injuries that might occur in more complex or high-risk environments.

Are there other classifications for workplace first aid kits?  Yes, there are 4 types of kits: Type I is usually mounted on a wall, Type II is portable for indoor use, Type III is for both indoor and outdoor use, is portable but can also be mounted in a fixed position, and Type IV is again for outdoor use but has a more rigorous list of requirements regarding moisture, etc.

What else is covered in the ANSI Z308.1?  The standard not only tells you what type of kit to use for specific situations, but also the supplies that need to be included in each type of kit.  Additionally, it provides you with the specific marking and labeling requirements each must have.

Who wrote this new standard?  ANSI Z308.1 is developed by ISEA’s Industrial First Aid Group using the accepted consensus principles and practices required by ANSI.  This means that the standard is able to be adopted as an American National Standard.  Additionally, OSHA often refers employers to this standard as a best practices solution for the requirements of  Paragraph (b) of 29 CFR 1910.151 if a company does not have an infirmary.

What is the correction in this new edition of the Z308.1?  ISEA says, “The 2015 revision corrects a minor measurement conversion error in the 2014 edition (previously released January 2015), with respect to the U.S. measurement for minimum application for antibiotic and antiseptic supplies.”

Where can I get a copy of the ANSI Z308.1?  You’ll need to get a copy from an authorized distributor of the standard since it is a copyright publication.  Choose Document Center Inc.  You can order online at our webstore, www.document-center.com.  Or contact our staff by phone (650-591-7600), fax (650-591-7617) or email (info@document-center.com).  And here’s a link to the order page for ANSI Z308.1 directly.  Remember, we’ve been selling standards since 1982.  Make us your Standards Experts!

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Claudia Bach

Claudia Bach is the President of Document Center Inc. and a world-wide recognized expert on Standards and Standards Distribution. You can connect with her on Google+

3 thoughts on “New ANSI Z308.1 2015 Edition – Workplace First Aid Kits”

  1. What is the effective date or the date when OSHA will begin inspecting places of business to be in compliance with the Class A or Class B first aid kits? Thank you.

  2. Hi Rich:
    Thanks for asking about the potential adoption date of the new ANSI Z308.1. I’ve sent off an email to our contact as ASSE (the safety organization that is the caretaker for this standard). While OSHA adoption is in the hands of OSHA, I’m hoping that someone over at ASSE can put us in touch with someone with familiarity with the situation.

    Please be advised: Many times newer editions of standards are never adopted in the CFR’s (U.S. regulations). So the issue can be a bit murky.

    I’ll respond to the comment as soon as I have concrete information.
    Regards,
    Claudia

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