High-risk Work Environments Have Unique First Aid Kit Requirements

The second part of this three-part article focuses on the two classes of first aid kits.

The new version of the standard organizes first aid kits based on the type and quality of first aid supplies intended to deal with most types of injuries and illnesses in the workplace. That includes, per the list: major wounds, minor wounds (cuts and abrasions), minor burns, sprains, strains, and eye injuries. Supplies were chosen after a review of workplace incidents that needed first aid, as well as looking at international standards and current practices.

The crux of the revision is the designation of two classes of first aid kits. Class A kits have supplies designed to deal with the most common types of workplace injuries. Examples of workplaces that could use Class A kits are small offices with few employees.

Class B has a broader range of supplies and more in quantity for more complex or higher-risk environments — the idea being that expanding the supplies included will provide solutions in first aid for more injuries. Higher risk could apply to the tasks being performed or it could mean that the kit has to service more people. In both cases, these kits need to have a greater quantity of supplies.

Some examples of workplaces needing a Class B first aid kit are factories or warehouses.

“Especially where you have multiple employees and are using heavier equipment or doing more complex tasks in which your [risk] exposures may be continually approached,” says Fargo. “Repetitive tasks that, by virtue of doing something over and over again continually, your risk of potential necessity for some of the items increases, because your exposure has been ramped up.”

Another change is that many of the supplies identified as recommendations in the 2009 standard are now required for both classes. An example for both kits is the inclusion of scissors, while a splint and tourniquet are now required for Class B kits.

“We saw it during reviews and as a matter of practicality,” Fargo explains of the inclusion of scissors. “If you’re using adhesive tape or sports tape, you need to be able to cut it off.”

Some packages of tape are 5 yards to a roll, but not individually stripped.

“You’re not going to need 5 yards to tape on your bandage, so it’s really an exercise in practicality more than anything else,” says Fargo.

A splint and tourniquet were added to Class B kits for extra security purposes.