You can turn to the first aid kit for relief from a headache or bandages for a scrape, but do you have the right supplies for an emergency? If a member or guest at the Post becomes ill or is seriously injured, the right first aid supplies can make all the difference while also helping to protect your Post from a claim.

First Aid Kit Requirements

Organizations must comply with workplace safety standards determined by OSHA. For first aid kits, it’s the OSHA 29 CFR 1910.151 standard that applies. This rule states that “adequate first aid supplies shall be readily available.”

OSHA doesn’t specify exactly what needs to go in your kit, instead referring organizations to the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Z308.1-2015 standard for guidance. The most recent standards set by ANSI list two types of first aid kits, Class A and Class B.

Class A kits are intended to address common workplace injuries, while Class B kits are designed for more high-risk environments. ANSI sets minimum standards of what items must be included, but extra bandages, pain relievers or other supplies can be added, if desired. Here are the latest requirements for each type of kit:

Class A First Aid Kits

  • 16 1″ x 3″ adhesive bandages
  • 1 2.5 yd. roll of adhesive tape
  • 10 antibiotic treatment packets
  • 10 antiseptic packets
  • 1 breathing barrier
  • 1 4″ x 4″ burn dressing
  • 10 burn treatment packets
  • 1 4″ x 5″ cold pack
  • 2 eye coverings
  • 1 1 oz. eye wash
  • 1 first aid guide
  • 6 hand sanitizer packets
  • 4 medical exam gloves
  • 1 2″ x 4 yd. roller bandage
  • 1 pair of scissors
  • 2 3″ x 3″ sterile pads
  • 2 5″ x 9″ trauma pads
  • 1 40″ x 40″ x 56″ triangular bandage

Class B First Aid Kits

  • 50 1″ x 3″ adhesive bandages
  • 2 2.5 yd. rolls of adhesive tape
  • 25 antibiotic treatment packets
  • 50 antiseptic packets
  • 1 breathing barrier
  • 2 4″ x 4″ burn dressings
  • 25 burn treatment packets
  • 2 4″ x 5″ cold packs
  • 2 eye coverings
  • 1 4 oz. eye wash
  • 1 first aid guide
  • 10 hand sanitizer packets
  • 8 medical exam gloves
  • 2 2″ x 4 yd. roller bandages
  • 1 4″ x 4 yd. roller bandage
  • 1 pair of scissors
  • 1 4″ x 24″ padded splint
  • 4 3″ x 3″ sterile pads
  • 1 1″ tourniquet
  • 4 5″ x 9″ trauma pads
  • 2 40″ x 40″ x 56″ triangular bandages

Stocking Your First Aid Kit

The primary difference between the two kits is that Class B kits feature more supplies to address major injuries. No matter your choice of kit, all proper first aid kits should be stocked to address the five key areas of first aid:

  • Major injury or trauma
  • Cuts and scrapes
  • Burn care
  • Eyecare
  • Personal comfort

You can always stock additional supplies for a particular first aid area, based on the risk at your Post. The OSHA/ANSI standard guidance merely sets the minimum requirements.

Note also that OSHA/ANSI rules require you to keep your first aid kit stocked and to replenish supplies as items are used. Any sterile items that are opened, show tampering or are past their expiration date should also be replaced.

The Post first aid kit can help ensure the comfort and safety of your members and guests. Scrapes, headaches and upset stomachs are common, and everyone will appreciate the supplies they need being at the ready. Plus, in the event of a more serious incident, the right first aid supplies could be a life saver and may help your Post reduce the risk of a claim.