CSAC Excess Insurance Authority
First Aid Kits Best Practice
Introduction
There are two Cal/OSHA Regulations that pertain to first aid kits; your employer will fall
under one or more of these regulations.
The first regulation is Title 8 CCR 3400: Medical Services and First Aid. Title 8 CCR
3400 pertains to the “general industry” and is the minimum standard by which your
employer will need to abide. This regulation is to ensure that employers in California
have adequate first aid materials readily available, as approved by a consulting
physician, on every job. At a minimum, each employer’s first aid kit should contain the
supplies listed in Table A.
The second regulation is Title 8 CCR 1512: Emergency Medical Service. Title 8 CCR
1512 requires first aid kits are on site at work locations falling within the scope of
“construction”. The scope of “construction” includes, but is not limited to: alteration,
painting, repairing, construction maintenance and renovation. In this context, all first aid
kits will contain the appropriate amount of supplies to provide emergency medical
services for employees on the job. This regulation also requires that drugs, antiseptics,
eye irrigation solutions, medicines, or proprietary preparations be specifically approved,
in writing, by an employer-authorized consulting physician. For more information on the
specific supplies and quantities a first aid kit should contain, in conjunction with this
regulation, please see CSO, Section 1512(c)(1).
How do you know what to include in a first aid kit?
ANSI Z308.1-2009 states that because each work environment is different, the
employer is expected to supplement required products with additional supplies and
quantities. The selection of supplies is to be based on the consultation and
recommendation of a person competent in First Aid Management and familiar with the
hazards found in the particular work environment. In addition, consideration must be
given in regards to the number of persons who may need first aid treatment at any one
time.
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CSAC Excess Insurance Authority
Per ANSI, all first aid kits shall contain at minimum, the following:
Table A
Supply and Minimum Size or Volume
Absorbent Compress, 32 sq. in. (206 sq. cm),
with no side smaller than 4 in. (10 cm)
Adhesive Bandages, 1 x 3 in. (2.5 x 7.5 cm)
Adhesive Tape, 3/8 in. x 2.5 yd. (2.3 m)
Antibiotic Treatment, 0.14 fl oz (0.5 g)
Antiseptic, 0.14 fl. oz. (0.5 g) application
Burn Treatment, 1/32 oz. (0.9 g) application
First Aid Guide
Medical Exam Gloves
Sterile pad, 3 x 3 in. (7.5 x 7.5 cm
Triangular Bandage,
40 x 40 x 56 in. (101 x 101 x 142 cm) 6.1.1.10 1
Minimum Quantity
1
16
1
6
10
6
1
2 Pair
4
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* Please note that the drugs, antiseptics, eye irrigation solutions, inhalants, medicines,
or proprietary preparations shall not be included in first aid kits, unless specifically
approved, in writing, by an employer-authorized licensed physician.
CSAC EIA Best Practice Recommendations

First aid kits are inspected at least quarterly and after every first aid/medical
event to ensure completeness, condition of supplies, and to replace supplies
beyond their expiration date.

Rubberized supplies should be made of natural rubber, synthetic latex or other
hypoallergenic material to reduce the risk of allergic latex reaction.

It is recommended that each rescuer has access to (2) pairs of gloves per patient
with whom he/she comes in contact. As a result, each first aid kit should contain
a minimum of (2) pairs of gloves.

If you are unsure of your particular hazards in the work environment, conduct a
Job Hazard Assessment (JHA) before assembling first aid kits.
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CSAC Excess Insurance Authority
 Over the counter medicines are not recommended items to be included in first
aid kits due to the risk of allergic reaction as well as adverse drug reactions,
unless specified by your consulting physician.
First Aid Kits Classifications
ANSI Z308.1-2009 specifies the minimum requirements for, as well as the contents of,
first aid kits. There are four types of classifications for first aid kits, which vary by use.
Please see below for the general classifications and minimum kit contents.
Type I First Aid Kit
Type I First Aid Kits are intended for use in a stationary indoor setting where the ability
to damage the kit or its contents is nominal. Type 1 First Aid Kits should have the ability
to be mounted in a fixed position and are not generally intended to be portable. First aid
cabinets mounted on the wall would generally fall into this category. Typical applications
for a Type I First Aid Kit may include, but is not limited to: general indoor use, an office
setting or a manufacturing facility.
Type II First Aid Kit
Type II First Aid Kits are intended for use in portable, indoor settings where it is not
likely that damage of kit supplies due to environmental factors and rough handling will
occur. Typical applications for a Type II First Aid Kit may include, but is not limited to:
general indoor use, an office setting or a manufacturing facility.
Type III First Aid Kit
Type III First Aid Kits are intended for use in mobile, indoor and/or outdoor settings
where the potential for damage of kit supplies due to the environmental factors are not
probable. Type III kits shall have the ability to be mounted in a fixed position and also
have a water resistant seal. Typical applications for a Type III First Aid Kit may include
general indoor use and sheltered outdoor use.
Type IV First Aid Kit
Type IV First Aid Kits are intended for portable use in the mobile industries and/or
outdoor settings where the potential for damage of kit supplies due to environmental
factors and rough handling is significant. Type IV First Aid Kits shall have a means to be
mounted in a fixed position. Typical applications for Type IV First Aid Kits may include,
but are not limited to: use in the transportation industry, the utility industry, the
construction industry and the armed forces.
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