Understanding the ANSI Standard
When it comes to first aid kits, the information available can be a bit overwhelming. Between ANSI first aid kit standards, OSHA compliant first aid kit requirements, types and classes of first aid kits, and more, it can be difficult to keep everything straight.
Here at ProStat First Aid, we have a wealth of expertise and experience in the first aid industry. One of our top priorities is helping our customers better understand first aid requirements and keep their businesses safe and compliant. So here, we’re telling you everything you need to know in order to understand ANSI first aid kit standards. Let’s get started!
What Is the ANSI?
ANSI is an acronym that stands for the American National Standards Institute. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., the ANSI is a non-profit organization that oversees the development of voluntary consensus standards for many products, processes, and more here in the United States. As explained on their website, the ANSI itself does not develop standards, but rather provides a framework for doing so and helps to maintain the integrity of these systems.
“Voluntary consensus standards” are just that—voluntary. In other words, manufacturers of products with a set voluntary consensus standard do not necessarily need to follow these requirements. However, these sets of standards establish legitimacy and trust, which is key within certain industries and organizations, such as the first aid industry.
What Supplies Are Required by ANSI First Aid Kit Standards?
The ANSI lays out minimum requirements for two classes of first aid kits: Class A and Class B. The ANSI Class A first aid kit is intended to treat minor injuries, while the Class B first aid kit is equipped for higher-risk work environments where severe injuries are likelier. You can view a checklist for ANSI minimum first aid kits at this link <to include link to downloadable checklist>.
It’s important to remember that the standards for both Class A and Class B first aid kits are only a minimum, not an exact inventory. First aid kits can include medical supplies above and beyond these requirements and still meet ANSI standards. However, they cannot omit any listed supplies or provide less than the required quantity for each.
Is an ANSI Standard First Aid Kit OSHA Compliant?
The important thing to understand about OSHA regulations and ANSI first aid kit requirements is that ANSI standardizes first aid kit minimums, while OSHA examines workplace safety. A first aid kit may meet ANSI Class A or Class B standards while not fulfilling OSHA first aid requirements. This is because workplaces can vary so greatly in terms of the industry, common types of injuries, the number of employees, and the layout or size of the workplace itself.
In other words, while just about any first aid kit or set of first aid kits used to satisfy OSHA requirements will likely meet ANSI standards, not all ANSI minimum first aid kits will be able to meet the OSHA first aid needs of a given workplace. For example, an ANSI minimum Class A first aid kit would meet ANSI standards, but it would not be adequate first aid for a high-risk workplace, such as a factory or manufacturing facility.
ProStat First Aid Can Help You Choose the Right ANSI Standard First Aid Kits!
Here at ProStat First Aid, we offer a wide variety of ANSI Class A and Class B standard first aid kits. Which kit is right for you will depend on your industry and workplace. Luckily, you don’t have to choose on your own! Our friendly and experienced representatives are standing by to help assess your first aid needs and keep your workplace compliant. Contact us today to get started!
What are OSHA requirements for first aid?
OSHA mandates that “Adequate first aid supplies shall be readily available,” ensuring that all workers can receive immediate medical attention if the need arises. Additionally, OSHA states that “In the absence of an infirmary, clinic, or hospital in near proximity to the workplace which is used for the treatment of all injured employees, a person or persons shall be adequately trained to render first aid.”
Satisfying the “near proximity” requirement depends on the types of injuries common in your specific workplace. As a rule of thumb, however, industries with a higher risk of injury must have medical care available to employees within 4-6 minutes. To ensure compliance with these standards, it is typically advisable to provide first aid and CPR training to employees in addition to stocking an ample supply of first aid kits.