18 Feb New Cal/OSHA Standard Coming Soon

CAL/OSHA IS in the process of updating its regulations on first aid kit requirements, an effort that’s stirred up controversy over some of the proposed elements.

According to a report by the trade publication Cal-OSHA Reporter, one of the most controversial parts of the proposal is that a doctor or other licensed health care professional approve the first aid kit for use.

As an alternative, however, a company can avoid seeking approval if the first aid kit complies with the 2021 version of the American

National Standards Institute/International Safety Equipment Association Z308.1 standard (ANSI/ISEA Z308.1).

California employers should expect the new rules to take effect sometime this year.

ANSI/ISEA first aid kit requirements

The ANSI/ISEA Z308.1 standard includes requirements for two types of first aid kits: Class A and Class B. The latter is intended for larger workplaces. and mostly contains more of everything that’s in Class A kits, plus a few extra items. And in larger workplaces, more than one Class B kit is required.

Approving your kit

If you don’t opt for an ANSI/ISEA-compliant first aid kit, you’ll have to seek out a doctor or a licensed health care professional to approve the kit. It’s still unclear how this process will work.

Once the final regulations are released, we’ll have a clearer picture and will provide an update.

Other requirements

All employees shall have ready access to a first aid kit, including employees at remote worksites or in work vehicles. The location of each first aid kit shall be clearly indicated.

Employers are required to “frequently” inspect their first aid materials, which they must replenish as necessary.

The takeaway

While the proposed regulation has not yet taken effect, it’s likely that it will be soon.

You may want to get a head start by securing an ANSI/ISEA- compliant first aid kit or kits for your workplace(s). It will likely be a less expensive and bureaucratic option than assembling your own kit and seeking approval from a doctor or licensed health care practitioner.

Proposed Class A Kit Contents Requirement

16 Adhesive Bandages: 1” x 3” (2.5 x 7.5 cm)
1 Adhesive Tape: 2.5 yd (2.3 m)
10 Antibiotic Applications: 1/7 oz (0.5 g)
10 Antiseptics: 1/7 oz (0.5 g)
1 Burn Dressing (gel soaked): 4” × 4” (10 x 10 cm)
10 Burn Treatments: 1/32 oz (0.9 g)
1 Cold Pack: 4” x 5” (10 x 12.5 cm)
1 CPR Breathing Barrier
2 Eye Coverings with means of attachment: 2.9” sq (19 sq cm
1 Eye/Skin Wash: 1 f1 oz total (29.6 ml)
1 First Aid Guide
1 Foil Blanket: 52” × 84” (132 x 213 cm)
10 Hand Sanitizers: 1/32 oz (0.9 g)
4 Medical Exam Gloves
1 Roller Bandage: 2” x 4 yd (5 cm x 3.66 m)
1 Scissors
2 Sterile Pads: 3” × 3” (7.5 x 7.5 cm)
2 Trauma Pads: 5” x 9” (12.7 x 22.9 cm)
1 Triangular Bandage: 40” x 40 × 56” (101 x 101 x 142 cm)

Source: Cal/OSHA proposed regulation