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Overview

University units must provide first aid kits in University workplaces suitable for the occupational workplace and response time of emergency medical services.

Responsibility

Units are to provide first aid kits at workplaces. Unit supervisors or designees are to make sure appropriate first aid supplies are maintained and stocked. 

General Requirements

First aid kits are to be:

• Easily accessible to employees;
• Clearly marked;
• Stored in containers that protect kit items from damage, deterioration, or contamination;
• Easily moved to the location of an injured or acutely ill person, and
• Placed on vehicles in the absence of readily-accessible first aid kits in a fixed location.

Vehicles which may require first aid kits include crew vehicles, construction, and agricultural vehicles.

Selection

Units may select from two options to select first aid kits and supplies. See below.

Option 1
Units may purchase first aid kits and supplies from University Stores. Units determine the first aid kit contents based upon the number of personnel assigned to the workplace and the occupational setting. Refer to the table below to determine the minimum size first aid kit required for the workplace:

First Aid Supplies

Units are to add the following contents to first aid kits based on the occupational setting:

Office/Administrative Workplaces
• No additions

Laboratory Workplaces
• Sterile non-adherent dressings

NOTE: To identify the need for additional special first aid supplies, laboratory managers and principal investigators are to review the Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) of the chemicals used in applicable laboratory areas.  For example, laboratories using hydrofluoric acid are to have calcium gluconate gel to treat acid exposure.

Agricultural Workplaces
• Heavy duty scissors (to remove clothing)
• Glucose packets (diabetics)
• Large and medium size closing plastic bag (for traumatic amputation)
• Saline eyewash (16 ounces)
• Bee sting swabs
• Emergency blanket
• 4 Sterile compress bandages (4" x 4")
• Goggles
• 2" wide roll of medical tape

 Industrial Workplaces
• Sterile non-adhesive dressing
• Heavy duty scissors (to remove clothing)
• Emergency blanket
• 4 Sterile compress bandages (4" x 4")
• Large and medium size closing plastic bag (for traumatic amputation)
• Goggles
• 2" wide roll of medical tape

Wilderness/Remote Workplaces
Units are to consider obtaining first aid kits and first aid contents recommended by the Wilderness Medicine Institute if employees work in the wilderness or remote locations. Contact EH&S for assistance.

Option 2

Units may purchase first aid kits and supplies designed for a specific workplace from safety supply companies.

Other First Aid-Related SPPMs
For additional information regarding first aid procedures, refer to the following sections:

• Public Access Defibrillators (Automatic External Defibrillators)
• Emergency Eyewashes and Safety Showers
• First Aid Training

References

• First Aid Kit Contents Guide
• WAC 296-307-03920
• WAC 296-800-15005
• WAC 296-800-15020
• First Aid
• OSHA First Aid Guide - Best Practices Guide: Fundamentals of a Workplace First-Aid Program (OSHA 3317-05N 2006) (OSHA.gov).