MSDSs

First Aid Kit Policy
and Guidelines for Laboratories*

OSHA medical service regulations mandate that the "employer shall ensure the ready availability" of medical personnel and first aid supplies for matters of employee health. Medical care at the University is available through the University Health Service, the workers' compensation providers for each respective campus, and local hospitals (see Chemical and Biological Safety in Laboratories, Medical Emergency Procedures). University safety policy, as established by the Chemical and Biological Safety Committee (CBSC), also manages compliance with this law by requiring principal investigators or lab supervisors to provide a first aid kit for each lab group.

First aid kits shall be readily accessible to laboratory staff at all times while they are at work. Lab workers shall be trained to know the location of the kit. Hazard-specific first aid supplies shall be made available, as appropriate, when research work involves particular chemicals such as cyanides or hydrofluoric acid. Exposures to these severely toxic agents warrant immediate application of special remedies.

General Overview of First Aid Kit Content
OSHA demands that a "consulting physician" approve first aid kits. In essence, this means that the contents of basic kits purchased from safety and laboratory supply companies are expected to have been reviewed for appropriateness and completeness by a physician. Any kit ordered through a commercial distributor is likely to meet this stipulation since the manufacturer will develop the standardized product based on medical counsel (for liability reasons). If in doubt at the time of purchase, request that the distributor enclose formal documentation of the consulting physician's endorsement.

An alternative option is for lab groups to "design" their own kits. These kits would need to be approved by a physician as well but, in this case, the kit preparers must identify the medical advisor themselves and maintain individual records of official approval.

Factors to consider in selecting a kit: 

• the supplies should be consistent with the types of injuries anticipated in this research space (e.g., will there be burns, cuts, fractures, contusions, or allergic reactions?)
• its size must be appropriate to the number of people who will be using the kit
• supplies should be provided in single-use or -dose unit-type packs with suitable wrapping to ensure sterility and hygiene
• the case should be dust- and moisture-resistant with no sharp edges
• consider the most convenient storage method for easy access-wall-mounted or portable?
• the assortment choice shall have received final clearance from a qualified medical expert.

As a practical model, the American National Standards Institute's Minimum Requirements for Workplace First Aid Kits (ANSI Z308.1-1998) recommends that basic units should contain:

• 1 absorbent compress (32 sq. in. with no side smaller than 4 in.)
• 16 adhesive bandages (1 × 3 in.)
• adhesive tape (total of 5 yd.)
• 10 individual-use antiseptic applications (0.5 g each)
• 6 individual-use burn treatment applications (0.5 g each)
• 2 pairs of medical exam gloves
• 4 sterile pads (3 × 3 in.)
• 1 triangular bandage (40 × 40 × 56 in.)

Commercially available kits prepared to ANSI standards will be labeled to indicate this status.

ANSI, the Red Cross, and/or ORS propose these optional use items:

• bandage compresses of various pad sizes ranging from 2 × 2, 3 × 3, or 4 × 4 in.
• eye covering(s) with the ability to cover both eyes (an area of at least 2.9 sq. in. per eye)
• eyewash (a minimum of 30 ml of sterile, isotonic, buffered solution in individual-use 15-ml applications)
  NOTE: Not intended to replace a plumbed eyewash fountain for proper flushing. Meant to be used for the purpose of restoring pH balance.
• cold pack (4 × 5 in.)
• gauze roller bandage (2 in. wide, 6 yd. long)
• adhesive bandages of assorted sizes
• plastic bags
• scissors with rounded tips
• tweezers (forceps)
• a small flashlight with extra batteries
• a blanket
• eyewash cups or eye irrigator loops
• suction-type contact lens remover

The listing of the materials included in the ORS first aid kits is available to those wishing to compare their prospective kits to an existing example. Contact ORS for further guidance (CH 3-8300, EV 1-5581).

To solve this dilemma, use of a specialized eye irrigation device is recommended to supplement flushing at the eyewash. This type of product provides an irrigation loop that is designed to slide up easily under the upper eyelid without having to pry open or otherwise traumatize the eye. Sterile saline is the irrigant. Consider supplying an Eye IrrigatorT in your first aid kit. They are available from American Health and Safety, Inc., 6250 Nesbit Rd., PO Box 46340, Madison, WI, 53744, phone 800-522-7554, for $19.95 (product #W2020).

Personal Protective Equipment for the First Aid Provider
Protective equipment (PPE) shall be available in each lab for persons providing first aid/CPR assistance. The PPE shall be in close proximity to the kit location. PPE supplies may consist of latex or vinyl disposable gloves, safety glasses, CPR protective shields, and a face shield. Selection will depend on the training of the first aid responders.

Training
Principal investigators and lab supervisors are responsible for training lab workers regarding the location of first aid kits and PPE accessories. The CBSC and ORS both recommend that at least two members of each lab group receive first aid and CPR training. PIs/supervisors must determine whether to arrange for and/or sponsor first aid and CPR training for their staffs.

If there are lab workers who have particular sensitivities or medical problems that could interfere with first aid procedures, consider discussing this issue with the entire staff. Barring any confidentiality concerns, it is wise to prepare colleagues for possible reactions or symptoms should an employee suffer from an illness that demands special care. An employee with a given medical condition (e.g., asthma, heart disease) may require prescription drugs during a respiratory attack or illness episode. Whenever possible, warn staff of the specific procedures needed to help a worker with a preexisting health complication.

University safety policy requires monthly inspections of first aid kits.

Inspection elements:

• is the kit at its assigned site?
• are the kit contents complete and have used or damaged items been replaced?
• what is the condition of the contents (are they dry, properly packaged, clean, etc.)?
• are there any signs of tampering or vandalism of the kit or its contents?
• are there extraneous, unnecessary items stored in the kit? (these should be removed)
• check expiration dates and replace any out-of-date contents
• is an instruction book or first aid manual available?
• is there a notice that warns staff that any injury requiring first aid application should be followed by professional medical attention?

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*This entire document is available in PDF form for printing & inclusion in your safety desk book.

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Last Revision 05/16/2007
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