Understanding ANSI

The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA) American National Standard – Minimum Requirements for Workplace First Aid Kits and Supplies (ANSI/ISEA Z308.1-2015) establishes minimum performance requirements for first aid kits and their supplies. First aid kits are classified based on the assortment and quantity of first aid supplies intended to deal with most types of injuries and sudden illnesses that may be encountered in the workplace. These may include major and minor wounds; minor burns; sprains and strains; and eye injuries. As each work environment is unique, it is expected that the contents of each kit will be supplemented as needed based upon the recommendations of a person competent in first aid.

Class A and Class B Kits:

Class A and Class B Kits have minimum required components for both. The assortment and quantity of supplies included in the kits were chosen based upon reviews of workplace incidents requiring first aid treatment, similar international standards and current injury treatment practices. The quantity and size specifications given are the minimum necessary to comply with the 2015 standard, the most recent standard available. 

NEW ANSI/SEA Z308.1-2021 Required Contents

Four Types of Kits:

The kit containers are classified by portability, ability to be mounted, resistance to water, and corrosion and impact resistance. Four types are identified: 

Type I: Intended for use in stationary, indoor applications where kit contents have minimal potential for damage due to environmental factors and rough handling. These kits are not intended to be portable and should have a means for mounting in a fixed position. Some applications for Type I first aid kits are general indoor use, office use or use in a manufacturing facility. First aid cabinets would generally fall into this type. 

Type II: Intended for use in portable indoor applications where the potential for damage due to environmental factors and rough handling is minimal. These kits should be equipped with a carrying handle. Some applications for Type II first aid kits are general indoor use, or use in office or manufacturing environments. 

Type III: Intended for portable use in mobile indoor and/or outdoor settings where the potential for damage due to environmental factors is not probable. Kits should have the means to be mounted and have a water resistant seal. Typical applications include general indoor use and sheltered outdoor use. 

Type IV: Intended for portable use in mobile industries and/or outdoor applications where the potential for damage due to environmental factors and rough handling is significant. Typical applications include the transportation industry, utility industry, construction industry and the armed forces.

Specific requirements for unitized first aid kits have been removed from the Z308.1-2015 standard to emphasize the importance of the contents rather than the configuration. 

Unitized kits contain first aid supplies in uniform-sized, color-coded boxes as follows:

• Blue – Antiseptic
• Yellow – Bandages
• Red – Burn Treatment
• Orange – Personal Protective Equipment
• Green – Miscellaneous

 Unitized Kits

When deciding the class and type of kit that may be most appropriate, employers should consider the risks that are present and the potential severity and likelihood of an incident. Based on the number of employees, physical layout of the facility and the remoteness to emergency services, employers should also consider whether multiple first aid kits are needed. These considerations also come into play when determining if a kit needs to be supplemented with additional supplies. The selection of these items should be based on the recommendation of a person competent in first aid who is aware of the hazards faced and the number of employees at the worksite