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About OSHA and ANSI
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Frequently asked questions on OSHA and ANSI, and what you need to know about compliance... What are the OSHA regulations for workplace first aid kits? What about ANSI requirements and ISEA guidelines?
NEW! Read about the current ISEA / ANSI Z308.1-2021 Guidelines!
OSHA First Aid Kits Definitions & New ANSI First Aid Kit Requirements
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- Who is OSHA?
OSHA (Occupational Safety & Health Administration) is a sub-agency of the US Department of Labor. It issues standards to segments of the work force and polices these regulations with a staff of inspectors who make periodic work site checks. The purpose of these standards is to insure workplace safety. Fines are imposed if repeated infractions are noted.
- What are OSHA's requirements for a first aid kit?
Based on Federal OSHA Regulation Standard 1910.151.b: "Adequate first aid supplies shall be readily available." This rule applies to treatment of minor injuries that occur in the workplace, and refers in Appendix A to ANSI Z308.1 as the basis for minimum first aid kit content.
- What do I need to do to ensure OSHA compliance?
You should be concerned with OSHA compliance on both a federal and state level. Currently, 30 states follow the Federal OSHA regulations as stated above, while 22 states and territories follow a regulation that combines the Federal standard and imposes an individualized state by state requirement. The state standard can be reviewed on the Internet or by contacting your local OSHA office.
Both Federal and State OSHA regulations do include the 'non-mandatory' requirements that coincide with ANSI's first aid kit regulations. This also means that while these regulations may refer to a specific year or edition of the ANSI requirements, OSHA would "interpret" the regulations to refer to the most recent publications. As a company, we feel that eventually, these agencies will adopt ANSI as part of their regulation.
- Can this website help me be in compliance?
Absolutely. We've been doing this for over 30 years now. While Employers should evaluate their own workplaces to determine whether additional supplies or kits are needed, based on the size and specific hazards of their workplaces, we've got ready-made OSHA & ANSI Compliant First Aid Kits and First Aid Refills designed to eliminate the guesswork!
All our industrial first aid kits meet or exceed Federal OSHA standards. Additionally, our line includes metal and plastic unitized kits that meet or exceed Federal OSHA standards and exceed the 2021 ANSI requirements. For more information on the current ANSI standards see the section below. - Does OSHA require ANSI?
Yes. And No. OSHA 1910.151b Appendix A calls out ANSI Z308.1 as the basis for minimum fill required for workplace first aid kit OSHA compliance. Some industries (logging, construction, etc.) may require a bit more, but the most current ANSI minimum fill is a good start for any business.
- What is ANSI?
The American National Standards Institute publishes minimum standards of quality for many items related to safety. Now joined with ISEA, common First Aid Guidelines follow ANSI / ISEA recommendations.
Do they have a minimum content requirement for first aid?
Yes, to be ANSI compliant a first aid kit must have the required minimum fill according to the most recently updated ANSI (American National Standards Institute) / ISEA (International Safety Equipment Association) Revisions ANSI/ISEA Z308.1-2021, Minimum Requirements for Workplace First Aid Kits and Supplies (revision and redesignation of ANSI Z308.1-2009). This 2021 ANSI Standard sets two Classes (A&B) of kit and four Types of kit/cabinet/case.
- Is ANSI mandatory?
No, BUT there are now more than 20 states that have adopted ANSI standards as their state recommended requirements. States that fall under Federal OSHA regulations, while not "Required" to follow ANSI standards, do need to meet minimum OSHA guidelines which cite ANSI Z308.1 as the base level of first aid supply conformance.
- Why ANSI?
OSHA requires adequate first aid supplies to be available in the workplace but they don't require any specific contents. By recommending a specific fill, one will be guaranteed to find necessary items in an ANSI kit. The newest American National Standard Minimum Requirements for Workplace First Aid Kits and Supplies guidelines assures the assortment and quantity of first aid supplies intended to deal with most types of injuries and sudden illnesses encountered in the workplace including: major wounds, minor wounds (cuts and abrasions), minor burns, sprains and strains, and eye injuries.
- Does ANSI affect unitized refill box colors?
Yes, one of the most important parts of ANSI / ISEA Z308.1-2009 & carried forward into ANSI / ISEA Z308.1-2021 is the standardization of colors on unitized refills, however ANSI compliant kits can be made of either bulk or unitized content. When the kit is made of bulk pieces, color coding is not required, but when unitized fill is used, Bandages, Antiseptics, Burn Treatment, PPE and Miscellaneous items will each have their own color. This standardization will make it easy to recognize product quickly in an emergency.
Read more about ANSI Color Code for first aid refills
MORE ON ANSI / ISEA
ISEA is the trade association for manufacturers of industrial first aid kits and supplies. Members of the group manufacture and market a full range of first aid kits and supplies, designed to meet user needs for a wide range of applications. These are listed in a Buyers Guide of ANSI Compliant First Aid Kits and ANSI First Aid Refill components components available from ISEA member companies.
ISEA members have a seat at the table when standards are being written that affect their products; they get a first look at changes in standards, they influence the development of new standards, and they are kept informed of developments on standards around the world. ISEA is the secretariat for the American National Standard for first aid kits and supplies, ANSI/ISEA Z308.1, and managed the process by which a broad-based consensus group was brought together to prepare the expanded 2009 edition. This was briefly replaced by ANSI/ISEA Z308.1-2014, but due to analysis of the impracticality of a rolled wire splint, this was almost immediately supplanted with ANSI/ISEA Z308.1-2021 (which describes a more useful 4" x 24" padded rolling splint - like a SAM splint).
ISEA gives members a full-time Washington office. They are kept up to date on important developments affecting their companies, and are identified with a respected and responsible organization that is an advocate for product standards and worker safety. ISEA has worked with OSHA to gain recognition of the ANIS/ISEA first aid kit standard as a guideline for the workplace. When authorities propose regulations that affect first aid kits or their contents, ISEA keeps members informed and ensures that their views are well represented in agency deliberations.
ISEA members use the association to learn from each other, and work together to improve markets. Information services are tuned to member companies’ needs.
Key to globalization, a standard set forth by ANSI, as defined in ISO/IEC Guide 2:2004, is “a document, established by consensus that provides rules, guidelines or characteristics for activities or their results” - thereby allowing consistent results across multinational platforms.
In addition to bringing companies together in the First Aid Group, ISEA membership is a link to the larger world of safety equipment, both in the US and around the world. Companies receive regular bulletins and reports on standards, government policies and proposals, and market intelligence. They participate in the association’s Annual and Fall Meetings, where the industry comes together to share information and insight. Members’ products are listed in a Buyers Guide, published in print and in a searchable on-line database.
For more than 75 years, ISEA has set the standard for personal safety equipment manufacturers, supporting and promoting the business interests of its member companies, united in the goal of protecting the health and safety of people worldwide. American National Standard Institute First Aid Standards reflect findings from ISEA.
ANSI / ISEA Z308.1-2021 American National Standard - Minimum Requirements for Workplace First Aid Kits and Supplies. This standard, a revision, update, and expansion of the 2003 & 2009 editions, was prepared by the members of ISEA’s Industrial First Aid Group, in conjunction with leading industry stakeholders, and was reviewed by a consensus panel of users, health and safety professionals, and government agencies. This revision introduced two classes of first aid kits: Class A kits with content designed to deal with most common types of workplace injuries, and Class B kits with a broader range and quantity of supplies to deal with injuries in more complex or within high-risk environments. By expanding the items in a basic first aid kit, employees will have greater access to items needed to treat common workplace injuries. Many of the first aid supplies previously identified as being recommendations in the 2009 standard are now required for both newly-designated kit types. In addition, scissors are to be included in both classes of kits and a splint and a tourniquet are both required for a Class B first aid kit.
In an effort to emphasize the importance of the contents included in the first aid kit, rather than the configuration in which they are provided, specific requirements for unitized first aid kits have been removed, however guidance on color-coding of first aid supplies for these configurations of kits is still included in the appendix to provide users and suppliers with an easy reference when identifying and stocking first aid items.
In deciding which class of kit is more appropriate for a given workplace, employers should consider the risks and task load of the work environment and the potential severity and likelihood of occurrence of an injury. Employers should also consider whether multiple first aid kits are needed, based on the number of employees, physical layout of the work environment and the remoteness of the worksite to emergency services. These same considerations can be taken into account when determining if a first aid kit should be augmented with additional supplies, as noted in the appendix of this standard. “During the revision process, much consideration was given to contemporary first aid protocols and the availability of products used to treat workplace injuries,” said Bob Rock, chairman of the ISEA Industrial First Aid Group and product manager of North by Honeywell. “The updated document reflects an assortment of supplies in sizes and quantities that are best-suited to treat worker injuries.” The kit label has been redesigned to draw specific attention to the fact that each workplace is unique and, as such, may necessitate the availability of additional first aid supplies. “The standard developing committee recognized that as work sites vary, so does the likelihood for the need for specific first aid supplies beyond the minimum required items,” said Rock. “The new kit label is an added tool to remind employers that supplementary first aid contents may be needed.
While infrequently cited previously, the current ANSI requirements and many standards now will ask for an "ANSI Type X" kit - see below for ANSI 2021 first aid kit case types I-IV
Ready for an OSHA First Aid Kit? Now what about an OSHA Certified First Aid Kit? No? OK then... what about a First Aid Kit that is OSHA Approved? Nope. No such thing.
OSHA sets forth OSHA First Aid Kit guidelines for General Industry, for Construction, and Industry Specific OSHA First Aid kit guidelines, but OSHA does not "Approve" any manufacturer's first aid kits... it is up to each First Aid Kit manufacturer to assure that the kits fulfill the OSHA First Aid Kit Requirements. Responsible First Aid Kit Manufacturers may state that certain first aid kits are "OSHA Compliant" or that the kits "meet OSHA First Aid Kit Guidelines". The first aid kits on this site that are listed as "OSHA First Aid Kits" are "OSHA Compliant" in that they meet or exceed OSHA First Aid Guidelines for the purposes they are defined as suiting.
If you are shopping around and see an "OSHA Approved First Aid Kit", or "OSHA Certified First Aid Kit" (and believe it, unscrupulous Manufacturers actually print such nonsense on their products), it is false. No two-ways about it - OSHA does not "endorse" any First Aid kit with certifications or approvals. If someone tells you they are selling you an "OSHA Approved First Aid Kit" beware... they are probably stretching the truth, ask them for the OSHA Compliance Certification if they insist their first aid kit is OSHA approved... otherwise, shop online here for OSHA Compliant First Aid Kits and OSHA Compliant First Aid Kit refills.
While OSHA regulations and codes can be very specific, they are also sometime vague and are always up to interpretation by OSHA Inspectors and OSHA authorities. As an example, there are OSHA codes that specifically say minimum first aid kit fill should meet or exceed ANSI Z308.1-1998, others say .ANSI Z308.1-2003, but the current standard from ANSI is ANSI Z308.1-2021... so what is the requirement? We always recommend that a workplace err on the side of caution. Go with the latest standards, as an Inspector is likely to "interpret" this as the relevant, current requirement.
An example from an actual written interpretation by an OSHA Director of [Enforcement] Programs:
Q: How does the ANSI standard Z308.1 relate to 29 CFR 1910.151(b)? In a non-industrial workplace (for example, a corporate office) where employees perform administrative duties and there are no specific employment-related injuries anticipated, would a kit matching the ANSI standard be sufficient for compliance with 29 CFR 1910.151(b)?
A: Paragraph (b) of 29 CFR 1910.151 requires that in the absence of an infirmary, clinic, or hospital near the workplace, a person or persons must be adequately trained to render first aid. Adequate first aid supplies must be readily available.
ANSI standards become mandatory OSHA standards only when, and if, they are adopted by OSHA; ANSI Z308.1, Minimum Requirements for Workplace First Aid Kits, was not adopted by OSHA. However, ANSI Z308.1 provides detailed information regarding the requirements for first aid kits; OSHA has often referred employers to ANSI Z308.1 as a source of guidance for the minimum requirements for first aid kits.
The contents of the first aid kit listed in ANSI Z308.1 should be adequate for a small worksite, like the one you describe in your letter. However, larger or multiple operations should consider the need for additional first aid kits, additional types of first aid equipment, and first aid supplies in larger quantities. You may wish to consult your local fire and rescue department, an appropriate medical professional, your local OSHA area office, or a first aid supplier for assistance in putting together a first aid kit which suits the needs of your workplace. You should also periodically assess your kit and increase your supplies as needed.
See More OSHA FIRST AID COMPLIANCE Q & A directly from OSHA
We've sorted our ANSI compliant First Aid refills for you by ANSI Color Codes - in addition to the standard colorized first aid refills for visual selection by first aid item type, we also offer convenient refill packs which include the basic ANSI requirements for ANSI Type I, II, III & IV classification first aid kits - Read more about new ISEA / ANSI Z308.1-2021, American National Standard—Minimum Requirements for Workplace First Aid Kits and Supplies. Don't forget your ANSI First Aid Guide!
ANSI First Aid Kit Refills - Color coded ANSI / ISEA First Aid Kit Refill Items - Unitized ANSI Color Code Refills
| ANSI Refill Packs | Antiseptic & Ointments | Bandages | Burn Treatment | Personal Protective Equipment |
Miscellaneous |
| ANSI Refill Bricks | Alcohol Prep Pads | Absorbent Compress | Burn Relief | CPR | Adhesive Tape |
| These ANSI First Aid Kit Refill Packs are designed to replenish the key items for 10, 16, 24 & 36 unit unitized ANSI Compliant first aid kits. |
Antiseptic Cleansing Wipes | Adhesive Bandages | Exam / Medical Grade Gloves | Eye Care Products | |
| Povidone Wipes | Compress Bandages | Rescue Blankets | |||
| Antibiotic Ointment | Conforming Gauze Roll Bandages | Insect Sting Relief Pads | |||
| Gauze Dressing Pads | Cold Compresses | ||||
| Triangular Bandages | Ammonia Inhalants | ||||
| Trauma / Pressure Bandages | Aspirin |
Why Color Codes for ANSI Unitized First Aid Refills? Why ANSI Unitized First Aid?
ANSI / ISEA Type 1, Type II, Type III, and Type IV first aid kits requirements must contain the first aid supplies listed below. The quantity, dimensions, or volume listed for each supply is the minimum for compliance with ANSI / ISEA Z308.1-2009 & ANSI / ISEA Z308.1-2021, American National Standard—Minimum Requirements for Workplace First Aid Kits and Supplies. You may exceed these size requirements and still be in compliance with the ANSI / ISEA Standards, as long as the first aid items and supplies meet or exceed the performance requirements noted in the ANSI Standard. (See ANSI compliant first aid refills.)
Color Coding of ANSI first aid refills is so rescuers can quickly visually identify the first aid items they need to perform first aid techniques safely and effectively on injuries.
Unit packages follow this ANSI color coding:
• BLUE - Antiseptics
• YELLOW - Bandages
• RED - Burn Treatment
• ORANGE - Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) - including CPR
• GREEN – Miscellaneous
The size and style of color coding is discretionary and varies by Manufacturer but is in all cases designed to be easily identifiable.
Why Unitized? A first aid kit need not be "Unitized" in order to be ANSI compliant. We offer ANSI First Aid Kits that are "Bulk" as well (meaning loose supplies organized within the ANSI First Aid Kit).
Unit First Aid: A system of packaging first aid materials in uniform sized packages containing one or more applications of first aid products. As an example - 1 "10 unit" ANSI First Aid Kit could hold the 10 ANSI required first aid items in 1 unit boxes. Similarly, a "36 unit" could hold the same 10 ANSI required first aid items in 1 unit boxes and still have room for 26 more "units" of first aid - this could be 26 additional 1 unit boxes, 13 additional 2 unit boxes, or a combinations such as 10 first aid items in 2 units refill boxes and 6 first aid items in 1 unit refill boxes, so the total fills the 36 "units" of empty space.
But wait - there's More! Read more about ANSI First Aid Requirements and Standards.
Current ISEA / ANSI Z308.1-2021 Type I, II, III or IV required minimum fill for First Aid:
We would like to let you know about the new American National Standard- Minimum Requirements for Workplace First Aid Kits and Supplies, ANSI/ISEA Z308.1-2021, which revised 2021, 2014, and 2009 publications.
The assortment and quantity of supplies included in a first aid kit were chosen based upon a review of increased workplace incidents requiring first aid treatment, similar international standards, and current practices in treating injuries. This revision introduced two classes of first aid kits: Class A kits with content designed to deal with most common types of workplace injuries, and Class B kits with a broader range and quantity of supplies to deal with injuries in more complex or within high-risk environments. By expanding the items in a basic first aid kit, employees will have greater access to items needed to treat common workplace injuries. Many of the first aid supplies previously identified as being recommendations in the 2009 standard are now required for both newly-designated kit types.
Understanding OSHA
A guide to OSHA Regulations for First Aid Kits
OSHA (U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety & Health Administration) is the main federal agency charged with the enforcement of safety and health legislation. OSHA regulations regarding first aid kits are contained in the Code of Federal Regulations under section 29 CFR 1910.151 and in Appendix A. OSHA does not provide specifications for first aid kit contents per se but defines mandatory requirements for availability of kits on work-sites. In Appendix A of the OSHA guidelines, ANSI is referenced as the originator of first aid kit specifications and minimum contents requirements (see ANSI requirements in more detail below).
The 2021 ANSI revision introduced two classes of first aid kits:
Class A kits with content designed to deal with most common types of workplace injuries.
Class B kits with a broader range and quantity of supplies to deal with injuries more complex or within high-risk environments.
ANSI Z308.1-2021 Required Contents
In order to be ANSI compliant, First Aid Kits must contain the following components
Please Note: The information contained in this publication is intended for general information purposes only. This publication is not a substitute for review of the applicable government regulations and standards, and should not be construed as legal advice or opinion. Readers with specific questions should refer to the cited regulation(s) or consult with a qualified consultant or an attorney.
Supplemental First Aid Supplies for Consideration – Applicable Environments
It is recognized that each work environment is unique and it is expected that a first aid kit containing the minimum required first aid supplies will be augmented with additional items or additional quantities of required supplies based upon the specific hazards existing in a workplace environment. The selection of such items should be based on the recommendation and consultation of a person competent in first aid and cognizant of the hazards and on the number of people found in the workplace. Federal, state, and local requirements should be consulted, where appropriate. Augment kits with the following first aid supplies, as applicable: Low dose aspirin (Used to treat suspected heart attack), Hemostatic agent, (For individuals with compromised clotting or uncontrollable bleeding), Electrolyte replacement, (Heat-stress related injuries), Glucose replacement (Diabetic or hypoglycemic episodes), Analgesics: oral and/or topical/anti-inflammatory (Pain management; swelling control), Hydrocortisone (Itchiness and skin-related reactions including rashes), Antihistamine (Allergic reactions), and Foil blanket (Treat shock and/or cold-stress related injuries).
Comparing ANSI 2021 to ANSI 2015
Classes of First Aid Kits and Required Supplies
Characteristics of Types of First Aid Kits
Type I
- Intended use: stationary, indoor settings
- Potential for damage: minimal
- Requirements: minimum fill requirements and the means for mounting in a fixed position
- Typical applications: general indoor use, offices, manufacturing facilities
Type II
- Intended use: portable, indoor settings
- Potential for damage: minimal
- Requirements: minimum fill requirements and the means to be portable
- Typical applications: general indoor use, offices, manufacturing facilities
Type III
- Intended use: portable use in mobile, indoor/outdoor settings
- Potential for damage: not probable
- Requirements: minimum fill requirements; means for mounting in fixed position; water resistant seal
- Typical applications: general indoor use, sheltered outdoor use
Type IV
- Intended use: portable use in mobile industries and/or outdoors settings
- Potential for damage: significant
- Requirements: minimum fill requirements; means for mounting in fixed position; corrosion and moisture resistance; impact resistance; (meets Section 5.2.5 requirements)
- Typical applications: transportation, utility, and construction industry; armed forces