A first aid kit is a collection of supplies and equipment to provide immediate medical care for common workplace injuries and sudden illnesses. The laboratory or shop supplied first aid kits require a minimum of supplies that would allow an individual to treat themselves for basic first aid. Every employee or student should be familiar with what is in the kit, how to find it, and how to use the supplies.
First aid kits are not regulated by OSHA for general workplaces like laboratories and shops but do require that a first aid kit is readily available in any given workplace. OSHA refers to ANSI/ISEA standard Z308.1-2015 as a guideline for general workplace first aid kits and the minimum requirements of its contents. First aid kit supplies shall be readily available to all employees or students and must be in an easily accessible area.
First aid kits shall be inspected frequently and replenished when necessary. Some supplies have expiration dates that will need to be replaced on a regular basis. For most laboratories or shops, a Class A first aid kit is sufficient, but if you are working in a higher risk environment, a Class B first aid kit is recommended.
First aid kits can be purchased through Safety Supplies Punchouts in OSCAR.
If an injury cannot be addressed using a first aid kit, call Public Safety (518-276-6611) for medical assistance.
First Aid Kit Contents
Principal Investigators (PIs), Laboratory and/or Shop Supervisors are responsible for equipping their spaces with first aid kits that are appropriate for the activities performed in those spaces. First aid kits should contain adequate supplies and should be checked regularly to ensure they stay stocked.
- 16 Adhesive Bandage 1 x 3 in
- 1 Adhesive Tape 2.5 yd. (total)
- 10 Antibiotic Application 1/57 oz.
- 10 Antiseptic 1/57 oz.
- 1 Breathing Barrier
- 1 Cold Pack 4 x 5 in
- 2 Eye covering (with means of attachment) 2.9 sq. in.
- 1 Eye/Skin Wash 1 FL oz. total
- 1 First Aid Guide
- 6 Hand Sanitizer 1/32 oz.
- 2 pair of Medical Exam Gloves
- 1 Roller Bandage 2 in. x 4 yd.
- 1 Scissors
- 2 Sterile Pads 3 x 3 in
- 2 Trauma Pads 5 x 9 in
- 1 Triangular Bandage 40 x 40 x 56 in.
- 50 Adhesive Bandage 1 x 3 in
- 2 Adhesive Tape 2.5 yd. (total)
- 25 Antibiotic Application 1/57 oz.
- 50 Antiseptic 1/57 oz.
- 1 Breathing Barrier
- 2 Cold Pack 4 x 5 in
- 2 Eye covering (with means of attachment) 2.9 sq. in.
- 1 Eye/Skin Wash 4 FL oz. total
- 1 First Aid Guide
- 10 Hand Sanitizer 1/32 oz.
- 4 pair of Medical Exam Gloves
- 2 Roller Bandage 2 in. x 4 yd.
- 1 Scissors
- 1 Splint 4 x 24 in
- 4 Sterile Pads 3 x 3 in
- 1 Tourniquet 1 in. (width)
- 4 Trauma Pads 5 x 9 in
- 2 Triangular Bandage 40 x 40 x 56 in.
Burn creams should only be placed in a first aid kit if a specific hazard is present in the laboratory or shop. Medical treatment of burns is specific to the type of burn. Most often burn treatment consists of leaving the site clean (do not apply butter, burn gels, creams or lotions) after thoroughly rinsing with copious amounts of water.
Hazards that warrant burn cream in a first aid kit include:
- Chemical burns that should not be irrigated immediately with water are dry lime, phenols, and elemental metals (e.g., sodium, potassium, calcium oxide, magnesium, phosphorous).
- Employees and students who have skin contact with hydrofluoric acid should apply 2.5% calcium gluconate gel and then seek medical attention. This treatment is specific to people working with hydrofluoric acid. Refer to RPI’s Chemical Hygiene Plan for more information.
Laboratories and shops are required to assess their work environments and workplace hazards to determine if additional safety supplies are needed beyond a standard first aid kit. If additional safety supplies are needed, the supplies must be purchased and added to the first aid kit.
