About Bryan Haywood Expertise I can answer safety and health questions in the field of Chemical Safety, Process Safety Management (OSHA`s psm and EPA`s risk management plan), Emergency Response (Hazardous Materials, Confined Space Rescue, Firefighting and First Aid), Industrial Hygiene, Performance Measurements and Behavior Based Safety.
Experience Safety and Health in the chemical industry and emergency response field for the past 16 years.
Organizations American Society of Safety Engineers
Education/Credentials Bachelors and Masters in Safety Engineering
Question I work in a dental office and I recieved the job of "OSHA." I need to update our first aid kit and I don't know exactly what OSHA wants. Can it be some generic first aid kit from Staples or do I need specific things? I went to OSHA'S web site to look for a list and found nothing.
thanks.
Answer Tina,
First let me say congratulations on your new assignment! Secondly let me say, please do not fall for any sales job from anyone trying to sell you an "OSHA Approved" first aid kit. This is because 1) OSHA never approves anything and 2) they have never stated what they expect to see in first aid kits in specific work settings, much less a dentist office. I can provide you with a listing of required contents for 1st aid kits on a logging operation. OSHA has specifically stated that the folowing supplies must be available on this type of jobsite. Here's what they say in 1910.266:
The following list sets forth the minimally acceptable number and type of first-aid supplies for first-aid kits required under paragraph (d)(2) of the logging standard. The contents of the first-aid kit listed should be adequate for small work sites, consisting of approximately two to three employees. When larger operations or multiple operations are being conducted at the same location, additional first-aid kits should be provided at the work site or additional quantities of supplies should be included in the first-aid kits:
1. Gauze pads (at least 4 x 4 inches).
2. Two large gauze pads (at least 8 x 10 inches).
3. Box adhesive bandages (band-aids).
4. One package gauze roller bandage at least 2 inches wide.
5. Two triangular bandages.
6. Wound cleaning agent such as sealed moistened towelettes.
7. Scissors.
8. At least one blanket.
9. Tweezers.
10. Adhesive tape.
11. Latex gloves.
12. Resuscitation equipment such as resuscitation bag, airway, or pocket mask.
13. Two elastic wraps.
14. Splint.
15. Directions for requesting emergency assistance.
Of course your work setting and the type of injuries you have the potential to see are far less severe than what could happen on a logging job, but this should give you some idea as to what may be needed.
As for what OSHA inspectors are trained to see in way of supplies when conducting an inspection is found in their Compliance Directive CPL 2-2.53 Guidelines for First Aid Programs:
G. First Aid Supplies
The first aid provider should be responsible for the type, amount, and maintenance of first aid supplies needed for their particular plant. These supplies need to be stored in a convenient area available for emergency access.
One important element that you should become familar with is the Bllod Borne Pathogen standard and it's requirements as they are related to your profession. There are a lot of Letters of Interpretation regarding your industry and how it is effected by the BBP standard.
I hope this helps you with your question. If there is anything else I can do to help, please let me know.
