Frequently Asked Questions About First Aid Cabinets

A first aid cabinet is a centralized storage unit for medical supplies used to treat minor workplace injuries or health incidents. It is typically wall-mounted and contains bandages, antiseptics, gloves, and other essentials.

It ensures that employees have immediate access to supplies during medical emergencies. This reduces response time and may prevent minor injuries from becoming serious.

All businesses should maintain first aid supplies, but it’s especially critical for manufacturing, construction, warehouses, and any site with physical risk factors.

A properly stocked workplace first aid cabinet should meet ANSI/ISEA Z308.1 standards, including items like bandages, antiseptic wipes, gauze pads, adhesive tape, scissors, and gloves. The exact contents may vary based on the workplace type and hazard level.

Responsibility typically falls to the designated workplace safety officer or facilities manager. Some companies use third-party providers to monitor and replenish supplies on a scheduled basis.

Monthly inspections are recommended to ensure that supplies are complete, unexpired, and in good condition. A formal log should be kept for compliance and liability purposes.

Yes. OSHA does not mandate specific items but references ANSI standards. Many states follow or expand on these guidelines depending on industry and workplace size.

Canadian provinces set their own first aid requirements, usually under occupational health and safety laws. Employers must provide supplies appropriate to the number of workers and level of risk.

No. First aid supplies should be easily accessible during emergencies. However, cabinets should be placed in visible, designated areas to discourage misuse.

Class A kits are designed for common workplace injuries in low-risk environments. Class B kits contain more advanced supplies for high-risk industries or larger workforce environments.

Yes, but only under strict guidelines. Items like aspirin or antihistamines may be included if in single-use, tamper-evident packaging and approved by company policy or occupational health personnel.

Using expired items may reduce effectiveness or pose a health risk. Employers should maintain up-to-date supplies to ensure worker safety and legal compliance.

Yes. While ANSI or CSA standards serve as a foundation, high-risk industries like construction, food processing, or laboratories may need additional supplies tailored to their specific hazards.

In the U.S., ANSI/ISEA Z308.1 is the recommended minimum, and OSHA may cite employers under the General Duty Clause for failing to provide adequate supplies. Following these standards helps demonstrate compliance and good faith.

Yes. Any remote or mobile worker (such as delivery drivers or field technicians) must have access to a properly stocked kit while working away from the main facility.

In larger facilities, yes. Placing smaller, accessible cabinets in high-risk departments (e.g., manufacturing, kitchens) ensures faster access and better coverage.

Maintain a documented inspection schedule, use a checklist based on ANSI/CSA standards, and log restock dates. Keeping digital records or photos can further support audit readiness.

It depends on the environment. Wall-mounted cabinets are ideal for fixed workplaces, while portable kits work best for job sites, vehicles, or emergency response bags.

Use a monthly checklist with expiry fields for each key item. Some businesses use inventory management software or partner with service providers to automate alerts.

Not necessarily. A compact ANSI Class A kit may be sufficient for small offices with fewer than 10 employees and low-risk activities.

At a minimum: adhesive bandages, antiseptic wipes, burn treatments, eye wash, sterile gauze, tape, gloves, CPR mask, scissors, tweezers, and a first aid guide. The exact list depends on your risk level and regional standards.

Class A kits are designed for low-risk workplaces with common injuries like cuts and scrapes. Class B kits are intended for high-risk environments and include more advanced items like trauma pads and splints.

Yes. Items like burn cream, antiseptic wipes, and medications have expiration dates. Expired items should be replaced promptly to ensure safety and compliance.

Monthly visual checks are recommended, but more frequent restocking may be needed in busy or high-risk environments. Maintain a restocking log and replace used or expired items immediately.

This depends on your organization. Either a trained internal staff member (e.g., safety officer) or an external provider/service should handle inspections and replenishment.

Use a logbook or digital tracking system to note what was used, when, and for what purpose. This helps with restocking, audits, and workplace injury reporting.

Only if permitted by company policy and local regulations. Pain relievers, antihistamines, and antacids may be included in some workplaces but should be clearly labeled and monitored.

Generally no. First aid cabinets are intended for on-site incidents. Allowing personal use can lead to understocking and compliance issues.

Follow your region’s health and safety rules. Some items may be treated as biohazardous or pharmaceutical waste and require special disposal procedures.

Absolutely. In fact, it’s recommended. Customize the contents to address the unique hazards of your environment — such as chemicals, electrical hazards, or outdoor work.

Inspections should occur at least once a month to ensure supplies are fully stocked, unexpired, and in good condition. High-risk workplaces may require more frequent checks.

Third-party services can provide this service under contract. Alternatively a designated employee, such as a safety officer or facilities manager, should oversee regular checks and replenishment.

Expired products should be removed immediately and replaced with in-date items. Keeping expired supplies may violate health and safety regulations and could jeopardize emergency response.

You can restock internally using a checklist aligned with ANSI or CSA standards. However, many businesses use professional vendors for convenience, compliance, and automated tracking.

Use an itemized inventory list with quantity goals. During inspections, note any used, damaged, or expired items and restock accordingly. Some services provide QR-based tracking tools.

Adjust cabinet contents to reflect environmental or seasonal risks. For example, include electrolyte packets during summer or cold packs in winter.

Tamper-evident seals show if a cabinet has been opened. They’re useful for monitoring usage, ensuring contents are untouched between inspections, and discouraging misuse.

Yes, as long as all items meet regulatory requirements and usage instructions are clear. Consistency may aid in ease of use, especially during emergencies.

Maintain inspection logs that include date, inspector’s name, items replaced, and any issues noted. Digital tracking or logbooks may be used to simplify audit readiness.

Consider relocating the cabinet to a more secure or visible area, limiting access, or switching to a locked cabinet with authorized access protocols.

Inspections should be conducted monthly or more frequently depending on the level of activity and risk. Supplies used or expired during inspections must be replenished immediately to ensure readiness.

Multiple first aid cabinets should be strategically placed across manufacturing floors, break rooms, and common spaces to ensure that supplies are accessible within minutes of an injury.

Yes, OSHA and ANSI provide standards for first aid supplies in workplaces, including manufacturing facilities. Additionally, industry-specific regulations may apply, requiring tailored kits and safety protocols.

Common injuries include cuts and lacerations, burns, eye injuries, chemical exposures, sprains, and blunt force trauma. These are often caused by machinery, sharp tools, chemical handling, and repetitive motions.

Cabinets should include various sizes of bandages, gauze pads, antiseptic wipes, wound closures, and gloves. In higher-risk areas, trauma dressings and wound sealers may be appropriate.

Burn gel, hydrogel dressings, non-stick sterile pads, and cool packs should be included to immediately treat thermal or chemical burns. For chemical exposure, specific burn neutralizers may be required.

They should contain sterile eye wash (or an attached station), eye pads, eye cups, and saline solution to flush out debris or chemicals. Eye shields may also be included to protect after an incident.

Yes, especially in facilities handling cleaning agents, solvents, or manufacturing chemicals. Cabinets should include chemical burn treatments, neutralizers, and emergency rinse solutions.

Yes. Include cold packs, elastic bandages, and muscle rubs to assist with strains and sprains. Having guidance or signage on proper ergonomic practices can also reduce recurrence.

While emergency medical services should be called for serious trauma, cabinets should contain trauma dressings, splints, and pressure bandages to manage bleeding and stabilize the area until help arrives.

In both the U.S. and Canada, regulations often require at least one trained first aid responder on site during all shifts. The specific number and level of training depend on provincial/state legislation and workplace risk.

Recognized providers include the American Red Cross, St. John Ambulance, the American Heart Association, and equivalents in Canada. Certification should be valid and meet your regional occupational health and safety standards.

Typically every 2 to 3 years, depending on the certifying body and the type of training (basic vs. advanced). Refresher training may be recommended more frequently.

While not mandatory in most industries, having multiple trained employees improves emergency readiness, especially in large or multi-level facilities.

At minimum: how to recognize and report an emergency, who responds, where first aid kits are located, evacuation procedures, and how to contact EMS. Plans should be documented and practiced regularly.

They must be readily accessible — typically within 3 to 4 minutes of any employee’s location. Avoid locking cabinets or storing kits behind obstacles.

Yes. Clear, visible signage should indicate the location of first aid kits and emergency contact information. Use standard safety signage for consistency.

Yes. All individuals on-site, including contractors, should have access to first aid supplies during working hours as part of your duty of care.

Employers must provide immediate access to appropriate care, ensure trained personnel are available, and report incidents if legally required. Negligence can carry legal consequences.

Use an incident log that includes date, time, injury type, treatment provided, and who administered aid. This documentation supports compliance, insurance claims, and internal review.