ANSI First Aid Kits: New 2021 Standard [Effective 10/15/22]

 

ANSI/ISEA Z308.1-2021 is the sixth revision of a voluntary industry standard that was first published in 1978 and builds upon the initial objective to standardize first aid kits. These standards ensure that items needed to treat the most common types of injuries and sudden illnesses encountered in the workplace are readily accessible and available.

 

ANSI First Aid Kits Updates

This new standard for ANSI first aid kits includes several notable updates:

• A foil blanket is now mandatory. This change reflects similar international standards and recognizes the multiple purposes that a blanket can serve. It can be used to treat hypothermia, act as a windbreaker or be worn as an emergency waterproof wrap.
  
• More specificity for tourniquets. The revised standard helps to distinguish tourniquets from those types of bands used to draw blood, which are not as effective in preventing blood loss, as is intended.
  
• Greater guidance regarding bleeding control kits. The update provides additional details on designated bleeding control kits, which contain more advanced first aid supplies to immediately treat life-threatening external bleeding.
  
• Greater emphasis on workplace hazard assessments. Included in the updated standard is a more robust discussion to assist the employer in assessing risks, identifying potential hazards, and selecting additional first aid supplies relevant to a particular application or work environment.
  

 

ANSI ISEA Z308.1 - 2021 retains the same kit classification system (Class A or Class B) first established in 2015 stating that ANSI first aid kits are classified based on both their assortment and quantity of first aid supplies.

• Class A kits are designed to deal with the most common types of workplace injuries. Based on the new 2021 standard, class A kits must now include:
  
• 4 Additional Hand Sanitizers
  
• 1 Foil Blanket, 52" X 84"
  
• Class B first aid kits are designed with a broader range and quantity of supplies to deal with injuries in more complex or high-risk environments. Based on the new 2021 standard, class B kits must now include:
  
• 4 Additional Hand Sanitizers
  
• 1 Foil Blanket, 52" X 84"
  
• 1 Tourniquet
  

 

This voluntary standard goes into effect on October 15, 2022. Take a few moments to review the contents of your ANSI first aid kit now to ensure compliance. If you are unsure if your kits meet this new standard, don't hesitate to reach out to our Safety Support Team.

 

"Employers should begin to check their first aid cabinets against the new standard, and make the recommended changes," said Todd VanHouten, Director of Product Development & Innovation at Cintas First Aid & Safety, and Chair of the ISEA First Aid Product Group. 

 

VanHouten also said, "While compliance with the standard is recommended, updating first aid stations, kits and protocols goes beyond compliance. The discussions and recommendations in this standard can help guide an organization's overall first aid program, ultimately helping to provide proper and timely treatment for all employees."

 

Developed by the International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA), this standard was processed and approved using consensus procedures prescribed by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).

 

Related: Learn more about the updated ANSI standard for eye protection and some recommended, approved options.

 

ANSI First Aid Kits Available from Wesco Safety

Direct Safety® Essential 10 ANSI First Aid Kit

 

Get all the essential ingredients you need to treat basic first aid problems at an economical price. This 10-person plastic weatherproof kit features a rubber gasket and handle and brackets for easy mounting. Neat, orderly interior packaging makes contents easy to locate and use. Meets ANSI/ISEA Z308.1-2021 Class A standard.

 

Direct Safety® Essential 25 ANSI First Aid Kit

 

Get all the essential ingredients you need to treat basic first aid problems at an economical price. This 25-person plastic weatherproof kit features a rubber gasket and handle and brackets for easy mounting. Neat, orderly interior packaging makes contents easy to locate and use. Meets ANSI/ISEA Z308.1-2021 Class A standard.

 

Direct Safety® Essential 50 ANSI First Aid Kit

 

Get all the essential ingredients you need to treat basic first aid problems at an economical price. This 50-person plastic weatherproof kit features a rubber gasket and handle and brackets for easy mounting. Neat, orderly interior packaging makes contents easy to locate and use. Meets ANSI/ISEA Z308.1-2021 Class B standard.

 

Learn More: What are the ANSI standards for cut-resistant gloves and what do they mean? Read more about that here.

 

Products You Can Purchase to Get Your Current Kit in Compliance with ANSI/ISEA Z308.1-2021

If you currently own an ANSI first aid kit that is listed as compliant with ANSI/ISEA Z308.1-2015 Class A, you'll need to supplement it with the following items to get it in compliance with the 2021 standard:

• 4 Additional Hand Sanitizers
  
• 1 Foil Blanket, 52" X 84"
  

 

If you currently own ANSI first aid kit that is listed as compliant with ANSI/ISEA Z308.1-2015 Class B, you'll need to supplement it with the following items to get it in compliance with the 2021 standard:

• 4 Additional Hand Sanitizers
  
• 1 Foil Blanket, 52" X 84"
  
• 1 Tourniquet
  

 

These pre-packaged kits make it easy to convert your first aid cabinets to meet the new ANSI/ISEA Z308.1-2021 Class A or B standard.

 

First Aid Only® SmartCompliance ANSI A 2021 Conversion Kit

 

Add the products below to your current kits to get them in compliance with this new standard. Kit contains:

• Emergency Blanket, 52" X 84"
  
• Required component part number refill card
  
• ANSI A requirements label
  
• Easy-to-follow instructions to convert the cabinet
  

 

First Aid Only® SmartCompliance ANSI B 2021 Conversion Kit

 

Add the products below to your current kits to get them in compliance with this new standard. Kit contains:

• Emergency Blanket, 52" X 84"
  
• Windlass Tourniquet
  
• 10 Hand Sanitizer Packets, .9 Grams
  
• Hand sanitizer box grid label
  
• Required component part number refill card
  
• ANSI B requirements label
  
• Easy-to-follow instructions to convert the cabinet
  

 

If you're still not exactly sure what you need, feel free to contact our Safety Support Team to help you select the right ANSI first aid kits for your workplace.