The American National Standards Institute (ANSI), in conjunction with the International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA), establishes minimum requirements for first aid kits used in workplace settings. These standards ensure a kit contains the necessary supplies to treat common injuries quickly and effectively. The current standard, ANSI/ISEA Z308.1-2021, defines a classification system that includes two main classes of first aid kits based on their contents.
Defining the Two Kit Classes (A and B)
The ANSI/ISEA Z308.1 standard establishes two distinct classes, Class A and Class B, which differentiate kits based on the performance and quantity of medical supplies they contain. This classification is directly tied to the level of risk and complexity of injuries anticipated in a given environment. Class A kits are intended to provide a basic assortment of products designed to treat the most common types of minor workplace injuries, such as cuts, minor burns, abrasions, and eye injuries.
A Class A kit contains supplies like adhesive bandages, antibiotic applications, burn dressings, and a cold pack, with specific minimum quantities. These kits serve as the baseline requirement for most general workplaces with a lower risk of injury, such as offices or retail environments. The contents are sufficient for immediate emergency assistance until further medical care is sought.
Class B kits are designed to address injuries in more complex or high-risk environments, requiring a broader range and significantly greater quantity of supplies. While they contain all the same types of items found in a Class A kit, the amounts are increased; for example, a Class B kit requires 50 adhesive bandages compared to the 16 needed for a Class A kit. This increased quantity ensures the kit can manage more extensive first aid needs for a larger number of people or more frequent incidents.
Beyond increased quantities, Class B kits include two specific items not required in Class A kits: a splint and a tourniquet. The inclusion of these items reflects the higher potential for severe injuries, such as major bleeding or fractures, that may occur in manufacturing, construction, or other high-hazard settings. The classification ensures the kit’s contents match the potential severity of injuries expected in that location.
Understanding Kit Types and Packaging Standards
While the contents of a first aid kit are categorized into two performance classes (A and B), the ANSI/ISEA standard also defines four distinct types (I, II, III, and IV) based on the kit’s container and intended environment. A Class A or Class B kit can be housed in any of the four types of containers. The Type designation focuses exclusively on the container’s durability, portability, and resistance to environmental factors.
Type I containers are designed for stationary, indoor use and are typically mounted in a fixed location, where rough handling and environmental damage are minimal. Type II kits are also intended for indoor use but are portable, suitable for environments where the kit may need to be moved but the risk of damage to the supplies remains low. Both Type I and Type II kits are common in standard office or educational settings.
Moving to more demanding environments, Type III containers are portable and water-resistant, making them suitable for mobile, indoor, or outdoor settings where the supplies may be exposed to moisture. These containers often have a water-resistant seal and can be mounted.
Type IV kits represent the most rugged option, being portable, mountable, waterproof, and impact-resistant. These containers are specifically required for outdoor and mobile industries, such as agriculture or construction, where the kit faces significant potential for environmental damage and rough handling. The packaging must meet specific performance guidelines for resistance to corrosion, moisture, and impact. The final designation of a first aid kit, such as “Class A, Type I,” specifies both the minimum required contents and the durability of the packaging.