5.3.3 First Aid Kits
If medical attention can be reached within approximately 3–4 minutes, it is advisable to rely on professional emergency responders rather than keeping first aid kits on site. This approach should be integrated into your overall emergency plan.
Cornell’s EHS department provides trained emergency responders 24/7 on the Ithaca campus. For departments and units located near these services, first aid kits are not required. Injured individuals should contact emergency services immediately by calling 911 from a campus phone or 607-255-1111 from a cell phone.
Certain high-risk materials, such as Phenol or Hydrofluoric Acid, require specific first aid supplies in the lab, along with trained personnel to apply them immediately. In the case of HF, for example, calcium gluconate gel must be readily available.
Outlying facilities should follow their facility’s Emergency Plan.
Whenever an injury occurs—or if a first aid kit is used due to an injury or illness—in a Cornell University laboratory, an Injury/Illness Exposure Report must be completed.
If you choose to have a first aid kit in your workspace, the following requirements apply:
- A trained individual must be responsible for the kit, with contact information posted near it.
- The kit must be fully stocked and regularly maintained.
Cornell’s EHS also offers live first aid training. Course #EHS 5360 covers essential first aid skills.
The ANSI Standard (ANSI Z308.1-2003) specifies the following minimum fill requirements for a first aid kit:
- 1 – Absorbent compress, 4 x 8 in. minimum
- 5 yards – Adhesive tape
- 10 – Antiseptic applications, 0.14 fl. oz. each
- 1 – Triangular bandage, 40 x 40 x 56 in. minimum
- 16 – Adhesive bandages, 1 x 3 in.
- 2 – Pairs of medical exam gloves
- 4 – Sterile pads, 3 x 3 in. minimum
- 6 – Burn treatment applications, 1/32 oz. each
References:
- OSHA (29 CFR 1910.151)
- ANSI Standard (ANSI Z308.1-2003)
- OSHA Clarification of “in near proximity” and discretion in enforcing first aid requirements