Restaurant First-Aid Kit Requirements: What to Include

The restaurant business is a face-paced environment where accidents will happen. Whether it is a burn to the hand, a bump to the head, a slip on a wet floor or a cut while chopping, having a restaurant first-aid kit on hand is essential.

Restaurant first-aid kits should have items designated to address five areas of care:

• Wound care

• Emergency Care

• Eye care

• Burn care

• Comfort / convenience care

Although some items in a restaurant first-aid kit may be there for convenience and comfort, there are certain standards and requirements on what must be included. Having a fully stocked and up-to-code first-aid kit readily available is the key to treating any restaurant accident or mishap.

Below we discuss OSHA and ANSI standards and first-aid kit requirements, the two classes of restaurant first-aid kits and what is included in each, additional important but non-required items, types of kit containers and keeping kits up to date and compliant.

OSHA and ANSI

It is an OSHA requirement that all businesses have first-aid kits available. OSHA does not require that specific items be included in each first-aid kit, only that each kit has adequate supplies. OSHA recommends buts does not require that each kit meets ANSI standards

Within the American National Standard for workplace first-aid kits and supplies, specifically ANSI Z308.1-2015, kits are categorized as Class A or Class B. Class A kits include items necessary to treat the most common workplace injuries. Class B kits are used to treat more complex injuries or used in high-risk environments. Class B kits have a broader variety of supplies.

Beyond First-Aid Kit Requirements

The above items are the minimum required at a federal level, but there are also state regulations that must be met. Often, states will require that an automated external defibrillator (AED) be included as part of a restaurant first-aid kit. It is important to be in line with both state and federal requirements.

In addition to required items, there may be other items that restaurants choose to include in their first-aid kits and products supplied in larger quantities, like adhesive bandages for small cuts or burn treatments. There are also items that can be added to the first-aid kit for the convenience and comfort of employees. These additional items will look different from one restaurant to the next. Each employer knows what items will best protect their employees and keep them comfortable.

Possible additional items may include:

• Antacid or stomach/digestive pain relief

• Allergy relief medication

• Pain relievers

• Thermometer

• Tweezers

• Burn-relief kits

• Emergency kits

• Flashlight

First-Aid Kit Container Types

Now that you know what is required to be in a restaurant first-aid kit, is important consider what type of container will be best for the restaurant. There are four types of first-aid kit containers. Each type is classified by its portability, resistance to water, corrosion and impacts and ability to be mounted in a single location.

In addition to selecting the type of first-aid kit container and adding the required contents, another thing to consider is the importance of employee training. Training employees on how to administer first aid is vital to workplace safety. Having a first-aid kit available without employee training on how to properly administer eye care, dress a wound, clean a cut or treat a burn leaves employees and employers at risk.

Putting It All Together

Meeting all the requirements for a restaurant first-aid kit and keeping it stocked with up-to-date products may seem overwhelming. That’s where we come in. At Alsco, our First-Aid Services are made to take the worry off your shoulders. We know restaurant first-aid requirements, and with one low, weekly price, our worry-free service will ensure your first-aid kit is fully stocked and compliant. Reach out to Alsco today.

Sources

https://www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/publications/OSHA3317first-aid.pdf. Occupational Health and Safety Administration. (2006).

https://dir.nv.gov/uploadedFiles/dirnvgov/content/News/Useful%20Guidance%20for%20First%20Aid%20Kits.pdf. State of Nevada Department of Business & Industry: Industrial Relations (DIR).

https://www.shrm.org/resourcesandtools/hr-topics/risk-management/pages/aeds-workplace-benefit-burden.aspx. The Society for Human Resource Management. (2013).