First Aid

FIRST AID

by Bill Grieb

This article discusses medical assistance and first aid requirements. GISO 2400 requirements are listed at the end.

Employers who are not near an infirmary, clinic, or hospital should have someone on-site trained in first aid, backed by medical personnel readily available for advice and consultation. Written procedures should be developed for medical emergencies.

It is essential that first aid supplies are available to the trained medical personnel, that emergency phone numbers are placed in conspicuous places near or on telephones, and that prearranged ambulance services are available for any emergency.

Every organization should have a first aid kit available. It does not need to be expensive and complex, but it should provide the basics, including supplies for large and small wounds and pain medication. A complete first aid kit should meet OSHA requirements and the CDC's recommendations for isolating rescuer from victim.

There are over a dozen first aid regulations in the California Code of Regulations, and other states may have as many. In California's case, a committee is working to draft a single regulation for all industries. One approach being considered is a first level that requires a basic first aid kit and persons adequately trained in standard first aid. A second level would require plant and process evaluation, hazard identification, special need definition and augmentation of training and materials.

Currently a licensed physician must be consulted regarding the contents of an employer's first aid kit. Many physicians will not provide this service because they lack knowledge of the facility, the industry, and liability issues.

First aid kit requirements are spelled out for the construction industry in CCR 1512.

System Interface Consultants, Inc. provides a first aid kit designed by Howard Burkhart to meet the needs of an office of up to 50 people. The kit costs $148. It is a heavy-gauge two-shelf steel-welded cabinet, 15 X 10 X 5 inches, finished with acid- and rust-resistant enamel.

Employees exposed to accidental chemical splashes, falling objects, flying particles, unknown atmospheres with inadequate oxygen or toxic gases, fires, live electrical wiring, or similar emergencies need personal protective equipment, including:

• Safety glasses, goggles, or face shields for eye protection
• Hard hats and safety shoes
• Properly selected and fitted respirators
• Whole body coverings, gloves, hoods, and boots
• Body protection for abnormal environmental conditions such as extreme temperatures

SIC has developed a 130-page emergency response handbook that provides emergency first aid guidelines and 60 emergency response guides to thousands of hazardous materials. The Emergency Response Handbook includes an index to more than 2,000 different chemicals and hazardous materials. Call (310) 454-2100 to order copies; the cost is $29.80.

The following is a list of the contents of SIC's First Aid Kit. You may find it useful in preparing your own first aid kit.

• Alcohol wipes
• Antiseptic wipes
• Eye wash solution
• Acetaminophen
• Aspirin
• Bandage, adhesive 1' X 3'
• Bandage, knuckle
• Bandage, Cederroth
• Bandage, conforming NS
• Dressing, gauze 2' X 2'
• Dressing, trauma pad
• Tape, non-allergenic
• Cold pack
• Gloves, latex
• Mask, CPR
• First-Aid Handbook

Certification: You should maintain a certification form signed by your organization's consulting physician for your first aid kits. The form should read like the following:

This first aid kit (list of contents appended) meets my recommendations for:

GISO 3400 REQUIREMENTS