Many workplaces keep a first aid kit on the wall and an eyewash bottle near the chemicals. Are they required, and what does OSHA actually say about them? For general industry workplaces, the main rule is in 29 CFR 1910.151, "Medical services and first aid," and its non-mandatory appendix. This explainer walks through it. Nothing here describes a rule change.
Do you need first aid supplies?
Yes. 29 CFR 1910.151(b) states: "Adequate first aid supplies shall be readily available."
The rule does not list what has to be in a kit. Appendix A to 1910.151, which is labeled "(Non-Mandatory)," gives an example: "An example of the minimal contents of a generic first aid kit is described in American National Standard (ANSI) Z308.1-1998 'Minimum Requirements for Workplace First-aid Kits.'" It adds that the contents in that standard "should be adequate for small worksites."
Because the appendix is non-mandatory, the ANSI kit is given as an example. The binding text is paragraph (b): supplies must be "adequate" and "readily available."
Does someone have to be trained in first aid?
It depends on how close medical care is. The full text of 1910.151(b) is: "In the absence of an infirmary, clinic, or hospital in near proximity to the workplace which is used for the treatment of all injured employees, a person or persons shall be adequately trained to render first aid. Adequate first aid supplies shall be readily available."
So the trained-person requirement applies in the absence of an infirmary, clinic or hospital that is both "in near proximity to the workplace" and "used for the treatment of all injured employees." The standard does not define "near proximity" or set a distance or time. The supplies sentence that follows does not repeat that condition.
Paragraph (a) adds a separate duty: "The employer shall ensure the ready availability of medical personnel for advice and consultation on matters of plant health."
When is an eyewash or shower required?
29 CFR 1910.151(c) states: "Where the eyes or body of any person may be exposed to injurious corrosive materials, suitable facilities for quick drenching or flushing of the eyes and body shall be provided within the work area for immediate emergency use."
Three parts of that sentence carry the requirement:
- The trigger: possible exposure of the eyes or body to "injurious corrosive materials." The paragraph is written for corrosives.
- What is needed: "suitable facilities for quick drenching or flushing of the eyes and body." The rule covers both eyes and body.
- Where: "within the work area for immediate emergency use."
The section does not name a product type, a flow rate, a flushing time or a distance. Those details are not in 1910.151.
How big should the kit be?
The rule does not say. Appendix A gives guidance, in "should" language, for workplaces that need more than a basic kit:
- "When larger operations or multiple operations are being conducted at the same location, employers should determine the need for additional first aid kits at the worksite, additional types of first aid equipment and supplies and additional quantities and types of supplies and equipment in the first aid kits."
- Employers "who have unique or changing first-aid needs in their workplace may need to enhance their first-aid kits." The appendix says the employer "can use the OSHA 300 log, OSHA 301 log, or other reports to identify these unique problems."
- "Employers should assess the specific needs of their worksite periodically and augment the first aid kit appropriately."
What about gloves and blood?
Appendix A links first aid to the bloodborne pathogens standard. It states: "If it is reasonably anticipated that employees will be exposed to blood or other potentially infectious materials while using first aid supplies, employers are required to provide appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) in compliance with the provisions of the Occupational Exposure to Blood borne Pathogens standard, § 1910.1030(d)(3)" and adds: "This standard lists appropriate PPE for this type of exposure, such as gloves, gowns, face shields, masks, and eye protection." The PPE duty itself is in 1910.1030(d)(3), which applies "When there is occupational exposure."
Quick summary
| Question | What 1910.151 says |
|---|---|
| First aid supplies required? | Yes: "Adequate first aid supplies shall be readily available." (b) |
| Required kit contents? | Not listed; ANSI Z308.1-1998 is an example in non-mandatory Appendix A |
| Person trained in first aid? | Yes, when no infirmary, clinic or hospital in near proximity treats all injured employees (b) |
| Eyewash or drench facility? | Yes, where eyes or body may be exposed to injurious corrosive materials (c) |
Study with goraedu
Our bloodborne pathogens study guide covers 1910.1030, including PPE and exposure follow-up, and the bloodborne pathogens practice test lets you check yourself with our own questions. More general industry topics are on the OSHA general industry hub.