First-aid kit minimum contents

The first-aid kit must contain at least the specific supplies listed in Appendix A to 1910.266, including gauze pads, adhesive bandages, scissors, gloves, resuscitation equipment, and directions for requesting emergency help. See the full list in Appendix A to 1910.266 - First-Aid Kits (Mandatory) and the requirement that kits are provided under 1910.266(d)(2).

• The appendix lists 15 minimum items (e.g., several sizes of gauze, adhesive tape, triangular bandages, sterile towelettes, scissors, tweezers, latex gloves, a blanket, resuscitation device, elastic wraps, a splint, and emergency directions).

Employers must supply first-aid kits at logging work sites whenever the standard at 1910.266(d)(2) requires them for the protection of employees. Appendix A provides the minimum kit contents for those required kits. See 1910.266(d) for the broader first-aid and emergency-response requirements under the logging standard.

• If a worksite is small (about 2–3 employees), the Appendix A kit contents are intended to be adequate; larger or multiple operations need additional kits or extra supplies.

You must provide additional first-aid kits or increase the quantities of supplies when operations are larger or when multiple operations occur at the same location. Appendix A states the listed contents are for small sites (~2–3 employees) and that "additional first-aid kits should be provided" for larger operations. See Appendix A to 1910.266 and the underlying requirement at 1910.266(d)(2).

• Factors to consider when adding kits: number of employees, distance to medical care, the size of the work zone, and types of hazards present.

Yes; a wound-cleaning agent such as sealed moistened towelettes is listed as a required item in the Appendix A minimum contents. See the specific listing in Appendix A to 1910.266 and the requirement for kits under 1910.266(d)(2).

• Use sealed, single-use cleaning towelettes to reduce infection risk and ensure sterility until used.

Yes; latex gloves are specifically listed in Appendix A as part of the minimum first-aid kit contents for logging work sites. Refer to Appendix A to 1910.266 and the requirement in 1910.266(d)(2).

• If employees or workplaces have latex allergies, provide appropriate non-latex alternative gloves; the Appendix lists the protective function but does not mandate a specific glove material beyond including gloves.

Yes; the Appendix A minimum contents include resuscitation equipment such as a resuscitation bag, airway, or pocket mask. See Appendix A to 1910.266 and the citation to 1910.266(d)(2).

• Employers should ensure devices are stored sealed and in good condition, and employees who may need to use them are trained in their proper use.

Yes; Appendix A specifies gauze pad sizes: multiple gauze pads at least 4 x 4 inches and two large gauze pads at least 8 x 10 inches are required. See the itemized list in Appendix A to 1910.266 and the kit requirement under 1910.266(d)(2).

• Use sterile, individually packaged pads and keep replacements on hand for heavily contaminated or bleeding wounds.

Yes; a splint is listed as one of the required items in Appendix A for first-aid kits. See Appendix A to 1910.266 and the related requirement at 1910.266(d)(2).

• The Appendix does not prescribe a specific splint model; acceptable options include a rigid or inflatable splint that can immobilize a limb until professional medical care is available.

Yes; Appendix A explicitly requires that first-aid kits include directions for requesting emergency assistance. See Appendix A to 1910.266 and 1910.266(d)(2).

• Directions should include how to contact local emergency medical services (phone numbers), the worksite location or directions to the site, procedures to report the incident internally, and any information the responder will need (e.g., type of injury, number of victims, hazards present).
• Keep instructions visible, simple, and updated with current phone numbers and location details.

Yes; employers may substitute equivalent items that provide the same first-aid function and protection, but the kit must meet the minimum types and general quantities in Appendix A. See Appendix A to 1910.266 and the requirement in 1910.266(d)(2).

• Substitutions should not reduce medical effectiveness (for example, replacing a sterile 4x4 gauze pad with a non-sterile or much smaller pad would not be appropriate).
• Where allergies or special conditions exist (e.g., latex allergy), suitable alternatives should be provided.

No; Appendix A lists specific first-aid supplies and does not require over-the-counter medications such as pain relievers or antihistamines. The mandatory minimum contents are the items enumerated in Appendix A to 1910.266 and the kit requirement is found at 1910.266(d)(2).

• Employers may choose to include medications, but if they do, they should consider policies for authorized use, labeling, expiration-date tracking, and potential liability; these are not mandated by the Appendix.

Appendix A requires two triangular bandages and two elastic wraps as minimum items in the first-aid kit. See the itemized list in Appendix A to 1910.266 and the kit requirement under 1910.266(d)(2).

• Triangular bandages can be used for slings and large dressings; elastic wraps are useful for compression and securing dressings or sprains.

Appendix A specifies the minimum contents but does not prescribe a specific container type or labeling; however, employers should store supplies in a durable, clearly marked container that protects items from contamination and weather. See Appendix A to 1910.266 and the overarching requirement at 1910.266(d)(2).

• Good practice: label kits "First Aid," keep them dry and sealed, and make contents visible or maintain an inventory list to facilitate inspections and replenishment.

Appendix A does not set a specific inspection frequency, but employers must ensure kits are maintained, stocked, and usable whenever needed under 1910.266(d)(2) and the Appendix list at 1910.266AppA.

• Recommended practice: inspect kits before starting a job, at regular intervals (e.g., weekly or monthly depending on conditions), and after each use; replace used or expired items immediately and document inspections.

Yes, storing a first-aid kit in a readily accessible vehicle can meet the requirement so long as the kit is available promptly to employees at the work site and contains the minimum items in Appendix A. See Appendix A to 1910.266 and the related obligation in 1910.266(d)(2).

• Ensure employees can access the kit quickly in an emergency; if distance or access would delay care, provide additional kits closer to work locations.

Yes; both scissors and tweezers are explicitly listed among the minimum items required in Appendix A. See the list in Appendix A to 1910.266 and the kit requirement under 1910.266(d)(2).

• Use scissors designed for medical use (blunt-tip bandage scissors) and keep tweezers clean and in protective packaging until needed.

Yes; Appendix A requires at least one blanket in the kit. See Appendix A to 1910.266 and 1910.266(d)(2).

• A lightweight emergency blanket (mylar) or a conventional insulated blanket is suitable; choose a type that protects against heat loss, is compact, and resists moisture.

Yes; Appendix A lists both a box of adhesive bandages and adhesive tape among the minimum kit items. See the Appendix list at 1910.266AppA and the requirement in 1910.266(d)(2).

• Provide multiple sizes of adhesive bandages and a medical-grade adhesive tape that is appropriate for securing dressings and bandages.

Employers should carry extra supplies when factors like more employees, remote work locations, longer response times from emergency services, or specific workplace hazards increase the likelihood or severity of injuries; Appendix A recommends additional kits or supplies for larger or multiple operations. See Appendix A to 1910.266 and the kit requirement at 1910.266(d)(2).

• Consider adding more sterile dressings, extra splints, larger blankets, advanced bleeding control supplies, and additional resuscitation devices based on risk assessment and emergency response planning.