Dear Experts,

Please guide me on what to keep in a first aid box according to OHS. To clarify, we are a Chemical R&D lab. Can we keep basic over-the-counter medicines like Paracetamol, Combiflame, Disprin, etc., in the first aid box?

Regards,
Ismail Khan

From India, Noida
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Dear Ismail Khan,

As per OSHA, the following list sets forth the minimally acceptable number and type of first-aid supplies for first-aid kits required under paragraph (d)(2) of the logging standard. The contents of the first-aid kit listed should be adequate for small work sites, consisting of approximately two to three employees. When larger operations or multiple operations are being conducted at the same location, additional first-aid kits should be provided at the work site or additional quantities of supplies should be included in the first-aid kits:

1. Gauze pads (at least 4 x 4 inches).
2. Two large gauze pads (at least 8 x 10 inches).
3. Box adhesive bandages (band-aids).
4. One package gauze roller bandage at least 2 inches wide.
5. Two triangular bandages.
6. Wound cleaning agent such as sealed moistened towelettes.
7. Scissors.
8. At least one blanket.
9. Tweezers.
10. Adhesive tape.
11. Latex gloves.
12. Resuscitation equipment such as a resuscitation bag, airway, or pocket mask.
13. Two elastic wraps.
14. Splint.
15. Directions for requesting emergency assistance.

https://www.citehr.com/414372-urgent...t-aid-box.html

Regards,

Rajamannar.

From India, Secunderabad
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Being a chemical R&D unit, your company would fall under a hazardous workplace environment. Unlike BPOs where the risk is limited to accidental falls, cuts, or maybe electric shocks, in a chemical company, the risks pertain to accidental chemical spills, vapours, chemical burns, accidental/deliberate ingestion of chemicals, and risks of workplace violence that can result in any of the above.

First off, there needs to be a review of the chemicals used in your company/lab. The company's R&D supervisor/scientist should be able to provide you with details of the chemicals used and antidotes/protocols in case of spills/burns, etc. You will need supplies/facilities that cater to this. In case you have different sections using different chemicals (which is common), each wing/department might have to slightly modify the contents pertaining to the chemicals they use. Trained first aiders may also be employed for the best results and ensuring there is at least one per 100 employees present at a time. Also, having a contingency plan for the first aid personnel on leave. Alternatively, employees can be trained in first aid and in management specific to your company. Appropriate management protocol with designated roles is required (as to who will call the emergency personnel/ambulance/company's doctor/transport arrangements and one person responsible for getting the kit and starting the first aid, etc.). Documentation of the events is mandatory. It might be a good idea to have an incident form and pen handy so the same can be filled up as soon as practically possible.

As a chemical R&D company, there will be a need for a first aid room separately for this purpose as well. The list provided earlier is sufficient for injuries, but additionally, specific items required in relation to your company's hazardous inventory are necessary and may be kept in a separate box under lock and key. For example, if you deal with acids or alkali solutions, appropriate chemicals for treating such burns are required. This information can be best provided by the chemical department chief/supervisor or from other sources.

Secondly, a review of the common accidents that have occurred in the past can give you an idea of what to expect. Also, in the case of closed workplaces, appropriate safety measures must be in place to deal with poisonous vapors in closed spaces.

Regarding Over-The-Counter drugs, they may be kept like simple Paracetamol for a headache or fever, Combiflam, or Dispirin. Dispirin has its role in cases of a heart attack to prevent the worsening/spreading of the clot in the heart's vessels, but it is best used by someone who is trained to identify the medical emergency (not necessarily a medical personnel but someone trained in first aid).

A guiding rule for making a first-aid box would be to customize it based on the possible/common risks in your workplace.

Regards,

Dr. Akilesh R

Ex-Assistant Professor, Govt. DCH, Aurangabad

From India, Visakhapatnam
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