The American National Standards Institute
The American National Standards Institute prescribes minimum standards of quality for a broad number of items related to safety.
ANSI compliance
ANSI is not legally binding, but 20 states have adopted ANSI standards as requirements
ANSI Z308.1-1998, Minimum Requirements for Workplace First Aid
ANSI's first aid standard is a performance-based standard. Products are required to meet specific performance criteria. Kits in compliance will contain specific numbers of required items to treat major and minor wounds, minor burns and eye injuries.
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Type I
Intended use: stationary, indoor settings in a controlled environment
Potential for damage of kit contents: minimal
Requirements: minimum fill requirements and the means for mounting in a fixed position.
Typical applications: general indoor use, offices, manufacturing facilities -
Type II
Intended use: portable, indoor settings, in a controlled environment
Potential for damage of kit contents: minimal
Requirements: minimum fill requirements; carrying handle; subjected to a drop test
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Type III
Intended use: portable use outdoors and in mobile industries
Potential for damage of kit contents: significant
Requirements: moisture-resistant, corrosion-resistant, carrying handle; minimum fill requirements; means for mounting in fixed position; subjected to conditioning and drop tests
Typical applications: general outdoor use, mobile industries.
Fill Requirements:
| Absorbent Compress | 32 sq. in. (81.3 sq. cm) | 1 |
| Adhesive Bandages | 1” x 3” (2.5 x 7.5 cm) | 1 |
| Adhesive Tape | 5 yd. (457.2 cm) | 1 |
| Antiseptic | 0.5 g (0.14 fl. oz) | 10 |
| Burn Treatment | 0.5 g (0.14 fl. oz) | 6 |
| Medical Exam Gloves | Pair | 2 |
| Sterile Pad | 3" x 3" (7.5 x 7.5 cm) | 4 |
| Triangular Bandage | 40" x 40" x 56" (101 x 101 x 142 cm) | 1 |
ANSI Z358.1-1998 Standard for Emergency Eyewash and Shower Equipment
This standardizes uniform minimum requirements for equipment performance, use, installation, test procedures, maintenance and training.
- Emergency showers and eyewash units shall be in accessible locations that require no more than 10 seconds to reach. The unit shall be located on the same level as the hazard and the path of travel shall be free of obstructions that may inhibit the immediate use of the equipment.
- Delivered flushing fluid should be tepid. Tepid is defined as "moderately warm; lukewarm." In circumstances where chemical reaction is accelerated by flushing fluid temperature, a medical advisor should be consulted for the optimum temperature for each application.
Please recognize that first aid features such as emergency eyewash, shower, drench hoses and combination units are not meant to be a substitute for proper primary protective devices. Workers should wear eye and face protection and protective clothing. Please consult appropriate medical authorities for first aid recommendations.
The ANSI Z535.2-1998 Standard for Signage
These standards suggest set practices for effective communication of all workplace signage related to safety and worker protection.
Signal Panels:
- One-color header corresponding to ANSI Z535.1.
- White background color
- Use safety alert signal (an equilateral triangle containing exclamation point) when personal injury hazards are possible. Only pertains to Notice, Danger, Caution and Warning.
- Text should flush left.
- Recommendations for placement of text and symbols in relation to header.
- Text in mixed case letters, not all capital or small letters.
- Use multiple symbols per sign.
- Pictograms are easier to understand.
ANSI and unitized colors
OSHA code of federal regulation 29 CFR 1910.134 (a)(2)
ANSI Z308.1-1998 necessarily imbues the standardization of colors on unitized refills. Bandages, Antiseptics, Burn Treatment, PPE and miscellaneous items are intended to each have their own color. This standardization makes it easy to recognize each product promptly in emergency situations.
Information courtesy of ANSI website.
