4 replies to this topic

[QA_123]

Are there any rules or regulations on what can and cannot be in a first aid kit in a food mfg. plant?  Should they be locked?  Should all employees have access or should it be locked and a manager has to unlock it for the employees?  

[FSQA]

Are there any rules or regulations on what can and cannot be in a first aid kit in a food mfg. plant?   

Jas_68,

 

As far as OSHA is concerned (i assume you are US based too) , following are mandatory to be in the First Aid box (please see following link):

https://www.osha.gov...10/1910.266AppA

 

As far as food safety is concerned, Blood spill control items are in the list, however,  the band aids should be Metal detectable as well.

 

 Should all employees have access or should it be locked and a manager has to unlock it for the employees?  

It should be accessible to all, however, most employers keep it only in a Manager/supervisor access to avoid mis-use by the employees.

 

Hope it helps.

[Gerard H.]

Dear Jas,

 

To keep the boxes in good order, you could put a light seal on it. When the seal is broken, it's a sign that you have to check the completeness of the kit.

 

Under the things, which can't be in the box are materials with expired Best before dates. 

 

Kind regards,

 

Gerard Heerkens

[QA_123]

We have all of the basic stuff in ours.  Our band aids are metal detectable.  Our supplier keeps adding things that I do not think we need and I was about to make a phone call to them so I was just wondering opinions on this before I call them.  I am going to request them to only add the basic first aid needs.  They are adding liquid bandage, eye glass wipes, hand lotion, hand sanitizer, etc. etc. etc.  Those are things that our employees either cannot use while here or they would have to wash it off their hands before returning to work so whats the point.  

 

Thank you for your help.

[mbadila]

Echoing what another member said, it is a good idea to have the first aid kit in a managers office rather than directly on the production floor.  When an employee is hurt, management needs to be informed.  Not only does management need to ensure food safety (often injuries create potential biological contamination) but on the job injuries should be documented to ensure workers receive the proper medical care and to limit company liability and prevent fraud.

 

In the past, I have also put First Aid Kits near plant entrances where they are recorded by a security camera (for similar reasons).