Minimum contents of a First Aid Box
Learning Years
Minimum contents of a First Aid Box as per the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
- Wound cleaner / antiseptic (100ml)
- Swabs for cleaning wounds
- Cotton wool for padding (100g)
- Sterile gauze (minimum quantity 10)
- 1 pair of forceps (for splinters)
- 1 pair of scissors (minimum size 100mm)
- 1 set of safety pins
- 4 triangular bandages
- 4 roller bandages (75mm x 5m)
- 4 roller bandages (100mm x 5m)
- 1 roll elastic adhesive (25mm x 3m)
- 1 non-allergenic adhesive strip (25mm x 3m)
- 1 packet of adhesive dressing strips (minimum quantity 10 assorted sizes)
- 4 first aid dressings (75mm x 100mm)
- 4 first aid dressings (150mm x 200mm)
- 2 straight splints
- 2 pairs large and 2 pairs medium disposable latex gloves
- 2 CPR mouth pieces or similar devices
- An adequate supply of absorbent material for the absorption of blood and other spilled bodily fluids
- Disinfectant to disinfect the area after cleaning up blood and other spilled bodily fluids
- Two pairs of large and two pairs of medium disposable rubber household gloves
- A suitable sized impervious bag for the safe disposal of blood and other bodily fluid or contaminated bio hazardous materials
Other items which you may wish to include:
- Wet wipes
- Waterless hand cleaner
- Facial tissues
- Copies of your medical aid scheme cards or medical insurance
- A list of doctors and emergency contact numbers for your area.
Article first published in Learning Years Vol 33 / nr1 – August 2008.