First aid equipment
First aid kits
Every employer must provide an adequate number of first aid kits. They must be easy for workers to access and as close as possible to the work area.
The employer must make sure that the contents of the kit are clean, complete and in good condition. Equipment must be replaced as needed, for example if the equipment has not been replaced after use, if it is yellowed or dirty, or if the equipment has passed its expiry date. The first aid kit should be checked each time it is used and the equipment should be replaced. Lists of kit contents are available on the website of the Réseau de santé publique en santé au travail.
Important
There are no CNESST-recognized suppliers of first aid kits. A guarantee or certificate of compliance is not required for the contents of the first aid kit. First aid kits do not have to be replaced every 3 years.
For workplaces with a risk of severe allergic reaction, it is recommended that an epinephrine auto-injector be made available to the rescuer near the first aid kits.
Choose the right first aid kit
Changes to kit contents
Only the mandatory contents of first aid kits have been modified and must now comply with standard CAN/CSA Z1220-17. You do not need to buy new kits. Employers can simply add the missing equipment. It is no longer mandatory to include the “Practical Guide for First Aiders in the Workplace – Intervention Protocols” in kits.
The minimum contents of first aid kits must comply with standard CAN/CSA Z1220-17. The equipment in first aid kits is based on the risk level in the workplace. The quantity of equipment is established based on the number of workers per shift.
The employer is responsible for assessing the risk level in their workplace. Most workplaces are low or moderate risk and require the basic kit. The training that is part of the First aid in the workplace Program refers to the basic kit. The intermediate kit should be used in high-risk workplaces.
Assessing the risk level is an assessment of the types of injuries or illnesses that may occur in the workplace, the probability that they will occur and their potential severity. It allows the employer to determine whether they have all the equipment they need to deal with the various injuries that can occur in their workplace.
Identifying risks in the workplace is part of the prevention process.
| Type of kit | 1 worker or work in an isolated area | 2 to 25 workers | 26 to 50 workers | 51 to 100 workers* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Personal kit | 1 | Not applicable | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| Basic kit (low or moderate risk) |
Not applicable | 1 small |
|
|
| Intermediate kit (high risk) |
Not applicable | 1 small |
|
|
Mandatory equipment by kit type
Basic kit – Low or moderate-risk workplace
The basic kit must be used in most workplaces and in vehicles intended solely for the transport of or use by workers travelling in places where a kit is not accessible. These vehicles must carry more than 5 workers and workers must be more than 30 minutes from a medical facility.
- Small kit – 2 to 25 workers per shift
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Items Quantity before regulatory change Quantity since new regulation Adhesive bandages, sterile, assorted sizes (standard, large, fingertip, knuckle, patch) 25 25 Conforming stretch bandages, relaxed length, individually wrapped, 5.1 cm x 1.8 m (2 inches x 2 yards) Four 5.1 cm x 9 m rolls 1 roll Conforming stretch bandages, relaxed length, individually wrapped, 7.6 cm x 1.8 m (3 inches x 2 yards) Four 10.2 cm x 9 m rolls 1 roll Bandage scissors 1 pair 1 pair, stainless steel (angled blunt tip), minimum 14 cm (5.5 inches) Compresses/pressure dressings with ties, sterile, 10.2 cm x 10.2 cm (4 inches x 4 inches) 4 2 Triangular bandage, cotton, with 2 safety pins, 101.6 cm x 101.6 cm x 142.2 cm (40 inches x 40 inches x 56 inches) 6 2 Antiseptic wound cleansing towelettes, individually wrapped 25 25 Splinter forceps/tweezers 1 1, fine point, stainless steel, minimum 11.4 cm (4.5 inches) Adhesive tape, 2.5 cm, 1 inch 9,1 m 2,3 m Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) barrier device with one-way valve Recommended
(pocket mask with one-way valve)1 Examination gloves, disposable Recommended
(latex or nitrile)4 pairs, medical grade, one size, non-latex, powder free NEW Abdominal pads, sterile, individually wrapped, 12.7 cm x 22.9 cm (5 inches x 9 inches) S.O. 1 NEW Gauze pads, sterile, individually wrapped, 7.6 cm x 7.6 cm (3 inches x 3 inches)
25 12 NEW Emergency Mylar rescue blanket, non-stretch polyester, minimum 132 cm x 213 cm (52 inches x 84 inches) S.O. 1 NEW Hand and skin cleansing towelettes, individually wrapped (or equivalent) S.O. 6 NEW Antibiotic ointments, topical, single use S.O. 6 NEW Biohazard waste disposal bag, single use S.O. 1 NEW Contents list S.O. 1 - Medium kit – 26 to 50 workers per shift
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Items Quantity before regulatory change Quantity since new regulation Adhesive bandages, sterile, assorted sizes (standard, large, fingertip, knuckle, patch) 25 50 Conforming stretch bandages, relaxed length, individually wrapped, 5.1 cm x 1.8 m (2 inches x 2 yards) Four 5.1 cm x 9 m rolls 2 rolls Conforming stretch bandages, relaxed length, individually wrapped, 7.6 cm x 1.8 m (3 inches x 2 yards) Four 10.2 cm x 9 m rolls 2 rolls Bandage scissors 1 pair 1 pair, stainless steel (angled blunt tip), minimum 14 cm (5.5 inches) Compresses/pressure dressings with ties, sterile, 10.2 cm x 10.2 cm (4 inches x 4 inches) 4 4 Triangular bandage, cotton, with 2 safety pins, 101.6 cm x 101.6 cm x 142.2 cm (40 inches x 40 inches x 56 inches) 6 4 Antiseptic wound cleansing towelettes, individually wrapped 25 50 Splinter forceps or tweezers 1 1, fine point, stainless steel, minimum 11.4 cm (4.5 inches) Adhesive tape, 2.5 cm, 1 inch 9,1 m 4,6 m Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) barrier device with one-way valve Recommended
(pocket mask with one-way valve)1 Examination gloves, disposable Recommended
(latex or nitrile)8 pairs, medical grade, one size, non-latex, powder free NEW Abdominal pads, sterile, individually wrapped, 12.7 cm x 22.9 cm (5 inches x 9 inches) S.O. 2 NEW Gauze pads, sterile, individually wrapped, 7.6 cm × 7.6 cm (3 inches x 3 inches) 25 24 NEW Emergency Mylar rescue blanket, non-stretch polyester, minimum 132 cm × 213 cm (52 inches x 84 inches) S.O. 1 NEW Hand and skin cleansing towelettes, individually wrapped (or equivalent) S.O. 12 NEW Antibiotic ointments, topical, single use S.O. 12 NEW Biohazard waste disposal bag, single use S.O. 2 NEW Contents list S.O. 1 - Large kit – 51 to 100 workers per shift
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Items Quantity before regulatory change Quantity since new regulation Adhesive bandages, sterile, assorted sizes (standard, large, fingertip, knuckle, patch) 25 100 Conforming stretch bandages, relaxed length, individually wrapped, 5.1 cm x 1.8 m (2 inches x 2 yards) Four 5.1 cm x 9 m rolls 4 rolls Conforming stretch bandages, relaxed length, individually wrapped, 7.6 cm x 1.8 m (3 inches x 2 yards) Four 10.2 cm x 9 m rolls 4 rolls Bandage scissors 1 pair 1 pair, stainless steel (angled blunt tip), minimum 14 cm (5.5 inches) Compresses/pressure dressings with ties, sterile, 10.2 cm x 10.2 cm (4 inches x 4 inches) 4 8 Triangular bandage, cotton, with 2 safety pins, 101.6 cm x 101.6 cm x 142.2 cm (40 inches x 40 inches x 56 inches) 6 8 Antiseptic wound cleansing towelettes, individually wrapped 25 100 Splinter forceps/tweezers 1 1, fine point, stainless steel, minimum 11.4 cm (4.5 inches) Adhesive tape, 2.5 cm, 1 inch 9,1 m 9,1 m Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) barrier device with one-way valve Recommended
(pocket mask with one-way valve)1 Examination gloves, disposable Recommended
(latex or nitrile)16 pairs, medical grade, one size, non-latex, powder free NEW Abdominal pads, sterile, individually wrapped, 12.7 cm x 22.9 cm (5 inches x 9 inches) S.O. 2 NEW Gauze pads, sterile, individually wrapped, 7.6 cm x 7.6 cm (3 inches x 3 inches)
25 48 NEW Emergency Mylar rescue blanket, non-stretch polyester, minimum 132 cm x 213 cm (52 inches x 84 inches) S.O. 1 NEW Hand and skin cleansing towelettes, individually wrapped (or equivalent) S.O. 24 NEW Antibiotic ointments, topical, single use S.O. 24 NEW Biohazard waste disposal bag, single use S.O. 2 NEW Contents list S.O. 1
Intermediate kit – High-risk workplace
This kit is appropriate for workplaces with a high-risk environment, where activities with a higher probability of injury and a higher injury severity are carried out. It contains the items in the basic kit and additional items to deal with serious injuries.
- Small kit – 2 to 25 workers per shift
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Items Quantity before regulatory change Quantity since new regulation Adhesive bandages, sterile, assorted sizes (standard, large, fingertip, knuckle, patch) 25 25 Conforming stretch bandages, relaxed length, individually wrapped, 5.1 cm x 1.8 m (2 inches x 2 yards) Four 5.1 cm x 9 m rolls 1 roll Conforming stretch bandages, relaxed length, individually wrapped, 7.6 cm x 1.8 m (3 inches x 2 yards) Four 10.2 cm x 9 m rolls 1 roll Bandage scissors 1 pair 1 pair, stainless steel (angled blunt tip), minimum 14 cm (5.5 inches) Gauze pads, sterile, individually wrapped, 10.2 cm x 10.2 cm (4 inches x 4 inches) 25 12 Compresses/pressure dressings with ties, sterile, 10.2 cm x 10.2 cm (4 inches x 4 inches) 4 1 Triangular bandage, cotton, with 2 safety pins, 101.6 cm x 101.6 cm x 142.2 cm (40 inches x 40 inches x 56 inches) 6 2 Antiseptic wound cleansing towelettes, individually wrapped 25 25 Splinter forceps/tweezers 1 1, fine point, stainless steel, minimum 11.4 cm (4.5 inches)
Adhesive tape, 2.5 cm, 1 inch 9,1 m 2,3 m Cold compresses (cold pack), instant (or equivalent) Recommended 1 Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) barrier device with one-way valve Recommended
(pocket mask with one-way valve)1 Examination gloves, disposable Recommended
(latex or nitrile)4 pairs, medical grade, one size, non-latex, powder free NEW Splint, padded, malleable, minimum 10.2 cm x 61 cm (4 inches x 24 inches) S.O. 1 NEW Abdominal pads, sterile, individually wrapped, 12.7 cm x 22.9 cm (5 inches x 9 inches) S.O. 1 NEW Gauze pads, sterile, individually wrapped, 7.6 cm x 7.6 cm (3 inches x 3 inches) S.O. 6 NEW Compresses/pressure dressings with ties, sterile, 15.2 cm x 15.2 cm (6 inches x 6 inches) S.O. 1 NEW Glucose tablets, 4 g (10 per pack) or acceptable alternative (hard candy, orange juice or other juices with fructose) S.O. 1 pack NEW Emergency Mylar rescue blanket, non-stretch polyester, minimum 132 cm x 213 cm (52 inches x 84 inches) S.O. 1 NEW Arterial tourniquet S.O. 1 NEW Hand and skin cleansing towelettes, individually wrapped (or equivalent) S.O. 6 NEW Antibiotic ointments, topical, single use S.O. 6 NEW Elastic support and compression bandages/dressings, relaxed length, individually wrapped, 7.6 cm (3 inches) S.O. 1 NEW Non-adherent dressings, sterile, individually wrapped, 5.1 cm x 7.6 cm (2 inches x 3 inches) S.O. 4 NEW Biohazard waste disposal bag, single use S.O. 2 NEW Eye pad dressings, sterile, and eye shield with elastic strap S.O. 2 sets NEW Contents list S.O. 1 - Medium kit – 26 to 50 workers per shift
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Items Quantity before regulatory change Quantity since new regulation Adhesive bandages, sterile, assorted sizes (standard, large, fingertip, knuckle, patch) 25 50 Conforming stretch bandages, relaxed length, individually wrapped, 5.1 cm x 1.8 m (2 inches x 2 yards) Four 5.1 cm X 9 m rolls 2 rolls Conforming stretch bandages, relaxed length, individually wrapped, 7.6 cm x 1.8 m (3 inches x 2 yards)
Four 10.2 cm X 9 m rolls 2 rolls Bandage scissors 1 pair 1 pair, stainless steel (angled blunt tip), minimum 14 cm (5.5 inches) Gauze pads, sterile, individually wrapped, 10.2 cm x 10.2 cm (4 inches x 4 inches) 25 24 Compresses/pressure dressings with ties, sterile, 10.2 cm x 10.2 cm (4 inches x 4 inches) 4 2 Triangular bandage, cotton, with 2 safety pins, 101.6 cm x 101.6 cm x 142.2 cm (40 inches x 40 inches x 56 inches) 6 4 Antiseptic wound cleansing towelettes, individually wrapped 25 50 Splinter forceps/tweezers 1 1, fine point, stainless steel, minimum 11.4 cm (4.5 inches) Adhesive tape, 2.5 cm, 1 inch 9,1 m 4,6 m Cold compresses (cold pack), instant (or equivalent) Recommended 2 Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) barrier device with one-way valve Recommended
(pocket mask with one-way valve)1 Examination gloves, disposable Recommended
(latex or nitrile)8 pairs, medical grade, one size, non-latex, powder free New Splint, padded, malleable, minimum 10.2 cm x 61 cm (4 inches x 24 inches) S.O. 1 New Abdominal pads, sterile, individually wrapped, 12.7 cm x 22.9 cm (5 inches x 9 inches) S.O. 2 New Gauze pads, sterile, individually wrapped, 7.6 cm x 7.6 cm (3 inches x 3 inches) S.O. 12 New Compresses/pressure dressings with ties, sterile, 15.2 cm x 15.2 cm (6 inches x 6 inches)m (4 inches x 4 inches) S.O. 2 New Glucose tablets, 4 g (10 per pack) or acceptable alternative (hard candy, orange juice or other juices with fructose) S.O. 2 packs New Emergency Mylar rescue blanket, non-stretch polyester, minimum 132 cm x 213 cm (52 inches x 84 inches) S.O. 2 New Arterial tourniquet S.O. 1 New Hand and skin cleansing towelettes, individually wrapped (or equivalent) S.O. 12 New Antibiotic ointments, topical, single use S.O. 12 New Elastic support and compression bandages/dressings, relaxed length, individually wrapped, 7.6 cm (3 inches) S.O. 2 New Non-adherent dressings, sterile, individually wrapped, 5.1 cm x 7.6 cm (2 inches x 3 inches) S.O. 8 New Biohazard waste disposal bag, single use S.O. 4 New Eye pad dressings, sterile, and eye shield with elastic strap S.O. 2 sets New Contents list S.O. 1 - Large kit – 51 or more workers per shift
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Items Quantity before regulatory change Quantity since new regulation Adhesive bandages, sterile, assorted sizes (standard, large, fingertip, knuckle, patch) 25 100 Conforming stretch bandages, relaxed length, individually wrapped, 5.1 cm x 1.8 m (2 inches x 2 yards) Four 5.1 cm x 9 m rolls 4 rolls Conforming stretch bandages, relaxed length, individually wrapped, 7.6 cm x 1.8 m (3 inches x 2 yards) Four 10.2 cm x 9 m rolls 4 rolls Bandage scissors 1 pair 1 pair, stainless steel (angled blunt tip), minimum 14 cm (5.5 inches) Gauze pads, sterile, individually wrapped, 10.2 cm x 10.2 cm (4 inches x 4 inches) 25 48 Compresses/pressure dressings with ties, sterile, 10.2 cm x 10.2 cm (4 inches x 4 inches) 4 4 Triangular bandage, cotton, with 2 safety pins, 101.6 cm x 101.6 cm x 142.2 cm (40 inches x 40 inches x 56 inches) 6 8 Antiseptic wound cleansing towelettes, individually wrapped 25 100 Splinter forceps/tweezers 1 1, fine point, stainless steel, minimum 11.4 cm (4.5 inches) Adhesive tape, 2.5 cm, 1 inch 9,1 m 9,1 m Cold compresses (cold pack), instant (or equivalent) Recommended 4 Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) barrier device with one-way valve Recommended
(pocket mask with one-way valve)1 Examination gloves, disposable Recommended
(latex or nitrile)16 pairs, medical grade, one size, non-latex, powder free New Splint, padded, malleable, minimum 10.2 cm x 61 cm (4 inches x 24 inches) S.O. 2 New Abdominal pads, sterile, individually wrapped, 12.7 cm x 22.9 cm (5 inches x 9 inches) S.O. 4 New Gauze pads, sterile, individually wrapped, 7.6 cm x 7.6 cm (3 inches x 3 inches) S.O. 24 New Compresses/pressure dressings with ties, sterile, 15.2 cm x 15.2 cm (6 inches x 6 inches) S.O. 4 New Glucose tablets, 4 g (10 per pack) or acceptable alternative (hard candy, orange juice or other juices with fructose) S.O. 2 packs New Emergency Mylar rescue blanket, non-stretch polyester, minimum 132 cm x 213 cm (52 inches x 84 inches) S.O. 2 New Arterial tourniquet S.O. 1 New Hand and skin cleansing towelettes, individually wrapped (or equivalent) S.O. 24 New Antibiotic ointments, topical, single use S.O. 24 New Elastic support and compression bandages/dressings, relaxed length, individually wrapped, 7.6 cm (3 inches) S.O. 2 New Non-adherent dressings, sterile, individually wrapped, 5.1 cm x 7.6 cm (2 inches x 3 inches) S.O. 16 New Biohazard waste disposal bag, single use S.O. 8 New Eye pad dressings, sterile, and eye shield with elastic strap S.O. 4 sets New Contents list S.O. 1
Personal kit
This kit is intended for workers who work in isolation (in French only) and who do not have access to a first aid kit. This kit can also be used in vehicles that transport 1 to 5 workers, for example municipal workers who use a city vehicle to do work in a municipal park where there are no kits.
This is also the type of kit to use in a vehicle that transports more than 5 workers but is less than 30 minutes from a medical service. If a vehicle transports more than 5 workers who are more than 30 minutes from a medical facility, the basic kit must be used.
- Personal kit contents (work in an isolated area or transport vehicle)
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Items Quantity before regulatory change Quantity since new regulation Adhesive bandages, sterile, assorted sizes (standard, large, fingertip, knuckle, patch) 5 16 Conforming stretch bandages, relaxed length, individually wrapped, 5.1 cm x 1.8 m (2 inches x 2 yards) Four 5.1 cm x 9 m rolls 1 roll Gauze pads, sterile, individually wrapped, 7.6 cm x 7.6 cm (3 inches x 3 inches) 5 6 Compresses/pressure dressings with ties, sterile, 10.2 cm x 10.2 cm (4 inches x 4 inches) 2 2 Triangular bandage, cotton, with 2 safety pins, 101.6 cm x 101.6 cm x 142.2 cm (40 inches x 40 inches x 56 inches) 2 1 Examination gloves, disposable Recommended
(latex or nitrile)2 pairs, medical grade, one size, non-latex, powder free Antiseptic wound cleansing towelettes, individually wrapped 5 6 Adhesive tape, 2.5 cm, 1 inch 9,1 m 2,3 m New Hand and skin cleansing towelettes, individually wrapped (or equivalent) S.O. 4 New Antibiotic ointments, topical, single use S.O. 2 New Splinter forceps/tweezers S.O. 1, fine point, stainless steel, minimum 11.4 cm (4.5 inches) New Biohazard waste disposal bag, single use S.O. 1 New Contents list S.O. 1
First aid room
The employer of an establishment with more than 100 workers or the principal contractor of a construction site with more than 100 workers must set up a room where the first aid attendant can provide first aid.
Requirements for the premises
- Be easily accessible
- Be accessible at all times during working hours
- Must be kept clean and in good repair
- Ventilated
- Be well lit
- Be heated
- Be provided with water
Mandatory equipment in the room
- 1 stretcher
- 1 table and 2 chairs
- Soap and 1 nail brush
- Paper to wipe hands
- Minimum contents of a first aid kit