Safety Policies and Procedures Manual

First Aid Kits

SPPM 2.42

For more information contact:
   Environmental Health and Safety
   509-335-3041

1.0   Overview

University units must provide first aid kits in University workplaces suitable for the occupational workplace and response time for emergency medical services (WAC 296-800-15020).

2.0   Responsibility

Units are to provide first aid kits at workplaces, which include materials appropriate to the activities and hazards undertaken in the specific space.

Unit supervisors or designees must ensure that first aid supplies are maintained and stocked.

3.0   First-Aid Kits

3.1   General Requirements

First aid kits must be:

  • Easily accessible to employees, so treatment typically can begin within 3-4 minutes;
  • Clearly marked;
  • Stored in containers that protect kit items from damage, deterioration, or contamination;
    • Products in first aid kits should be replaced before expiration date, if applicable
  • Easily moved to the location of an injured or acutely ill person; and
  • Placed and maintained in vehicles in the absence of readily accessible first aid kits at a fixed location.
    • Vehicles that may require first aid kits include crew vehicles, construction, and agricultural vehicles.

3.2   Selection

Units may purchase first aid kits and supplies from external suppliers (See UPPM 70.08 for purchasing procedures.) Commercially available first aid kits are suitable for general workplace purposes.

Units must ensure first-aid supplies in the work area are appropriate to both occupational setting and response time of emergency medical services.

3.3   Additional First Aid Supplies

Some occupational areas require additional first aid kit supplies in accordance separate industry standards. See WAC 296-800-150 for a list of examples and applicable WAC rules.

3.4   Medications

3.4.a   Over-the-Counter Medications (OTCs)

First aid kits may include over-the-counter medications.  The following guidelines may apply when OTCs are included in unit first-aid kits:

  • OTCs must be packaged in single-dose, tamper-evident packages with full labeling as required by FDA regulations and should contain no ingredients which are known to cause drowsiness (ANSI Z308.1-2021).
  • Employees must be allowed to select any OTC medicine on their own, to avoid any allegations that an employer diagnosed, treated, or recommended medical treatment.

Examples of OTCs:

  • Pain relievers – acetaminophen, ibuprofen
  • Antacids
3.4.b   Prescription Medications

The only prescription medication allowed in first aid kits is epinephrine injection.

Non-healthcare or non-University personnel may possess epinephrine autoinjectors in environments where a person could experience anaphylaxis, which is an extreme allergic reaction. Personnel must first receive training on how to identify anaphylaxis and administer epinephrine using the autoinjector device. This helps to keep people safe before an ambulance can arrive, which can take 20 minutes or more (RCW 70.54.440). 

Authorized units are responsible for:

  • Access to epinephrine autoinjectors;
  • Storage and maintenance of epinephrine autoinjectors;
  • Training standards on recognizing anaphylaxis, storing and administering a device, and emergency follow-up procedures;
  • Training verification; and
  • Incident reporting of epinephrine autoinjector use (see SPPM 2.24).

For more information and requirements regarding epinephrine autoinjectors, see SPPM 6.15 and WAC chapter 246-570.

3.5   Other First Aid-Related SPPMs

For additional information regarding first aid procedures, refer to the following sections:

  • SPPM 2.46 Public Access Defibrillators (Automatic External Defibrillators)
  • SPPM 5.15 Emergency Eyewashes and Safety Showers
  • SPPM 2.40 First Aid Training
  • SPPM 6.15 Emergency Epinephrine Auto-Injector Policy

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Revisions:  Sept. 2025 (Rev. 149); Sept. 2014 (Rev. 101); Jan. 2011 (Rev 87); Mar. 2000 (Rev. 29); Oct. 1988 (Rev. 5); Sept. 1987 (Rev 4*).