Purpose

To provide prompt and properly administered first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and Automated External Defibrillation (AED) to minimize the severity of injuries and illnesses that may occur in the workplace.

Scope

This chapter applies to all OSHA employees. Any reference to AEDs is reserved until further notice.

Definitions

1. Automated External Defibrillator (AED). A medical device that analyzes the heart rhythm and can deliver an electric shock to victims of ventricular fibrillation to restore the heart's normal rhythm.

2. Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR). The combination of artificial respiration and manual artificial circulation.

3. First Aid. Immediate assistance, emergency care, or treatment given to an ill or injured person before regular medical aid can be obtained.

Responsibilities

1. The responsible OSHA Manager(s) or his or her designee is responsible for the development and implementation of this program in OSHA Offices.

2. Only designated first aid responders are expected to provide first aid as part of their job duties.

3. In those offices where emergency services cannot respond within fifteen minutes, the responsible OSHA Manager(s) or his or her designee will solicit a sufficient number of volunteers to administer first aid.

   1. Where a sufficient number have not volunteered, the responsible OSHA Manager(s) or designee will designate individuals as first aid responders as a collateral job duty.

   2. Designees will include members outside the bargaining unit and others within the bargaining unit subject to the collective bargaining agreement.

4. The responsible OSHA Manager(s) will assure the following:

   1. All employees are offered first aid and CPR training;

   2. Training certificates remain current; and

   3. The contents of first aid kits are replenished and maintained in a serviceable condition.

5. Employees exposed to blood will follow the Bloodborne Pathogen Standard and procedures outlined in Chapter 19.

Procedures

1. In the event of an injury to an employee, an assessment of the injuries will be made by a designated first aid responder as to whether the injury requires treatment beyond first aid. If further treatment is needed, the employee will be transported to an appropriate facility. Call 911 for all transports deemed unsafe other than by emergency response services.

2. In the event of an injury to a contract worker, first aid supplies will be made available to the individual. If the extent of an injury requires treatment beyond first aid, emergency response services (911) will be contacted.

3. In the event first aid is required, it will be provided by a designated first aid responder.

4. Incidents in which employees provide first aid and/or CPR in the course of their duties must be reported to the unit manager for review and follow-up, which may be necessary to protect the health of the employee.

Training

1. Training will include the means of accessing emergency response services.

2. All employees will be offered aid, CPR and AED training.

3. Training will be provided to maintain certifications.

4. Certificates of training will be issued to those employees who successfully complete training.

5. Training records will be retained at the office level.

6. Contents of the training will include those subjects listed in OSHA’s publication “Best Practices Guide: Fundamentals of a Workplace First Aid Program.” Training must include practice with one-way masks and special emphasis must be given to treatment of heart attack and stroke victims.

First Aid Equipment

1. In the absence of an infirmary, first aid kits will be provided for each office. Kits will also be provided for each GSA vehicle. First aid kits will be readily accessible and stored in a convenient area. The size of the kit will be determined by the number of employees in the office, based on supplier’s recommendations.

2. The first aid kit for the office and the GSA vehicle will comply with current ANSI standards and at a minimum must contain:

   • Gauze compress (32 square inches);

   • Adhesive bandage (1x3);

   • Adhesive tape (5 yards);

   • Antiseptic swabs, wipes, and towelettes effective against HIV and HBV;

   • Burn ointment;

   • Sterile pad;

   • Triangular bandage; and

   • Medical exam gloves.

3. Office first aid kits will contain the following additional items:

   • Roller bandages (4" x 6 yards and 2" x 6 yards);

   • CPR Barrier and biohazard bag;

   • Cold pack;

   • Eye wash and covering;

   • Oral analgesic;

   • Antibiotic ointment;

   • Bandage compresses; and

   • Burn dressing.

4. First aid kits will be inspected at least quarterly and replenished as necessary. Medical exam gloves will be replaced in accordance with manufacturer’s recommendations. Any item beyond its marked expiration date will be removed from the kit and replaced.

5. All offices with labs where employees are potentially exposed to corrosive liquids will have eyewash facilities that comply with American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Z358.1.