Build a Proper First Aid Kit

 

In case of emergency, you must ensure your spa’s first aid kit meets mandatory OSHA requirements.

 

Spa-first-aidCourtesy Armando Sanchez

Preparedness is a tricky thing: Your business may not have experienced an emergency thus far, so you have plenty of time to get your ducks in a row, right? But when you lack a plan, you put your spa at risk—during minor mishaps and full-blown disasters. The first and easiest step to preparing your workplace? Building a proper first aid kit. Here’s a rundown of the items that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) deems mandatory for small businesses.

  • Splint
  • Two triangular bandages
  • Box adhesive bandages
  • Latex gloves
  • Scissors
  • One package gauze roller bandage (at least 2″ wide)
  • Resuscitation equipment such as resuscitation bag, airway or pocket mask
  • Adhesive tape
  • At least one blanket
  • Wound cleaning agent such as sealed moistened towelettes
  • Gauze pads (at least 4″ x 4″)
  • Tweezers
  • Two elastic wraps
  • Two large gauze pads (at least 8″ x 10″)

Brief all employees about what the first aid kit includes, as well as how to provide emergency first aid treatment in diverse situations.

Keep a vigilant eye on your kit’s inventory. If you’re unable to add it to your own to-do list, appoint a responsible staff member to check the kit monthly and restock as needed.

The more employees you have, the more of each OSHA-mandated item you need. This list is for businesses with two to three employees, so adjust your numbers accordingly.

Keep your first aid kit in a location that is visible and easily accessible.

—by Karie L. Frost

This story appeared in the July issue of DAYSPA Magazine. To receive the magazine, click here to subscribe.

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