CAN/CSA Z1220-17 standard: choosing the right workplace first aid kit

CAN/CSA Z1220-17 Standard: Choosing the right workplace first aid kit

As you know, workplace accidents can happen quickly, and the first few minutes of intervention are often the most critical. That’s why, as an employer, you have a responsibility to provide a safe working environment for your employees and to be properly equipped. In this regard, the first aid kit—your primary tool in an emergency—must be carefully selected and tailored to your specific needs. Furthermore, since 2021, employers are required to have kits with contents that comply with the new CAN/CSA Z1220-17 standard.

But how do you choose the first aid kit that best suits your needs? Don’t worry, Cardio Choc is here to guide you through the various criteria to consider when selecting the right kit.

A kit for everyone: two essential criteria for making the right choice

The choice of your first aid kit will depend on two essential criteria: the level of risk and the number of workers.

The level of risk

To choose the right first aid kit, you must first determine the level of risk your workers are exposed to. Therefore, the type of kit that should be accessible to employees will be influenced by your workplace environment and the level of risk it involves.

Three types of kits are therefore possible depending on the likelihood and severity of the risks present in your company:

Type 1 (personal kit): The personal kit is intended for employees who work in isolation and therefore do not have access to a first aid kit. It can also be used in vehicles that transport fewer than 5 workers. For example, municipal workers using a city vehicle to perform work in a park where no kit is available. It is also the type of kit to use in a vehicle transporting more than 5 workers, but who are less than 30 minutes away from a medical service.
Type 2 (basic kit): The basic kit is suitable for work environments where the risk level is considered low to moderate. The basic first aid kit contains the necessary items to help your workers manage a wide range of situations.
Type 3 (intermediate kit): The intermediate kit is recommended in situations where your workplace is considered high-risk. Complete and specialized equipment is provided in case of a specific emergency.

A risk assessment of your environment will ensure you have the necessary equipment and supplies. Note that your different work locations must be taken into account. For example, your office employees will not have the same needs as those on a construction site. To achieve this, several tools are available to you, such as the annex of the CSA Z1220-17 standard or the tool provided by CNESST, which can measure, step by step, your activity sectors to determine their risk level. Finally, you can also conduct your own hazard analysis.

The following chart can also help you determine where you stand.

Risk table — *How to determine your risk level – based on Annex 2, CSA Z1220-17 standard*

The number of employees

Different kit sizes are available. That’s why, in addition to the level of risk, you also need to consider the number of workers who will be using the kits:

Small kit: fewer than 25 workers per shift.
Medium kit: 26 to 50 workers per shift.
Large kit: 51 to 100 workers per shift.

*The risk assessment takes into account the probability of occurrence and the severity. **This includes the high and extreme categories from the CNESST profile.

Note that it is possible to use multiple kits. For example, you can use two small kits for 45 workers. However, the opposite is not allowed. Purchasing a large kit and splitting it between two branches of 20 people each would not be compliant with regulations.

Key takeaways about the contents of first aid kits

Once the type of kit has been selected, here are a few helpful details about its contents:

The kits must be easily accessible to workers and located as close as possible to the work areas.
The kits must be clean, complete, and in good condition.
Used supplies must be replaced after use.
Yellowed, dirty, or expired supplies must be replaced.
No supplier is recognized by the CNESST for selling first aid kits.
No guarantee or certification of compliance is required for the contents of the first aid kit.
It is not necessary to replace the kits every 3 years.
The first aid manual is no longer required in the kits.

A turnkey service

Know that you can always get support from experts like Cardio Choc when choosing your kits. By relying on a specialized resource, you’ll save time and avoid extra stress by putting the process in the hands of professionals. Moreover, an expert eye on first aid supplies always catches the little details that make all the difference. That’s why, at Cardio Choc, our evaluators have extensive product knowledge and know exactly when it’s time to replace them.

In any case, remember that your employees will always be happier in an environment they know is safe and well-equipped, and that providing first aid kits for your workers is not something to take lightly.