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