29 CFR 1910.151: Medical services and first aid

Question 1

A metal-finishing plant has stocked each work area with first aid kits matching the minimum contents of the ANSI Z308.1 workplace kit. The plant recently added a new process, and the last two quarters of the OSHA 300 log show a cluster of chemical splash and burn injuries that the kits are poorly equipped to treat. The safety professional must decide what to do about the kits. Which action is most consistent with the guidance?

1. AWait for the next scheduled annual review of the kits, since injury logs are not an appropriate source for assessing first aid needs
2. BRemove the in-plant kits and rely on the local emergency room, since the kits cannot cover the new injury types
3. CLeave the kits unchanged, because the ANSI minimum contents are the mandatory list and meeting it satisfies the requirement
4. DUse the OSHA 300 and 301 records, and consult a local medical resource if needed, to identify the specific needs, then enhance the kits to cover the reasonably anticipated injuries

Question 2

A small machine shop has a clinic across the street that treats all of its injured employees. The shop also has a parts-cleaning area where workers dip components into a tank of corrosive caustic solution that can splash into their eyes and onto their clothing. Management says the nearby clinic satisfies the standard for the whole facility, so no further emergency equipment is needed at the cleaning area. Which response is correct under 1910.151?

1. AThe clinic is enough, because first aid training and supplies are not needed when a clinic is in near proximity.
2. BThe clinic is enough, provided employees at the cleaning area are trained to call ahead before walking to it.
3. CThe clinic is not enough, because quick drenching or flushing facilities must be provided within the corrosive-exposure work area for immediate emergency use.
4. DThe clinic is not enough, because a first aid kit stocked to the ANSI list must be placed at the tank in place of drenching equipment.

Question 3

A metal-finishing shop has 12 employees. A hospital emergency department 5 minutes away treats all of the shop's injured workers. In one work area, employees dip parts into a tank of a corrosive acid solution. During a walkthrough, the safety professional notes that the only eyewash available is a plumbed station in the break room at the far end of the building, and that no employee has first aid training. Which finding is a deficiency under the standard?

1. AThe shop does not employ a full-time nurse on site, given that it has 12 employees
2. BThe eyewash is not within the work area where employees may be exposed to the corrosive, so facilities for quick drenching or flushing are not provided for immediate emergency use
3. CNo employee has first aid training, even though a hospital in near proximity is used for treatment of all injured employees
4. DThe shop does not stock a first aid kit with the exact contents listed in the ANSI Z308.1-1998 kit, which the standard makes mandatory