Can First Aid Supplies Be Locked?

Yes, first aid cabinets can be locked; however, they must be readily accessible in the event of an emergency. Locking the cabinet may limit accessibility. Title 29 CFR 1910.151(b) states: "In the absence of an infirmary, clinic, or hospital in near proximity to the workplace which is used for the treatment of all injured employees, a person or persons shall be adequately trained to render first aid. Adequate first aid supplies shall be readily available." 

If the employer has persons who are trained in first aid, then adequate first aid supplies must be readily available for use. These supplies need to be stored in a convenient area available for emergency access. 

However, if OSHA found that an employer was relying on first aid services not provided by a clinic, infirmary, or hospital and adequate first aid supplies were not available when needed, then the employer would be in violation of 29 CFR 1910.151(b). 


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Portion of the above information was supplied by OSHA.

Are First Aid Supplies Mandatory?

Title 29 CFR 1910.151(b) states: "In the absence of an infirmary, clinic, or hospital in near proximity to the workplace which is used for treatment of all injured employees, a person or persons shall be adequately trained to render first aid. Adequate first aid supplies shall be readily available." 

If the employer has persons who are trained in first aid, then adequate first aid supplies must be readily available for use. Therefore, employers are required to provide first aid supplies that are most appropriate to respond to incidents at their workplaces. OSHA allows employers to provide first aid supplies specific to the needs of their workplace.


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OSHA has provide part of the above information. 

Eye Wash Stations Plumbed and Portable

Plumbed Emergency Showers and Eyewash Stations

Studies have shown that despite the 15-minute flushing requirement, users usually flush exposed body parts five minutes or less. The reasons were always related to the extreme discomfort users experienced using cold water. In cold climates the water temperature in indoor plumbed systems can be in the 2-7°C (35-45°F) range.

Also, drinkable tap water may not provide the best flushing solution. Tap water may contain many contaminants and could aggravate the injured body part. Some municipal water supplies also contain chlorine which can irritate and leach salt from the eye tissue. As well, tap water may contain rust, scale and chemicals. Running the water continually keeps the water line fresh. Plumbed emergency eyewash stations should use water that is periodically tested and treated to remove chemical contaminants.

Portable, Self-Contained Eyewash Stations

Portable, self-contained eyewash stations have a limited amount of fluid. As a result, maintenance is critical to ensure that units are fully charged at all times.

These eyewash stations also require ongoing maintenance of the buffered saline solution. The agents used to control bacterial growth are effective for certain limited periods of time. Also, small amoebae capable of causing serious eye infections have been found in portable and stationary eyewash stations. Consequently it is important to monitor the shelf life of the solution and replace the solution when it has expired.

Eye and Skin Flush

Eyewash Skin Wash Products contain a preserved, buffered, saline solution that is sterile. Personal eyewash devices are intended to supplement, not replace, eyewash units. Personal products may also be used for continued irrigation when moving an injured person.

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