School, College & University First Aid Kits
Educational campuses are dynamic environments. A single university or high school contains low-hazard administrative offices, high-hazard chemistry labs and vocational shops, active gymnasiums, and fleets of school buses. Outfitting your school district or college campus means protecting both your faculty (to meet occupational health and safety laws) and your student body. Our educational first aid kits and safety supplies are built to the national CSA Z1220-17 standard, ensuring your institution remains 100% legally compliant while providing immediate care for everyday campus emergencies.
Under the CSA Z1220-17 standard, educational institutions must provide first aid supplies based on the number of staff members present, though practical reality dictates scaling these kits to accommodate the student population as well. Classrooms and libraries generally require Type 2 (Basic) Kits, while science laboratories, culinary kitchens, and maintenance shops are classified as High-Hazard and mandate Type 3 (Intermediate) Kits.
Not sure how to allocate your budget? Scroll down to our School & Campus Compliance FAQ for guidance on science labs, athletic trainers, and school board procurement.
Requirement Matrix: Outfitting Your Campus
| Campus Zone / Environment | 1 Staff (Security/Solo) | 2 – 25 Staff | 26 – 50 Staff | 51 – 100 Staff |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Classrooms, Libraries & Admin (Low Hazard) | Type 1: Personal Kit | Type 2: Basic (Small) | Type 2: Basic (Medium) | Type 2: Basic (Large) |
| Science Labs, Culinary & Woodshops (High Hazard) | Type 1 + Burn/Eye Wash | Type 3: Interm. (Small) | Type 3: Interm. (Medium) | Type 3: Interm. (Large) |
| Gymnasiums & Athletics | Highly Recommended: AEDs (Defibrillators), Instant Cold Packs, Athletic Tape, and Splints. | |||
| School Buses & Campus Transport | Require specific transport kits (e.g., D250 / D409-02) depending on provincial transport regulations. | |||
*Note: OHS legislation bases requirements on employee headcount per shift. However, schools are strongly advised to size up their kits or place additional stations to adequately cover the high volume of students.
School & Campus Compliance FAQ
Are school first aid kits based on the number of students or staff?
Legally, provincial Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) laws base the minimum first aid requirements (kit size and type) on the number of workers/staff present per shift. However, because schools have a duty of care to their students, it is an industry best practice to "size up" your kits (e.g., buying a Medium or Large kit even if you only have 15 staff members in a wing) to ensure you have enough supplies for student injuries.
Do science labs and vocational shops need different kits than classrooms?
Yes. While classrooms are low-hazard environments (requiring Type 2 Basic kits), chemistry labs, culinary arts kitchens, and wood/metal shops are considered high-hazard. These rooms require a Type 3 (Intermediate) Kit. Additionally, labs dealing with chemicals are often legally required to have an Emergency Eyewash Station, and culinary rooms should have supplemental Burn Kits.
What first aid kits are required for school buses?
School buses and campus shuttle vehicles fall under distinct transportation regulations. Depending on your province and the capacity of the bus, you will typically need a specialized transport kit, such as an Ontario Section 8 vehicle kit or a National Standard D250 / D409-02 Bus Kit. Standard wall-mounted kits are not suitable for vehicles.
Do schools need Biohazard Spill Kits?
Absolutely. Schools frequently deal with bodily fluids, from bloody noses on the playground to vomiting in the hallways. A Biohazard Clean-Up Kit protects your custodial staff by providing the necessary PPE, absorbent powders, and disinfectants to safely sanitize the area without risking pathogen exposure.
What supplies should we stock for the gymnasium or athletic field?
Standard OHS kits are focused on workplace injuries (cuts, scrapes, burns). For physical education and school sports, you should supplement your kits with sports medicine essentials: a heavy supply of Instant Cold Packs (for sprains and swelling), athletic tape, tensor bandages, and splints.
Does our university or high school need a dedicated First Aid Room?
Depending on your province, large facilities with over 100 to 200 staff members on a single shift may be legally required to have a dedicated First Aid Room. This room must be equipped with specific furniture, such as a Recovery Couch or Stretcher, blankets, and a washbasin. Most campus nurse's offices easily fulfill this requirement.
Do you accept Purchase Orders (POs) from School Boards and Universities?
Yes, First Aid Direct regularly partners with public and private school boards, colleges, and universities across Canada. We accept standard school board Purchase Orders and can set up net payment terms for approved educational accounts. Contact our team to get set up.