Part A: First Aid Room Physical Facility Requirements
Minimum Floor Area: The first aid room is a dedicated room (or, if impracticable, a tent, vehicle, or suitable structure) with a minimum area of approximately 9.3 m² (100 sq. ft.) — sufficient to accommodate the injured worker, attendant, and all required equipment. (OHS Guideline G-Schedule 3-A (D2) 4–1)
Location Near Work Areas: The room is located as near as practicable to the work areas it serves, allowing the first aid attendant to reach any worker promptly. (OHS Regulation Schedule 3-A, s.4(a))
Stretcher Access (No Tipping or Turning): The room is designed and located to allow an injured worker on a stretcher to be moved in and out safely, without the stretcher being tipped or turned. Doorways, hallways, and ramps must permit unobstructed stretcher passage. (OHS Regulation Schedule 3-A, s.4(b))
Potable Running Water: The room has a sink plumbed with warm and cold potable running water. If plumbing is impracticable (e.g., construction trailer or remote location), an alternative system for supplying fresh, potable water must be in place. (OHS Regulation Schedule 3-A, s.4(d))
Lighting, Heating, and Ventilation: The room is adequately illuminated, heated, and ventilated to allow effective treatment at all times. Lighting must be sufficient for clinical examination and wound care.
Storage Cupboards and Counter: The room contains appropriate storage cupboards for keeping supplies organized, protected, and dry, and a clean counter or work surface for treatment preparation. (OHS Guideline G-Schedule 3-A (D2) 4–1)
Toilet Facility: A toilet is located within the first aid room, or a toilet facility is as near as practicable to the room. (OHS Guideline G-Schedule 3-A (D2) 4–1)
Non-Porous Floor Covering: The floor has a non-porous covering to maintain cleanliness and sanitation. The room is kept clean, organized, and free of clutter at all times. (OHS Guideline G-Schedule 3-A (D2) 4–1)
Room Signage: A notice is conspicuously displayed outside the room door indicating (a) how to call the first aid attendant, and (b) where the attendant can be located. The sign must be visible and legible at all times. (OHS Guideline G-Schedule 3-A (D2) 4–1)
Secure but Immediately Accessible: If the room is locked to prevent theft or vandalism, there is an effective, readily available means of immediate access for all workers during working hours (e.g., keypad, key held by multiple supervisors, or a coded lock at the door). (OHS Guideline G-Schedule 3-A (D2) 4–1)
Chemical Exposure Shower (if applicable): If workers may require showering as treatment for chemical exposure, a shower is located within the first aid room or as near as practicable. (OHS Guideline G-Schedule 3-A (D2) 4–1)
Part B: WorkSafeBC Administrative Requirements (All Workplaces with First Aid Rooms)
Written First Aid Assessment on File: A documented first aid assessment has been completed, is current, and is available at the workplace. This assessment must confirm that a first aid room is required at this workplace and must be reviewed annually or whenever there is a significant change to operations, worker count, or workplace layout. (OHS Regulation s.3.16(2) and (3))
Written First Aid Procedures on File: Up-to-date written procedures are maintained at the workplace. These must include: available first aid equipment, supplies, facilities, and attendants; who is to call for transportation; method of transporting injured workers; and any barriers to first aid access and how they are managed. (OHS Regulation s.3.17)
First Aid Records Maintained: Blank first aid record forms (obtained from WorkSafeBC) are stocked in the room. A completed log is being maintained for all injuries treated — recording date, time, nature of injury, treatment provided, and name of attending first aid attendant. Records must be securely stored and accessible for WorkSafeBC inspection. (OHS Regulation s.3.19)
Contents List Posted in Room: A printed contents list for the first aid room is present and posted visibly within the room, enabling any inspector or attendant to verify compliance quickly. (Required in all WorkSafeBC first aid facilities)
Advanced Certified First Aid Attendant on Every Shift: At least one worker on each shift holds a valid WorkSafeBC-recognized Advanced first aid certificate (formerly OFA Level 3), is formally designated as the first aid attendant, and is available to respond to workers at all times during the shift. The certificate must be current and unexpired. (OHS Regulation s.3.15 and Schedule 3-A)
Annual First Aid Drill Completed: A first aid drill has been conducted within the last 12 months — or since any significant change to procedures — and the results have been documented. The drill must test communication systems, attendant response capability, and worker awareness of how to call for first aid. (OHS Regulation s.3.17(4) and Guideline G3.17(4) — effective Nov 1, 2024)
PPE Stocked in Room: Non-latex examination gloves (multiple sizes), medical-grade face masks, and face shield or safety eyewear are stocked in the first aid room for use by the attendant. A CPR pocket mask with one-way valve must also be present in the room if not readily accessible from a first aid kit at or near the room. (OHS Regulation Schedule 3-A and Guideline G3.16)
Patient Assessment Charts in Room: WorkSafeBC patient assessment charts are available in the first aid room for use by the attendant during treatment. Obtain from WorkSafeBC if not on hand. (OHS Guideline G-Schedule 3-A (D2) 4–1)
Joint Committee / Worker Rep Consulted: The first aid assessment and procedures were prepared and reviewed in consultation with the joint health and safety committee or worker health and safety representative, as required. (OHS Regulation s.3.16(3.1))
Part C: First Aid Room Medical Supplies & Contents
Adhesive Bandages: 100 × Sterile adhesive bandages, assorted sizes (standard strip, large fingertip, knuckle, large patch), individually packaged.
Sterile Skin Closure Strips: 48 × Sterile skin closure strips, individually packaged (e.g., Steri-Strips or equivalent).
Gauze Sponges (Non-Sterile Bulk): 200 × Non-sterile gauze sponges, 7.5 cm × 7.5 cm (3" × 3"), for general use and cleaning.
Sterile Gauze Pads (3"): 50 × Sterile gauze pads, individually wrapped, 7.5 cm × 7.5 cm (3" × 3"). Check expiry dates.
Sterile Gauze Pads (4"): 50 × Sterile gauze pads, individually wrapped, 10 cm × 10 cm (4" × 4"). Check expiry dates.
Sterile Abdominal Pads (Medium): 6 × Sterile abdominal pads, individually wrapped, 20 cm × 25 cm (8" × 10"). Check expiry dates.
Sterile Abdominal Pads (Large): 3 × Sterile abdominal pads, individually wrapped, 30 cm × 40 cm (12" × 16"). Check expiry dates.
Conforming Stretch Bandages (2"): 2 × Rolls, relaxed length, individually wrapped, 5.1 cm × 1.8 m (2" × 2 yd).
Conforming Stretch Bandages (3"): 2 × Rolls, relaxed length, individually wrapped, 7.6 cm × 1.8 m (3" × 2 yd).
Conforming Gauze Bandages (2"): 4 × Rolls, 5 cm × 4.5 m (2" × 5 yd), individually wrapped.
Conforming Gauze Bandages (3"): 4 × Rolls, 7.5 cm × 4.5 m (3" × 5 yd), individually wrapped.
Sterile Compress/Pressure Dressings (6"): 4 × Sterile compress/pressure dressings with ties, 15 cm × 15 cm (6" × 6"), individually packaged. Check expiry dates.
Elastic/Adhesive Crepe Bandages: 2 × Elastic adhesive crepe bandages for compression and support, 7.5 cm (3").
Adhesive Tape: 4 × Rolls, 2.3 cm × 2.3 m (1" × 2.5 yd), hypoallergenic/surgical-grade adhesive tape.
Triangular Bandages: 6 × Cotton triangular bandages with 2 safety pins each, 101.6 × 101.6 × 142.2 cm.
Malleable Splints: 3 × Padded malleable splints, minimum 10.2 cm × 61 cm (4" × 24").
Tubular Finger Bandage with Applicator: 1 × Tubular finger bandage kit with applicator for digit injuries and post-treatment dressing.
Antiseptic Wound Cleansing Towelettes: 36 × Individually wrapped antiseptic towelettes for wound irrigation and cleaning. Check expiry dates.
Liquid Soap: 1 × Bottle, minimum 150 mL, antibacterial liquid soap for hand and skin cleansing at the first aid room sink.
Cold Packs (Instant): 4 × Instant cold packs for injury management of sprains, strains, and swelling.
Eye Cup: 1 × Sterile eye cup for eye irrigation and flushing of foreign bodies from the eye.
Blankets: 3 × Fiber or wool blankets for patient warmth and comfort during treatment and transport preparation.
Pillow and Pillowcase: 1 × Pillow and 1 × clean pillowcase for patient comfort on the treatment cot.
Non-Porous Sheets: 1 × Set of non-porous (wipeable) sheets for the treatment cot, to maintain hygiene between patients.
Kidney Basin: 1 × Stainless steel or high-grade plastic kidney basin for collecting fluids, soiled materials, and instrument holding.
Cold Instrument Sterilizer: 1 × Container suitable for cold sterilization of instruments using germicidal solution.
Non-Rusting Germicidal Solution: 1 × Appropriate volume of non-rusting, instrument-safe germicidal solution for sterilizing instruments. Check expiry date and concentration.
Refuse Pail with Lid: 1 × Refuse pail with a secure, foot-operated or hands-free lid for safe disposal of soiled dressings and biohazard waste.
Biohazard Waste Bags: Adequate supply of single-use biohazard waste bags, properly labelled and dispensed from within the refuse pail or from a wall-mounted holder.
Examination Gloves: Ample supply of disposable, medical-grade, non-latex, powder-free examination gloves in multiple sizes (S, M, L, XL) for the attendant and any assisting personnel.
Part E: Advanced Life Support Equipment (Required in First Aid Rooms)
Portable Oxygen Therapy Unit: 1 × Unit consisting of a compressed oxygen cylinder, pressure regulator, pressure gauge, flow meter, non-rebreathing mask, and nasal cannula. Verify: (a) cylinder pressure is adequate for operations, (b) mask/cannula packaging is intact, (c) expiry dates on masks. Replace oxygen cylinder before pressure falls below the minimum operational threshold. (Required for first aid rooms — OHS Regulation Schedule 3-A)
Oropharyngeal Airway (OPA) Kit: 1 × Set of oropharyngeal airways in multiple sizes. Verify sizes are present, packaging is intact, and all items are within expiry. (Required for first aid rooms)
Bag-Valve Mask (BVM) with Oxygen Reservoir: 1 × Manually operated, self-inflating bag-valve mask with oxygen reservoir bag, compatible with the oxygen therapy unit. Verify functionality of the one-way valves and integrity of the mask seal. (Required for first aid rooms)
CPR Pocket Mask with One-Way Valve: 1 × CPR pocket mask with a one-way valve, present in the first aid room for use in the event the BVM is unavailable. Check packaging integrity. (Required — OHS Regulation Schedule 3-A)
Digital Pulse Oximeter: 1 × Digital pulse oximeter for monitoring oxygen saturation. Verify battery condition, functionality, and that the device reads accurately. Replace battery if required. (Required for first aid rooms)
Portable Suction Unit: 1 × Portable manual or battery-operated suction unit for airway management. Verify operational condition, suction tubing is present and clean, and battery (if applicable) is charged. (Required for first aid rooms)
Arterial Bleed Tourniquet: 1 × Arterial bleed tourniquet, windlass or ratcheting type, readily accessible in the first aid room. Inspect for intact packaging and no visible damage. (BC-specific requirement — all kit levels and first aid rooms)
Stretcher: 1 × Stretcher in good working condition, stored in or immediately adjacent to the first aid room, compatible with the facility's door dimensions and any emergency transport vehicle on-site. Verify folding mechanism, straps, and padding. (OHS Regulation Schedule 3-A, s.4(b))
Spine Board (if required by assessment): If air transport or high-risk trauma scenarios are identified in your assessment, verify that a spine board compatible with any on-site emergency transport vehicle or aircraft is available and in good condition.
Part F: Remote Workplace / Overnight Care Requirements (If Applicable)
Overnight Care Capability (if >2 hours from hospital): If the workplace is more than 2 hours from a qualifying hospital under normal travel conditions and requires a first aid room under Table 3-1 or Table 3-2, an Advanced first aid attendant must be available to provide overnight care. The first aid room must be equipped to provide overnight care to at least 2 injured workers simultaneously. (OHS Regulation Schedule 3-A — Remote Workplace Requirements)
Overnight Bedding and Supplies: If overnight care is required: additional bedding (sheets, blankets, pillows) is stocked for at least 2 patients. Inspect for cleanliness and sufficient quantity.
Portable Urinal (if overnight care required): 1 × Portable urinal is present and clean, for use when a patient cannot be transferred to a toilet facility. (OHS Guideline G-Schedule 3-A (D2) 4–1)
Bedpan (if overnight care required): 1 × Clean bedpan is present and stored hygienically, for use when a patient cannot be transferred to a toilet facility. (OHS Guideline G-Schedule 3-A (D2) 4–1)
Emergency Transportation Arrangements (Remote): If the workplace is remote or less accessible, arrangements are confirmed with an emergency transport provider (ambulance, air service, or water transport). Written procedures include radio frequencies, workplace coordinates, and the method of notification. Aircraft, if used, must accommodate a patient on a stretcher and a first aid attendant. (OHS Regulation s.3.18 and 3.20)
Communication System Operational: An effective communication system is in place and tested, enabling workers to call for first aid from anywhere on the worksite, and enabling the first aid attendant to summon emergency transport. Verify this is covered in first aid procedures and tested during the annual drill. (OHS Regulation s.3.17)
Understanding BC Workplace First Aid Room Requirements
In British Columbia, first aid room requirements are governed by Part 3 of the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Regulation and Schedule 3-A — Minimum Levels of First Aid , administered by WorkSafeBC . Significant amendments took effect November 1, 2024 , introducing updated physical criteria for dressing stations and first aid rooms, aligning kit standards with CSA Z1220-17 , and adding BC-specific requirements including arterial bleed tourniquets, PPE for first aid attendants, and mandatory advanced oxygen therapy equipment in first aid rooms.
A first aid room — as distinct from a portable first aid kit or dressing station — is required for larger, higher-hazard workplaces as determined by a written first aid assessment. Typically this applies where 100 or more workers are present per shift at medium or high hazard ratings, or where the workplace classification under Schedule 3-A Tables 3-1 through 3-4 requires it. Every employer must complete and document a first aid assessment for each workplace, considering worker count per shift, workplace hazard rating, and distance from emergency services. The assessment is reviewed annually or when operations change significantly.
First aid rooms must meet physical specifications including a minimum area of 9.3 m² (100 sq. ft.), stretcher-width access without tipping or turning, warm and cold potable running water, adequate lighting and ventilation, and a toilet facility on-site or nearby. An Advanced first aid attendant (formerly OFA Level 3) must be designated and on duty for every shift. For workplaces located more than 2 hours from a qualifying hospital, overnight care capability — including an additional attendant, bedding, and sanitary equipment for at least 2 workers — is required. This audit tool helps BC employers across all industries verify first aid room compliance with the updated OHS Regulation in a single, structured inspection.
