Understanding PEI First Aid Room Requirements

Under Part 9 of the PEI Occupational Health and Safety Act General Regulations (administered by the Workers Compensation Board), large employers have specific obligations regarding dedicated first aid treatment areas. A dedicated first aid room is mandatory for any workplace that employs more than 100 workers on a single shift, provided the work being performed is classified as Moderate or High Risk. Workplaces classified purely as "Low Risk" (e.g., standard administrative or clerical offices) are generally exempt from the room requirement regardless of headcount, but must still provide adequate first aid kits and trained personnel based on their written risk assessment.

A compliant PEI first aid room must be maintained exclusively for administering first aid during working hours. It requires specific physical dimensions and environmental controls, including adequate heating, ventilation, emergency lighting, and an entrance wide enough to easily maneuver a stretcher. Inside, the room must be outfitted with specific furnishings: a treatment chair with armrests, a bed or cot with a moisture-resistant mattress and pillows, and a sink with running hot and cold water. Communication is critical, so a telephone (or other reliable means of communication) and emergency numbers must be readily available within the room.

In addition to room fixtures, employers must stock specific medical and hygiene supplies. This includes a wash basin, kidney basin, nail brush, flashlight, and disposable sanitary items like paper towels and cups. Most importantly, the first aid room serves as the primary medical hub for the workplace and must contain a fully stocked Type 3 Intermediate First Aid Kit (Large size) compliant with CSA Z1220-17 standards. Regular audits—at least every 90 days or after any major usage—are crucial to ensure the room remains accessible, clean, and fully stocked for emergencies.