Ontario First Aid Room Audit Tool

Part A: First Aid Room — Accessibility & Physical Condition

ℹ️ The first aid room must be accessible at all times during work. If the room is not easily accessible to all workers at all locations, additional satellite first aid stations must be established under Section 12 of Regulation 1101.

Room Accessibility: The first aid room is easily accessible for prompt treatment of any worker at all times when work is in progress — not obstructed, locked, or blocked by equipment or stored materials. (Reg. 1101, s.1(3) and s.11)

Room Signage: The first aid room is clearly identified with appropriate signage visible from the main floor or corridor so workers can locate it quickly in an emergency.

General Cleanliness & Order: The room is clean, uncluttered, and maintained in a hygienic state. All supplies are organized and easily accessible. The room is used exclusively for first aid purposes — it is not used for storage, break space, or other work activities that would compromise response time or hygiene.

All Supplies in Good Condition: All items in the room are maintained in good condition. Damaged, contaminated, or otherwise compromised items have been removed and replaced. (Reg. 1101, s.2(1))

Expiry Dates — Sterile Supplies: All sterile dressings, gauze pads, and individually wrapped items have been checked. Any expired items have been immediately replaced — sterility cannot be guaranteed once the expiry date passes or packaging is breached.

No Medications or Ointments: Confirm the first aid room contains no prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, or topical ointments. WSIB guidelines prohibit these items — first aid attendants are not authorized to dispense medication.

Non-Latex Gloves & CPR Barrier Mask: Non-latex disposable gloves (assorted sizes) and a CPR barrier mask or face shield are present and accessible. (WSIB First Aid Program guidance — recommended for all first aid rooms)

Satellite Stations (Section 12): If any area of the workplace cannot receive prompt first aid treatment from this room, confirm that additional satellite first aid stations meeting at least Section 9 or Section 10 requirements have been established and are also being inspected. (Reg. 1101, s.12)

Part B: WSIB Administrative Requirements

WSIB Form 82 Poster — At the First Aid Room: The "In Case of Injury or Illness at Work" poster (Form 82) is displayed at the first aid room notice board. Download free at wsib.ca. (Reg. 1101, s.1(1)(b)(i))

WSIB Form 82 Poster — Conspicuous Places: The Form 82 poster is also posted in all other conspicuous locations throughout the workplace in addition to the first aid room. (Reg. 1101, s.3)

Inspection Card Updated: The inspection card for the first aid room has been updated with today's date and the signature of the person conducting this inspection. A minimum of four inspections per year (quarterly) is required. (Reg. 1101, s.6)

First Aid Treatment Record: A written log is maintained in or at the first aid room recording all workplace accidents — including date and time of occurrence, names of witnesses, nature and exact location of injuries, and the date, time, and nature of each first aid treatment given. (Reg. 1101, s.5)

Attendant's Certificate Prominently Displayed: The valid first aid certificate of the worker currently in charge of the first aid room is prominently displayed inside the room. (Reg. 1101, s.11(3))

WSIB-Approved Training Provider: Confirm the certifying training organization is on the WSIB's approved provider list (wsib.ca/firstaid). Training from unapproved organizations does not satisfy Regulation 1101, even if the certificate is recognized in another Canadian province or by another authority.

Employer Cost Obligation: Confirm all first aid room equipment, supplies, training, and maintenance costs are borne entirely by the employer — no costs are passed to workers. (Reg. 1101, s.4)

Part C: Section 11 — Instruments (Reg. 1101, s.11(1)(b))

Dressing Scissors: 1 × Pair of dressing scissors, present and in serviceable condition. Check blades are sharp, hinges function smoothly, and no rust or corrosion is present.

Dressing Forceps: 1 × Pair of dressing forceps, present and in serviceable condition. Verify grip teeth are intact and the instrument closes properly.

Safety Pins: Supply of safety pins present and stocked. Verify pins are rust-free and clasps open and close correctly.

Graduated Medicine Glass: 1 × Graduated medicine glass (measuring cup/glass with volume markings), present and intact — no chips or cracks.

Tongue Depressors: Supply of tongue depressors present and stocked. Check for damage and ensure supply is adequate.

Cotton-Tipped Applicators: Supply of cotton-tipped applicators present and stocked. Verify packaging is intact and supply is adequate.

Part D: Section 11 — Dressings & Supplies (Reg. 1101, s.11(1)(c)–(d))

Denatured Ethyl Alcohol: Supply of denatured ethyl alcohol present, in a properly labelled, sealed container. Check that the container is not expired and has not been compromised. (Reg. 1101, s.11(1)(c))

Adhesive Dressings (Band-Aids): Adhesive dressings, individually wrapped — adequate supply stocked for the workplace size. Verify packaging is intact and items are within expiry date. (Reg. 1101, s.11(1)(d)(i))

Sterile Gauze Pads (Assorted Sizes): Sterile gauze pads in assorted sizes, individually wrapped — adequate supply stocked. Verify all packaging is sealed and not expired. (Reg. 1101, s.11(1)(d)(ii))

Gauze Bandages (Assorted Sizes): Gauze bandages in assorted sizes — adequate supply stocked. Verify rolls are intact and packaging is not torn or compromised. (Reg. 1101, s.11(1)(d)(iii))

Adhesive Plaster: Adhesive plaster/adhesive tape present and stocked — adequate supply available. (Reg. 1101, s.11(1)(d)(iv))

Absorbent Cotton: Absorbent cotton present and stocked — adequate supply in a sealed or protected container to maintain cleanliness. (Reg. 1101, s.11(1)(d)(v))

Triangular Bandages: Triangular bandages present and stocked — adequate supply for the workplace. Verify bandages are clean and packaging is intact. (Reg. 1101, s.11(1)(d)(vi))

Splints (Assorted Sizes): Splints in assorted sizes present and stocked — including sizes suitable for upper and lower limb immobilization. Verify splints are not cracked, warped, or otherwise damaged. (Reg. 1101, s.11(1)(d)(vii))

Splint Padding: Splint padding present and stocked in sufficient quantity to accompany the splints. (Reg. 1101, s.11(1)(d)(viii))

Part E: Section 11 — Furnishings & Room Equipment (Reg. 1101, s.11(1)(e))

⚠️ Important: All furnishings listed in Section 11(1)(e) are mandatory legal requirements — they are not optional enhancements. A missing or non-functional furnishing constitutes non-compliance with Regulation 1101.

Hot & Cold Running Water: The first aid room has functioning hot and cold running water. Test both taps. (Reg. 1101, s.11(1)(e)(i))

Washbasins (×3): Three (3) washbasins are present, preferably stainless steel. Verify all three are clean and in usable condition. (Reg. 1101, s.11(1)(e)(ii))

Instrument Sterilizer (×1): One (1) instrument sterilizer is present and in functional working order. Test or confirm last operational check. The sterilizer is used to sterilize dressing scissors, forceps, and other reusable instruments. (Reg. 1101, s.11(1)(e)(iii))

Cabinet for Surgical Dressings (×1): One (1) cabinet specifically for the storage of surgical dressings is present. The cabinet keeps dressings clean, organized, and protected. (Reg. 1101, s.11(1)(e)(iv))

Enamel Foot Bath (×1): One (1) enamel foot bath is present and in clean, serviceable condition. Check for chips or cracks in the enamel coating. (Reg. 1101, s.11(1)(e)(v))

Sanitary Disposal Receptacle with Lid (×1): One (1) sanitary disposal receptacle with a lid is present. Verify the lid closes securely and the receptacle is lined and in sanitary condition. (Reg. 1101, s.11(1)(e)(vi))

Portable First Aid Box — Section 9 Minimum (×1): One (1) portable first aid box stocked to at least the Section 9 minimum is present in the room — intended for use by the first aid attendant at the scene of an accident, before the patient is transported to the first aid room or hospital. Verify all Section 9 contents are present and in good condition. (Reg. 1101, s.11(1)(e)(vii))

Curtained Couch or Private Cubicle (×1): One (1) couch or treatment table that is either curtained off or located in a separate enclosed cubicle is present. Verify the curtain or partition ensures adequate privacy. The couch should be clean and covered. (Reg. 1101, s.11(1)(e)(viii))

Stretcher (×1): One (1) stretcher is present in or immediately adjacent to the first aid room. Verify it is in functional condition, accessible without obstruction, and not used for storage. (Reg. 1101, s.11(1)(e)(ix))

Blankets (×2): Two (2) blankets are present in or immediately adjacent to the first aid room. Verify they are clean and readily accessible. (Reg. 1101, s.11(1)(e)(x))

Part F: First Aid Manual (Reg. 1101, s.11(1)(a))

First Aid Manual — Current Edition: A current edition of the St. John Ambulance First Aid Manual (or equivalent recognized standard) is present in the first aid room, in good condition and accessible to the attendant. Verify this is a current edition — older editions may not reflect current treatment protocols. (Reg. 1101, s.11(1)(a))

Part G: First Aid Room Attendant & Staffing (Reg. 1101, s.11(2)–(3))

ℹ️ Legal requirement: The first aid room must be in the charge of either (a) a Registered Nurse, or (b) a worker meeting all three conditions listed below. There is no alternative — one of these two must be present for every shift. (Reg. 1101, s.11(2))

Qualified Attendant On Duty — RN or Standard First Aid: At least one of the following is currently in charge of the first aid room for this shift: (a) a Registered Nurse; or (b) a worker holding a valid Standard First Aid Certificate (or equivalent) from a WSIB-approved provider, who works in the immediate vicinity of the first aid room, and whose other duties do not adversely affect their ability to administer first aid. (Reg. 1101, s.11(2)(a)–(b))

Attendant Works in Immediate Vicinity: The designated attendant is stationed in the immediate vicinity of the first aid room — not in a remote area of the building, off-site, or in a role that would prevent timely response. Verify their current work location is compatible with this obligation. (Reg. 1101, s.11(2)(b)(ii))

Attendant's Other Duties Do Not Adversely Affect First Aid Ability: Confirm the attendant's current assigned duties are not of a nature that would likely prevent or delay their ability to administer first aid promptly when needed. A worker assigned to operate heavy machinery, confined space work, or a role requiring sustained uninterruptible attention may not satisfy this condition. (Reg. 1101, s.11(2)(b)(iii))

Certificate Valid & Not Expired: The Standard First Aid certificate (or RN registration) held by the attendant is current and has not expired. WSIB does not accept expired certificates. Verify the expiry date on the certificate displayed in the room. (Reg. 1101, s.11(3))

Certificate Prominently Displayed Inside Room: The valid first aid certificate (or RN credential) of the worker in charge is prominently displayed inside the first aid room — not in a drawer or filing cabinet. (Reg. 1101, s.11(3))

Coverage for All Shifts: Qualified attendant coverage is confirmed for every shift in which 200 or more workers are employed — including evening, overnight, weekend, and statutory holiday shifts. The Section 11 requirement applies based on the number of workers present in any single shift, regardless of the time of day or day of week. (Reg. 1101, s.11(2); OHS Insider interpretation of s.11 re: after-hours coverage)

WSIB-Approved Training Provider Confirmed: Verify the provider that issued the attendant's current Standard First Aid certificate appears on the WSIB's approved list at wsib.ca/firstaid. Training completed through providers not on the WSIB-approved list does not satisfy Regulation 1101.