Vol IV MSHA Policy Manual

Vol. IV, MSHA Policy Manual

Subpart N Personal Protection

56/57.15001 First Aid Materials
This standard requires that adequate first-aid materials, including stretchers and blankets, shall be provided at places convenient to all working areas, and that water or neutralizing agents shall be available where corrosive chemicals or other harmful substances are stored, handled or used.

The purpose of this mandatory standard is to ensure that adequate first-aid materials, including eye wash solution, safety showers (not just "deluge" showers, but a constant warm water supply for long-term flushing) and other neutralizing agents are available to workers where corrosive chemicals or other harmful substances are stored, handled, or used. Neutralizing agents shall be readily available for first-aid treatment and cleanup of corrosive chemical spillage or leakage. Spill-control products are commercially available for all hazardous chemical substances.

These products both absorb and neutralize hazardous chemicals, thereby reducing the hazard to workers while containing the spilled chemicals.