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CAN CGSB 155.20-2017: Technical Requirements and Compliance for Workplace First Aid Kits
A Comprehensive Guide to the Canadian Standard for First Aid Kit Classification, Contents, and Certification
The CAN CGSB 155.20-2017 standard, developed by the Canadian General Standards Board (CGSB) under the authority of the Standards Council of Canada, establishes comprehensive requirements for first aid kits intended for use in Canadian workplaces. This third edition supersedes the 2005 version and introduces significant updates to kit classification, content requirements, and labeling specifications to align with current workplace safety needs and medical best practices. This article provides a detailed technical examination of the standard’s scope, technical requirements, implementation considerations, and compliance pathways.
Scope and Application
Applicability
CAN CGSB 155.20-2017 applies to all first aid kits designed for use in Canadian workplaces, including those in industrial, commercial, institutional, and field settings. The standard defines minimum requirements for the contents, design, labeling, and performance of such kits to ensure that employers and workers have access to appropriate first aid supplies for the size and risk profile of their workforce.
Exclusions
The standard specifically excludes kits intended for use in vehicles (which are covered by CAN CGSB 155.21), marine environments, and specialized medical facilities. It also does not cover the contents of first aid rooms or stations that are staffed by healthcare professionals, as those are subject to separate regulations and professional judgment.
Tip: When selecting a first aid kit for a vehicle or mobile workplace, refer to CAN CGSB 155.21 in addition to the base requirements of 155.20-2017. For the workplace, this standard remains the primary reference.
Technical Requirements and Kit Classification
Classification System
The standard introduces a two-tier classification for first aid kits based on the type of workplace and associated risks:
- Class A: Intended for low-risk workplaces (e.g., offices, schools, retail stores) with a limited number of employees (typically up to 50). Class A kits contain a smaller, basic set of first aid supplies.
- Class B: Intended for high-risk workplaces (e.g., construction sites, manufacturing facilities, warehouses) or workplaces with a larger number of employees. Class B kits are more comprehensively stocked to handle a wider range of injuries.
In addition to class, kits are designated by Type:
- Type 1: For indoor use only — not required to be waterproof.
- Type 2: For outdoor or harsh environments — must be waterproof and weather-resistant.
Kit Contents and Quantities
The standard provides detailed minimum quantity tables for each class based on the number of workers. Quantities scale with employee count (e.g., 1–25, 26–50, etc.). A summary of key items and their minimum quantities for a single kit supporting up to 25 workers is shown below.
| Item | Class A (up to 25 workers) | Class B (up to 25 workers) |
|---|---|---|
| Adhesive bandages (assorted sizes) | 20 | 40 |
| Sterile gauze pads (10 cm × 10 cm) | 4 | 8 |
| Rolled gauze bandage (10 cm × 4 m) | 1 | 2 |
| Triangular bandage (100 cm folded) | 1 | 2 |
| Antiseptic wipes | 10 | 20 |
| Pair of disposable latex-free gloves | 2 | 4 |
| Resuscitation barrier / pocket mask | 1 | 1 |
| Adhesive tape (roll, 2.5 cm × 9 m) | 1 | 1 |
| Scissors and tweezers | 1 each | 1 each |
| First aid manual (compliant with CSA Z1220 or equivalent) | 1 | 1 |
Quantities increase in a graduated manner for larger employee counts, with specific multipliers defined in Annex A of the standard. The employer must also account for the nature of the work (e.g., additional burn supplies for kitchens or chemical handling).
Important: The quantities listed above are minimum requirements. In many Canadian jurisdictions, provincial or territorial occupational health and safety (OHS) regulations may require additional items or higher quantities. Always verify local OHS requirements alongside the national standard.
Labeling and Marking
Every first aid kit must be clearly labeled with:
- The kit classification (Class A or Class B) and type (Type 1 or Type 2).
- The manufacturer’s name or trademark.
- An inventory list of included items with quantities.
- Date of manufacture and recommended replacement or restocking interval.
- Language: Bilingual (English and French) per Canadian labeling laws.
- Pictograms or symbols (optional but recommended for quick identification).
Markings must be legible and durable; indoor kits (Type 1) require only basic labeling, while Type 2 kits must have waterproof and abrasion-resistant labels.
Container Design Requirements
The standard specifies that the container must be:
- Rigid or flexible (e.g., box, pouch, or bag) but capable of protecting contents from contamination and damage.
- Easily identifiable as a first aid kit (typically a white or green cross on a contrasting background).
- Equipped with a secure closure that remains fast during transport yet can be opened quickly in an emergency.
- For Type 2 (outdoor): resistant to water ingress as defined by an immersion test of 1 meter for 30 minutes.
Good Practice: Many certified kits now use transparent compartments and color-coded sections for rapid visual inventory checks, which aligns with the standard’s emphasis on ease of use during an emergency.
Implementation and Maintenance
Determining Kit Requirements Based on Risk and Headcount
Employers must conduct a risk assessment to determine the appropriate number and class of first aid kits. The standard suggests the following approach:
- Low-hazard workplaces (offices, retail): One Class A kit per 50 workers in each area.
- High-hazard workplaces (construction, manufacturing): One Class B kit per 25 workers in each area, plus additional specialized supplies (e.g., burn dressings, eye wash).
- Large or multi-story facilities: At least one kit per floor of 500 m² or less, located near common areas / break rooms.
- Remote or field locations: Type 2 kits with enhanced contents for extended care.
The risk assessment must be reviewed annually and after any significant change in operations.
Inspection and Restocking
The standard mandates a routine inspection schedule, typically monthly, to ensure:
- All items are present and within their expiry date.
- Seals are intact and packaging is not damaged.
- Sterile items remain sterile (no holes or moisture in packaging).
- Outdoor kits (Type 2) are checked for water damage.
Restocking must follow the minimum quantity tables and use only components meeting the same standards (e.g., sterile, latex-free where required).
Compliance Risk: Failure to maintain a kit according to the standard’s restocking and expiry requirements could result in regulatory penalties and, more importantly, compromised emergency care. Always document inspections and replacement dates.
Compliance and Certification
Conformity Assessment Options
The standard recognizes two paths to demonstrate conformity:
- First-party certification: Manufacturer’s self-declaration of compliance, supported by documented quality control procedures and test records.
- Third-party certification: Independent testing and certification by an accredited body (e.g., SCC-accredited or CGSB-recognized). Most large buyers and OHS inspectors require third-party certification for assurance.
Third-party certified kits will typically carry a CGSB certification mark or a mark from a recognized partner (e.g., CSA Group, UL, or ICC-ES).
Tip: When procuring kits for a multi-site operation, third-party certification simplifies compliance verification and reduces the burden of individual site inspections. Always ask for the manufacturer’s test report confirming Type 2 water resistance if the kit is for outdoor use.
Role of Accredited Certification Bodies
Certification bodies accredited by the Standards Council of Canada (SCC) or an equivalent are authorized to evaluate conformity with CAN CGSB 155.20-2017. They review:
- Manufacturing process and quality management system (e.g., ISO 9001).
- Type testing of the container (e.g., drop test, water ingress test for Type 2).
- Verification of contents against the standard’s tables.
- Labeling and marking compliance with bilingual requirements.
Recertification is typically required every two years, or when the standard is revised.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is compliance with CAN CGSB 155.20-2017 mandatory in Canada?
A: The standard itself is voluntary at the federal level, but many provincial OHS regulations (e.g., in Ontario, Alberta, British Columbia) explicitly reference it for first aid kit requirements. Employers should check their local OHS act to determine if compliance is mandatory. In practice, most safety inspectors expect adherence to this national standard as minimum best practice.
A: The standard itself is voluntary at the federal level, but many provincial OHS regulations (e.g., in Ontario, Alberta, British Columbia) explicitly reference it for first aid kit requirements. Employers should check their local OHS act to determine if compliance is mandatory. In practice, most safety inspectors expect adherence to this national standard as minimum best practice.
Q: Can I assemble my own first aid kit instead of purchasing a pre-certified one?
A: Yes, but the kit must still meet all requirements of the standard regarding contents, container, labeling, and durability. Self-assembled kits can be first-party certified by the employer if they document the contents and perform equivalent quality checks. However, third-party certification significantly reduces liability and ensures independent verification, which may be preferred by safety inspectors.
A: Yes, but the kit must still meet all requirements of the standard regarding contents, container, labeling, and durability. Self-assembled kits can be first-party certified by the employer if they document the contents and perform equivalent quality checks. However, third-party certification significantly reduces liability and ensures independent verification, which may be preferred by safety inspectors.
Q: What are the key differences between CAN CGSB 155.20-2017 and the earlier 2005 edition?
A: The 2017 edition introduced the A/B classification system (replacing single-level kits), updated quantity tables based on employee counts, added more detailed labelling requirements (including bilingual and expiry dating), and strengthened the water resistance test for Type 2 outdoor kits. The 2017 edition also aligned the first aid manual requirement with CSA Z1220 for consistency.
A: The 2017 edition introduced the A/B classification system (replacing single-level kits), updated quantity tables based on employee counts, added more detailed labelling requirements (including bilingual and expiry dating), and strengthened the water resistance test for Type 2 outdoor kits. The 2017 edition also aligned the first aid manual requirement with CSA Z1220 for consistency.
Q: How often should a certified first aid kit be recertified?
A: The standard does not specify a mandatory recertification interval for individual kit units, but certification bodies typically require recertification of the manufacturer’s product line every two years, and whenever there is a change in design or contents. Users should replace units that show signs of wear, water damage, or expired items as part of ongoing maintenance.
A: The standard does not specify a mandatory recertification interval for individual kit units, but certification bodies typically require recertification of the manufacturer’s product line every two years, and whenever there is a change in design or contents. Users should replace units that show signs of wear, water damage, or expired items as part of ongoing maintenance.
This technical article is provided for informational purposes and should not be construed as legal or compliance advice. Always consult the official CAN CGSB 155.20-2017 document and applicable provincial regulations for full requirements. Updated 2026.