Changes to CSA Standards

Important Update – New CSA Z1220-2024 Standards for First Aid Kits in Quebec and Nova Scotia

Please be advised that the requirements for workplace first aid kit contents have changed. While the CSA Z1220-2017 standard was previously the benchmark in Quebec and Nova Scotia, it has now been replaced by the revised CSA Z1220-2024 version.

Key Changes to Note

Kits have been updated to include new essential items to better meet immediate emergency needs. Below is an overview of the main additions based on the type of kit:

Disinfectant Wipes

Disinfectant hand wipes are now required in several models (e.g., 4 wipes for Type 1 personal kits and up to 24 for Type 2 Large basic kits).

Type 1 Kit (Personal): 4 disinfectant hand wipes.
Type 2 Kit (Basic):
- Small: 6 disinfectant hand wipes.
- Medium: 12 disinfectant hand wipes.
- Large: 24 disinfectant hand wipes.
Type 3 Kit (High Risk):
- Small: 6 disinfectant hand wipes.
- Medium: 12 disinfectant hand wipes.
- Large: 24 disinfectant hand wipes.

Emergency Blankets

A Mylar emergency blanket is now included even in personal kits (Type 1). Link to the blanket: Click HERE

Arterial Tourniquets

A "windlass-style" arterial tourniquet is now mandatory in all Type 2 Basic kits (Small, Medium, and Large sizes). Link to the tourniquet: Click HERE

Eye Protection

Type 3 (Large) kits now include more protection, increasing to 4 sterile eye pads and 4 plastic eye shields.

Additional Dressings and Bandages

Certain kits have seen an increase in the quantity of gauze bandages or abdominal pads to ensure better wound coverage.

Abdominal Pads (5" x 9"):
- Type 2 (Large): Increased from 2 to 4 pads.
- Type 3 (Small): Increased from 1 to 2 pads.
- Type 3 (Medium): Increased from 2 to 4 pads.
- Type 3 (Large): Increased from 4 to 6 pads.
3" Conforming Gauze Bandages:
- Type 1 (Personal): Addition of a second roll. The kit now contains both one 2" bandage AND one 3" bandage.

Why the change?

The CSA (Canadian Standards Association) establishes these minimum requirements to ensure that employers, occupational health and safety (OHS) regulators, and distributors have kits adapted to the current realities of the workplace.

We recommend checking your current kits and acquiring any missing items compliant with the CSA Z1220-2024 standard to ensure your regulatory compliance.