Regulation Information Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and automated external defibrillators (AED) OSHA requires that employees be given a safe and healthy workplace that is reasonably free of occupational hazards. However, it is unrealistic to expect accidents not to happen. Therefore, employers are required to provide medical and first aid personnel and supplies commensurate with the hazards of the workplace. The details of a workplace medical and first aid program are dependent on the circumstances of each workplace and employer. It is the responsibility of employers to determine their requirements for medical and first aid services. For instance, paragraph (b) of 29 CFR 1910.151 requires that in the absence of an infirmary, clinic, or hospital near the workplace, a person or persons must be adequately trained to render first aid, and adequate first aid supplies must be readily available. If there is a medical facility, infirmary, clinic, or hospital in near proximity to the workplace which is used for the treatment of all injured employees, it is not necessary for the employer to have first aid supplies or a person or persons trained to render first-aid. If required to do so, the employer, as stated in Appendix A to 1910.151, should assess the workplace and determine the type, quantity, and location of first aid supplies. In making these determinations, the employer may consider the work process that could cause illness or injury to employees; the types of accidents that have been experienced in the past, as well as those likely to be encountered in the future; and whether employees are exposed to falls, hazardous machinery, or harmful chemicals. (This list is intended to be instructional and is not comprehensive.) After conducting a workplace assessment, the employer will have a better idea of how to address the first aid needs of the workplace. All employers must evaluate their workplace for medical and first aid requirements. Among the factors that should be considered are: ·Location and availability of medical facilities and emergency services ·Availability of medical personnel to consult on occupational health issues ·Types of accidents that could reasonably occur at the workplace ·Response time for external emergency services ·Number of employees at the plant and the locations of employees within the plant ·If corrosive materials are in use at any place in the workplace ·If there are any industry specific requirements ·What first aid supplies should be available. This is determined in consultation with a physician. ·What level(s) of training should employees receive, and which employees should be trained CPR OSHA does not require employers to provide CPR training. OSHA’s "Guidelines for First Aid Training Programs" recommends that CPR training be a general program element of a first aid program if required, and recommends that employees receive refresher training to retain their knowledge of first aid procedures. Employees who receive first aid training should be certified annually to perform CPR, and first aid training should take place at least once every three years. It is the responsibility of the employer to make an assessment of the workplace and determine all first aid needs for expected injuries and illnesses. Each employer using any first aid and/or CPR courses must satisfy him/herself that the course adequately covers the types of injuries/illnesses likely to be encountered in the workplace. If you choose to include CPR training in your program, the training program should include instruction in: ·Establishing and maintaining free air passage in the adult airway, ·Performing adult breathing resuscitation, ·Performing adult circulatory resuscitation, ·Performing choking assessments and appropriate first aid interventions and ·Resuscitating the drowning victim. CCR Cardiocerebral resuscitation (CCR) is an experimental emergency first aid technique for those in cardiac arrest. CCR, also known as Continuous Chest Compression CPR (CCC-CPR), is performed by administering 100 chest compressions per minute. A study done by the University of Arizona showed that for victims in cardiac arrest, CCR improved survival rates. It has the additional advantage of not requiring the responder to stop compressions to administer breaths, and responders may be more likely to administer CCR if they do not have to provide mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. Those advocating the use of CCR state that is should only be used for adults (over 15 years of age) in cardiac arrest. CCR is not to be used for children or in the case of arrest caused by choking, drowning, and other lung-related problems. Copyright © 2008 J. J. Keller & Associates, Inc. All rights reserved.