Essential First Aid Box Content List for Indian Factories: Safety Checklist & Compliance
- Regulatory compliance – A factory‑specific first aid kit meets Factories Act 1948 & ISO 45001.
- Critical items – The kit should include sterile dressings, burn sheets, splints, CPR mask, and emergency eye wash.
- Smart inventory – Use Edgistify’s Dark Store Mesh and EdgeOS to track kit levels and automate replenishment.
Introduction
Factories in Tier‑2 and Tier‑3 cities like Guwahati, Pune, and Bhopal face unique safety challenges: fluctuating power supplies, high dust levels, and a workforce that often prefers cash‑on‑delivery (COD) for equipment payments. A robust first aid box is not just a regulatory checkbox—it’s a lifesaver during the unexpected, from minor cuts to industrial burns. This guide gives you a data‑driven, Indian‑specific checklist that aligns with local laws and leverages Edgistify’s tech stack for seamless safety management.
1. Why a Factory‑Specific First Aid Box Matters
1.1 Regulatory Landscape
| Regulation | Key Requirement | Relevance |
|---|---|---|
| Factories Act 1948 | Mandatory first aid provision on site | Direct compliance |
| ISO 45001:2018 | Systematic risk assessment & emergency response | Continuous improvement |
| Indian Standard IS 1123 (2018) | Standard first aid kit composition | Benchmarking |
1.2 Common Workplace Hazards in Indian Factories
- Mechanical injuries – cuts, crush injuries from heavy machinery.
- Chemical exposure – solvent spills, acidic or alkaline substances.
- Electrical shocks – faulty wiring, live contacts.
- Heat stress & burns – high‑temperature processes, molten metal.
2. The Must‑Have Items for a Factory First Aid Box
2.1 Core Supplies (Mandatory)
| Item | Quantity | Purpose | Source Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sterile gauze pads (5×5 cm) | 20 | Wound dressing | Bulk packs |
| Adhesive bandages (various sizes) | 30 | Minor cuts & abrasions | Multi‑pack |
| Antiseptic wipes (70% isopropyl) | 30 | Infection control | Dispensers |
| Sterile gloves (non‑latex) | 20 pairs | Hand protection | Reusable |
| Bandage scissors | 1 | Precise cutting | Durable |
| CPR face mask (with one‑way valve) | 2 | Airway protection | Certified |
| Elastic bandage (10 cm) | 5 rolls | Sprain support | 2‑inch wide |
| Splint kit (hard & soft) | 2 sets | Immobilisation | Pre‑formed |
| Burn sheet (silicone) | 5 | Burn protection | Heat‑resistant |
| Eye wash station (portable) | 1 | Chemical eye rinse | Self‑contained |
| Emergency eye wash bottle (1 L) | 1 | Backup rinse | Refillable |
2.2 Optional but Recommended Add‑Ons
| Item | Why It Helps | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| Tourniquet (Surgicel) | Severe bleeding | Immediate control |
| Hydrogel pads | Shock absorption | Heavy impact sites |
| Oxygen canister (3 L) | Short‑term oxygen support | Critical incidents |
| Portable defibrillator | Cardiac arrest | High‑risk plants |
3. Problem‑Solution Matrix for Common Injuries
| Injury | Immediate First Aid | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Laceration | Clean with antiseptic, apply sterile gauze, bandage | Reduces infection risk |
| Chemical burn | Rinse with potable water for 15 min, remove contaminated clothing | Dilutes corrosive agent |
| Electrical shock | De‑energise source, use insulated gloves, apply CPR if needed | Prevents secondary injury |
| Fracture | Immobilise with splint, keep limb elevated | Limits swelling, prevents dislocation |
| Heat exhaustion | Move to shade, hydrate, cool with wet cloth | Lowers core temperature |
4. Integrating Edgistify’s Tech for Safety Management
4.1 Dark Store Mesh – Intelligent Inventory
- Real‑time stock levels of first aid supplies across multiple factories.
- Automated reorder triggers when critical items fall below 20% of threshold.
- Integration with procurement for seamless restocking via local suppliers in Mumbai, Bangalore, and Guwahati.
4.2 EdgeOS – On‑Site Safety Analytics
- Compliance dashboards showing kit readiness per shift.
- Incident reporting feeds into risk assessments, feeding data for ISO 45001 audits.
- Alert system for expired or tampered supplies, ensuring never‑to‑miss critical safety items.
4.3 NDR Management – Incident Response
- Network‑based monitoring of first aid usage patterns.
- Data‑driven insights on high‑risk areas, enabling proactive hazard mitigation.
5. Checklist for Implementation
- 1. Audit current kits against the table above.
- 2. Map inventory to Edgistify’s Dark Store Mesh nodes.
- 3. Configure EdgeOS to monitor compliance metrics.
- 4. Train staff on first aid use and reporting via NDR.
- 5. Schedule quarterly reviews and update kit contents based on incident trends.
Conclusion
A factory’s first aid box is its frontline shield against occupational hazards. By aligning kit contents with Indian regulations, adopting a data‑driven inventory system, and leveraging Edgistify’s EdgeOS, Dark Store Mesh, and NDR Management, you ensure not only compliance but a culture of safety that saves lives and protects your workforce.