A well-stocked first aid kit, whether a first aid bag or a first aid box, holds adhesive bandages, sterile gauze, roller and triangular bandages, medical gloves, antiseptic, scissors, a cold pack and a short first aid guide, in quantities set by the number of people and the hazards on site. Facilities are best served by a wall-mounted first aid box in a known location. At home or in the car, a small, well-organised kit is enough.
This article covers what the Saudi Labor Law asks of employers, what recognised references suggest for workplace, home and vehicle kits, and how to choose between the three Falcon Gold boxes, H-323, H-324 and H-325, available in AZEIDK safety equipment. It does not teach first aid itself; that belongs to accredited training.
Key takeaways
- Article 142 of the Saudi Labor Law requires every employer to provide one or more first aid cabinets and leaves contents and quantities to the implementing regulation.
- ANSI/ISEA Z308.1-2021 splits workplace kits into Class A for common injuries and Class B for busier or higher-risk workplaces.
- Home and vehicle kits differ from workplace kits: personal medicines and emergency contacts matter at home, compact size and secure stowage matter in a vehicle.
- The Falcon Gold boxes at AZEIDK are wall-mounted with a transparent front in three sizes: small H-323, medium H-324 and large H-325, supplied empty or equipped on request.
- A box does not replace a trained person. It needs regular checks, expiry-date tracking and restocking after every use.
In this article
- First aid bag, first aid box or first aid kit: what is the difference?
- How to choose a first aid kit: portable bag or wall box?
- Is a first aid box mandatory in Saudi workplaces?
- What should a first aid box contain at a workplace?
- What goes in a home first aid kit?
- First aid kit for the car
- Falcon Gold H-323, H-324 and H-325: which size fits your facility?
- Where should a first aid box go, and how many do you need?
- First aid signs and labels: the right sign above the box
- Fire extinguisher and first aid kit: one safety point or two?
- Checking and restocking a first aid box
- Common mistakes with first aid boxes
- Is there a first aid PDF or test to learn first aid?
- Frequently asked questions
- Summary
First aid bag, first aid box or first aid kit: what is the difference?
In the Saudi market the three names describe nearly the same thing: a container that keeps first aid supplies in one place. The difference is how it is used:
- First aid bag: portable, with a handle or zip. Suits vehicles, trips and mobile maintenance crews.
- First aid box (first aid cabinet): fixed to a wall at a known point inside a facility. This is what the Labor Law means by a “first aid cabinet”.
- First aid kit: the general term, often used for small boxes at home or in a small office.
In factories, warehouses, schools and hotels a wall-mounted box works better because its location never changes and the safety officer can check it and record shortages easily. A portable bag then complements it in vehicles and temporary work sites.
How to choose a first aid kit: portable bag or wall box?
Before buying a first aid kit, decide where it will be used and by whom, then compare the two formats on these points:
| Criterion | Portable first aid bag | Wall-mounted box |
|---|---|---|
| Where it is used | Vehicles, trips, mobile maintenance crews and temporary work sites | A fixed point in an office, factory, warehouse or residential building |
| Access | Carried to the injured person | Everyone knows where it is and goes straight to it |
| Spotting missing items | Has to be opened at every check | The transparent front on Falcon Gold boxes shows the contents without opening the door |
| Loss and tampering | Harder to control, as it moves between people and vehicles | Easier, with a lock or latch and a wall fixing |
| Capacity | Limited by the bag size | Steps up from small to large with the number of people |
Whichever you choose, check three things: internal compartments that separate items and make restocking quick, a printed contents list inside the lid, and space for a paper first aid guide. When asking for a quotation, always confirm whether the price covers the empty container or the container with supplies.
Is a first aid box mandatory in Saudi workplaces?
Yes, at work. Article 142 of the Labor Law, as published by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, requires every employer to provide one or more first aid cabinets stocked with what is needed for first aid. The article refers the contents, quantities, medicine storage and the qualifications of the person giving first aid to the implementing regulation.
It helps to separate three levels:
- Legal duty: an equipped first aid cabinet in the workplace (Article 142).
- Technical reference: content lists in standards such as the American ANSI/ISEA Z308.1-2021. It is a useful guide, not Saudi law.
- Client or contract requirements: a supervising body, owner or main contractor may specify its own list, which is then followed.
The US Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) treats the standard the same way. Appendix A to 1910.151 is non-mandatory, cites an older edition (Z308.1-1998) and notes that its contents should be adequate for small worksites, while larger or multiple operations at the same location may need extra kits and supplies.
What should a first aid box contain at a workplace?
ANSI/ISEA Z308.1-2021 sets a minimum fill for workplace kits in two classes. Class A covers common injuries such as wounds, minor burns and eye injuries. Class B targets densely populated, complex or high-risk workplaces such as warehouses, factories and outdoor sites. The 2021 edition made a foil blanket a required item and tightened the tourniquet requirements.
The main items and their minimum quantities:
| Item | Class A | Class B |
|---|---|---|
| Adhesive bandage, 2.5 x 7.5 cm | 16 | 50 |
| Adhesive tape | 1 | 2 |
| Antiseptic (e.g. alcohol swabs) | 10 | 50 |
| Burn treatment (single-use) | 10 | 25 |
| Burn dressing, gel soaked, 10 x 10 cm | 1 | 2 |
| Sterile pad, 7.5 x 7.5 cm | 2 | 4 |
| Trauma pad, 12.7 x 22.9 cm | 2 | 4 |
| Roller bandage, 5 cm | 1 | 2 |
| Triangular bandage | 1 | 2 |
| Medical exam gloves (pairs) | 2 | 4 |
| Instant cold pack | 1 | 2 |
| Eye covering | 2 | 2 |
| Eye/skin wash | 29 ml | 118 ml |
| CPR breathing barrier | 1 | 1 |
| Foil blanket | 1 | 1 |
| Scissors | 1 | 1 |
| Splint | 0 | 1 |
| Tourniquet | 0 | 1 |
| First aid guide | 1 | 1 |
The list is a floor, not a ceiling. The 2021 edition asks employers to assess site hazards first: a welding shop needs more burn supplies, a chemical store needs more eye wash, and a remote site may need a bleeding control kit. For the wider list of safety and firefighting equipment a facility needs, see our fire safety equipment list.
What goes in a home first aid kit?
The Saudi Ministry of Health ran an awareness campaign called “Aghla Shanta” (the most precious bag) on World First Aid Day, covering the home kit, its contents and specifications. Well-known medical references, including Mayo Clinic, agree on a basic core for the home:
- Adhesive bandages in several sizes, sterile gauze, elastic bandage and tape.
- Antiseptic, sterile saline and antibiotic ointment.
- Medical gloves, scissors, tweezers and a thermometer.
- Cold packs, an eye shield and eye-wash solution.
- An emergency blanket and a torch with spare batteries.
- Emergency numbers, the family doctor’s contact and brief health information for each household member.
Medicines in a home kit are a family decision best made with a doctor or pharmacist, especially with children or chronic conditions in the house. The rule does not change: keep the kit where adults know to find it, out of reach of young children, and check expiry dates regularly. In residential buildings and rest houses, a small or medium wall box can be fixed near the entrance or the guard room.
First aid kit for the car
In its pre-travel safety advice, the Saudi Traffic Department urged drivers to check that the spare tyre, its tools and the first aid kit are in the vehicle, as reported by Al-Yaum newspaper on 28 June 2025. We found no official source that sets a mandatory content list for car kits, so the practical reference is the same core in a smaller size:
- Adhesive bandages, sterile gauze, roller and triangular bandages.
- Medical gloves, antiseptic and scissors.
- An instant cold pack and a foil blanket.
- A torch and a list of emergency numbers.
Cabin temperatures in a Saudi summer run high, so check the storage conditions printed on antiseptics and ointments and keep the kit in a shaded, fixed spot inside the vehicle. In buses, service vans and mobile units, a small box such as the H-323 can be fitted where the mounting arrangement allows it.
Falcon Gold H-323, H-324 and H-325: which size fits your facility?
AZEIDK supplies three wall-mounted first aid boxes from Falcon Gold. They share one design: a transparent front that shows the contents and any gaps without opening the door at every check, internal divisions to keep supplies organised, a front lock or latch, and clear Arabic and English identification. They differ in capacity and typical use:
| Model | Size | Typical applications |
|---|---|---|
| H-323 | Small | Small offices, shops, security rooms, small workshops, vehicles, mobile maintenance units and kiosks |
| H-324 | Medium | Offices, schools, nurseries, restaurants, hotels, small warehouses, residential buildings and service centres |
| H-325 | Large | Factories, warehouses, construction sites, large offices, universities, shopping centres and production areas |
Two points before ordering. First, the product pages list example supplies that can be stored inside; they are not included by default. Each box is supplied empty or equipped as the customer requests, and the final contents list is agreed with the quotation. Second, the product pages do not state dimensions, so download the catalogue from the product page or ask for sizes with the quotation before you choose a mounting position.
Where should a first aid box go, and how many do you need?
A good location is what makes the box useful. Choose a spot that is:
- Visible and known to staff and visitors, next to a clear first aid sign.
- Close to work or gathering areas but away from the direct hazard.
- Away from heat, moisture and chemicals.
- At a practical height, with room for the door to open and no furniture or stock in the way.
The Labor Law article does not set a number. In practice it depends on floor area, number of floors, staff and visitor numbers, the type of activity and how quickly someone must reach the box. In multi-storey buildings, several medium boxes spread across floors can be faster to reach than one distant central box. OSHA’s non-mandatory appendix also notes that larger sites may need additional kits.
First aid signs and labels: the right sign above the box
ISO 7010:2019 and its amendments register the first aid sign as E003, part of the safe condition group: a green square with a white cross. Fix it above or beside the box so it can be seen from a distance, especially in long corridors or where the box sits near a column or door. A common mistake is a label in a colour other than green, which then blends in with the red fire equipment signs.
Two labels inside the box help as well: the contents list with quantities, and an inspection card showing the last check and the person responsible. For the meaning of safety sign colours and the five sign groups, see our guide to safety guidance signs.
Fire extinguisher and first aid kit: one safety point or two?
A fire extinguisher and a first aid kit are often bought together for an office, shop or car, but each follows its own placement logic. Extinguisher type, number and location are driven by travel distance and hazard classification in fire protection requirements, covered in our NFPA 10 extinguisher guide. The first aid box is placed for fast access to an injured person, as described above.
The two can share one safety point at an entrance or next to the security room if that spot meets the conditions for both, with the red F001 extinguisher sign and the green E003 first aid sign. AZEIDK supplies fire extinguishers alongside first aid boxes, and for where a fire blanket belongs in kitchens and staff rooms, see our fire blanket guide.
Checking and restocking a first aid box
A box that is full on installation day and half empty three months later does not do its job. The Safety+Health summary of the standard update recommends inspecting kits at least monthly and after any incident in which supplies were used. A practical check covers:
- Matching contents against a list fixed inside or beside the box.
- Checking expiry dates and replacing expired or damaged items.
- Removing opened or contaminated packs and reorganising after each use.
- Checking the door, transparent front, lock and wall fixing.
- Recording the check date, restocking and the person responsible.
That record helps in any internal or external inspection and can sit with the other safety records described in our fire safety log book guide.
Common mistakes with first aid boxes
- Buying an empty box and never stocking it, or assuming supplies are included without checking the supply list.
- A generic contents list that ignores site hazards, such as no eye wash where chemicals are handled.
- Storing medicines that need refrigeration or special conditions inside the box.
- Using the box for tools or personal items unrelated to first aid.
- Mounting it behind a door or stock, or where new staff never see it.
- No trained first aider on shift, relying on the box alone.
- Not restocking after use, so the box looks full from outside while key items are missing.
Is there a first aid PDF or test to learn first aid?
The box itself needs a short printed first aid guide, which is an item on the ANSI/ISEA Z308.1-2021 list for both Class A and Class B. Learning the procedures themselves, such as treating burns, wounds, fractures or nosebleeds, belongs with official health sources and hands-on training from an accredited provider, not with PDFs of unknown origin. The Saudi Ministry of Health awareness platform has a first aid section, including a page on first aid for burns (in Arabic).
AZEIDK supplies the boxes and their contents. It does not run first aid courses or tests. In practice, each site should name a person responsible for first aid on every shift and post that person’s name and contact details on a card next to the box.
Frequently asked questions
What should be in a first aid box?
The core is adhesive bandages, sterile gauze, roller and triangular bandages, medical gloves, antiseptic, scissors, a cold pack, an eye covering, a foil blanket and a first aid guide. Quantities rise with the number of people and the hazards.
Is a first aid box mandatory in Saudi workplaces?
Yes. Article 142 of the Labor Law requires employers to provide one or more first aid cabinets, with contents and quantities set by the implementing regulation.
What is the difference between the small, medium and large boxes?
Capacity and number of users. The small H-323 suits shops, small offices and vehicles, the medium H-324 suits offices, schools and restaurants, and the large H-325 suits factories, warehouses and construction sites.
Do Falcon Gold boxes come with supplies?
They are supplied empty or equipped, as you request. State this when asking for a quotation and approve the final contents list before supply.
How often should a first aid kit be checked?
At least monthly and after every use, checking expiry dates, replacing used or damaged items and recording the check.
Do I need a first aid kit in my car?
The Saudi Traffic Department advises checking that a first aid kit is in the vehicle before travelling. Choose a compact kit with the basics and keep it in a fixed spot out of direct sun.
What is the difference between a first aid bag and a first aid box?
The contents are much the same; the difference is how they are used. A bag is portable for cars, trips and mobile crews, while a wall box stays in a known location inside a facility or home and is easier to check.
Which first aid sign should go above the box?
ISO 7010 sign E003: a green square with a white cross, fixed above or beside the box where it can be seen from a distance.
Summary
A good kit starts with one question: who will use it, and what injuries are likely here? At work, Saudi law requires an equipped first aid cabinet, and ANSI/ISEA Z308.1-2021 gives a useful minimum for its contents. At home and in the car, an organised kit that is checked regularly is enough. Once the contents are settled, choose the box that fits the site, then keep it ready with routine checks.
Equipping a facility or several branches with first aid boxes? Send us your staff numbers, floors and type of activity, and we will suggest the right Falcon Gold sizes and quantities, empty or equipped. Single items are also sold at AZEIDK showrooms across Saudi Arabia. Contact the AZEIDK team
