What is the difference between CSA Z1220-17 and Z1220-24?

Version Z1220-24 introduces three major changes compared to Z1220-17: the requirement to include a tourniquet in basic kits (Type 2 and 3), the addition of a Mylar emergency blanket, and the requirement for conforming gauze in two sizes (2" and 3"). These modifications are based on recent trauma research on the management of massive hemorrhages.

Should I replace my Z1220-17 kit immediately?

Z1220-24 has been the active standard since 2024. If your kit was purchased before this date, it likely does not contain the now-required tourniquet or Mylar blanket. An update is strongly recommended. Depending on your province, a transition period may apply—check with your provincial OHS body (CNESST, WSIB, WorkSafeBC, or WCB Alberta).

Does CSA Standard Z1220 apply to individuals?

No. CSA Z1220 is exclusively for workplaces. It applies to employers, not individuals. A home first-aid kit is not required to be CSA compliant—even though drawing inspiration from it remains an excellent practice to ensure you have the right equipment.

What happens if my company is not compliant with CSA Z1220?

In the event of an inspection, a non-compliant employer faces non-compliance notices, fines, and, in serious cases, an immediate order to comply. In Ontario, the WSIB can impose financial penalties. In British Columbia, WorkSafeBC can order the suspension of operations until compliance is achieved. Beyond penalties, non-compliance can lead to civil liability for the employer in the event of an accident.

What is CSA Z1220? A complete guide for Canadian employers

August 12, 2026 at 3:44 am

The CSA Z1220-24 standard is the Canadian national standard that defines the mandatory contents of workplace first aid kits. It applies to all Canadian employers in all provinces. Since its update in 2024, it imposes new requirements, including the tourniquet in basic kits. Here's what it requires, what has changed, and how to know if your company is compliant.

What is the CSA, Canadian Standards Association?

The CSA (Canadian Standards Association) is a non-profit Canadian organization founded in 1919. Its role is to develop and publish technical standards that govern the quality, safety, and performance of products, equipment, and professional practices in Canada.

The CSA is involved in many areas: electrical safety, construction, medical equipment, dangerous goods, and occupational health and safety (OHS). Its standards are recognized by provincial and federal governments, giving them legal value once integrated into applicable regulations.

Not to be confused: The CSA standard is a technical reference document. CSA certification (the CSA logo on a product) attests that a product has been tested and approved according to a specific standard. A first aid kit is not CSA certified per se; it is compliant with the CSA Z1220 standard, meaning its content meets the standard's requirements.

What is the CSA Z1220 standard?

The CSA Z1220 standard specifically defines the requirements for workplace first aid kits in Canada. It specifies the minimum mandatory content, the classification of kits, and the conditions for maintenance and inspection.

The standard distinguishes three types of kits based on the company's workforce and the risk level of the workplace:

Type	Usage Profile	Typical Context	First Aider Obligation
Type 1	Personal kit	Isolated worker, no access to a collective kit	No
Type 2	Basic kit	Office, retail, low-risk environment (1 to 50 workers)	Recommended
Type 3	Intermediate kit	Construction, industry, high-risk environment (50+ workers)	Mandatory

General Rule: The higher the number of workers and the greater the workplace risk, the more comprehensive the required kit type. An employer can always exceed minimum requirements but cannot reduce them.

CSA Z1220-17 vs Z1220-24: What has changed?

The standard was substantially updated in 2024. The Z1220-24 version is now the active reference for Canadian employers. These changes are driven by advancements in trauma care, particularly massive hemorrhage control protocols developed in military contexts and integrated into civilian standards.

Requirement	Z1220-17	Z1220-24
Tourniquet	Not required	Mandatory (Type 2 and 3)
Mylar emergency blanket	Not required	Mandatory
Conforming gauze	Not specified	2'' and 3'' required
CPR barrier	Pocket mask	Pocket mask + face shield
Nitrile gloves	Required	Required (increased quantity)
Bilingual first aid guide	Required	Required

Is your Z1220-17 kit still valid? If your kit was purchased before 2024, it meets the old standard. Depending on the province, a transition period may be granted, but it is highly recommended to update immediately, especially to add the tourniquet, now considered basic survival equipment in the workplace.

Does the CSA Z1220 standard apply in your province?

The CSA Z1220 standard is a national standard, but its application is through provincial occupational health and safety legislation. Each province integrates it via its own regulatory framework, sometimes with additional requirements.

Province	OHS Body	Reference Document	Local Specificity
Quebec	CNESST	Regulation respecting minimum first aid and first response standards	Mandatory first aid training depending on the sector
Ontario	WSIB	Ontario Regulation 1101, WSIA	Kit/worker ratio per shift
British Columbia	WorkSafeBC	BC OHS Regulation, Part 3	Certified attendant mandatory for 5+ workers in high-risk environments
Alberta	WCB Alberta	Occupational Health and Safety Act	Mandatory documented quarterly inspection

Good multi-province practice: If your company operates in several provinces, apply the strictest requirements to all your establishments. This simplifies management and ensures uniform compliance during inspections.

How to check if your kit is CSA Z1220-24 compliant?

Kit compliance is verified according to three criteria: content (items present and their quantity), condition (expiration dates, intact packaging), and accessibility (signage, location known to all).

Quick verification checklist

Criterion	To check
Content	All items required by the kit type (Type 2 or 3) are present and in sufficient quantity
Tourniquet	Present in Type 2 and 3 kits (new for Z1220-24)
Mylar blanket	Present, intact packaging, unopened
Expiration dates	No expired items, quarterly check recommended
Nitrile gloves	Latex-free, required quantity, not deteriorated
Bilingual guide	First aid guide in French and English included
Accessibility	Visible green cross signage, unlocked kit, location known to all
Inspection log	Up-to-date verification log (mandatory in Alberta, recommended everywhere)

Save time: SuperMedic offers CSA Z1220-24 compliant first aid kits ready for use, adapted to each type of business. Each kit is documented with a CSA content list to facilitate your safety audits.

Written By : Arthur Ferrando