What OSHA's general rules require
General industry, 29 CFR 1910.151(b): Where no infirmary, clinic or hospital is in near proximity, "a person or persons shall be adequately trained to render first aid."
Construction, 29 CFR 1926.50(c): Where medical care is not reasonably accessible in time and distance, a person with a valid first-aid certificate, or equivalent training verified by documentary evidence, must be available at the worksite.
How fast is "near"?: The standards give no number. In a 1990 interpretation letter (a construction case), OSHA wrote that an injured employee must be treated by medical personnel or a first-aid-certified employee within 3 to 4 minutes of the injury.
OSHA standards that name CPR directly
| Standard | Who | What it requires |
|---|---|---|
| 1910.269(b)(1) Electric power | Work on exposed lines or equipment energized at 50 volts or more | First-aid training, which the standard defines as including CPR. Field crews of two or more: at least two trained people. Fixed sites such as substations: every exposed employee reachable by a trained person within 4 minutes. |
| 1910.266 Logging | Every logging employee, supervisors included | First-aid and CPR training per Appendix B, kept current. |
| 1910.146(k) Permit-required confined spaces | Rescue teams | Training in basic first aid and CPR; at least one rescue team member with current first-aid and CPR certification available. |
Requirements by industry
Most requirements depend on your state, so confirm yours.
Hospitals and clinics
BLS Provider is the standard credential in most clinical roles; ACLS and PALS for roles that require them.
See industry page →Daycares and preschools
Requirements vary by state and program. BLS Provider includes adult, child and infant CPR, but not pediatric first aid; check whether your licensing rules accept BLS for the CPR portion.
See industry page →Schools
Varies by state, district and role; usually strictest for coaches, school nurses and athletic staff.
See industry page →Gyms and studios
Many states require AEDs in health clubs, and several also require trained personnel on site during operating hours. Insurers and franchise agreements often add their own.
See industry page →Construction and industrial
1926.50(c) plus the industry standards above; the practical test is a trained person on every shift and in every area.
See industry page →How long certification lasts
An AHA BLS Provider eCard is valid for two years, through the end of the month it was issued. A card issued mid-March 2026 runs to 31 March 2028. Your state or employer may require training on a shorter cycle.
Staying compliant without a class day
Every person gets an individually issued, verifiable AHA eCard with a clear issue date and course level — the form surveyors, credentialing teams and risk managers ask for. Bulk license packs cover new hires and staggered renewals; the CPR Go Kit brings individual check-offs to one site; the company portal tracks completions and upcoming renewals.
How Group Training works →Frequently asked questions
OSHA's general-industry and construction standards address access to trained first-aid personnel when medical care is not nearby. BLS covers CPR and AED skills, but it does not satisfy a separate first-aid requirement. Assess your site and arrange first-aid training separately if required.
