The Health and Safety Regulations 1981 require all employers to not only provide but update adequate and appropriate first aid equipment, facilities and trained individuals. This ensures that in the event of an emergency it can be dealt with quickly and effectively. Accidents and illnesses can occur at any time so First Aid Supplies much be available at all times.
The question of “What is adequate and appropriate for my workplace?” will all depend on the organisation’s circumstances and needs must be assessed to ensure the right amount of supplies are accessible. Smaller organisations with a low level hazard will only need the minimum required supplies however there could be factors which mean you need greater supplies. Please see the tables below created by the HSE covering the points to consider when buying or restocking of First Aid equipment.
HAZARDS
A hazard is defined as the source of potential risk. Using the findings of your risk assessments to determine risk and choose a suitable level of First Aid Supplies based on these outcomes.
| Does your workplace have low-level hazards? (For example these hazards are generally found in offices or shops) |
The minimum provisions are:
|
| Does your workplace have higher-level hazards? (for example dangerous chemicals and machinery) |
You should consider:
|
EMPLOYEES
| How many people are employed on site? | The minimum provisions are:
Depending on your circumstances, you should consider providing:
|
| Is there experienced workers on site, or employees with disabilities or particular health problems? |
You should consider:
|
The HSE do not enforce a content list for first-aid boxes but do suggest a list of contents. In addition to this suggested list the British Standard BS 8599-1 states what should be the contents of workplace first-aid kits. This is dependent on the level of risk in workplace and the number of employees.
| Risk/ # of Employees | SMALL KIT | MEDIUM KIT | LARGE KIT |
| Low Risk / Less than 25 | 1 | ||
| Low Risk / 25 – 100 | 1 | ||
| Low Risk / 100+ | 1 | ||
| High Risk / Less than 5 | 1 | ||
| High Risk / 5 – 25 | 1 | ||
| High Risk / 25+ | 1 |
The British Standard BS 8599-1 states that all first-aid kits in the work place should include:
| Contents | SMALL KIT | MEDIUM KIT | LARGE KIT | TRAVEL KIT |
| First-aid Guidance Leaflet | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Medium Sterile Dressing | 4 | 6 | 8 | 1 |
| Large Sterile Dressing | 1 | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Triangular Sterile Dressing | 2 | 3 | 4 | 2 |
| Safety Pins | 12 | 12 | 24 | 12 |
| Eye Dressing | 2 | 3 | 4 | 1 |
| Adhesive Bandages | 40 | 60 | 100 | 20 |
| Sterile Wet Wipes | 20 | 30 | 40 | 4 |
| Microporus Tape | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Nitrile Gloves – Pair | 6 | 9 | 12 | 1 |
| Face Shield | 1 | 2 | 3 | 1 |
| Foil Blanket | 1 | 2 | 3 | 1 |
| Burn Dressing – 10x10cm | 1 | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Clothing Shears | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Conforming Bandage | 1 | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Finger Dressing | 2 | 3 | 4 | 0 |
| Sterile Eyewash | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
* Travel kits are intended for one person to use when they do not have a fixed workplace.
It is advised to check your first-aid box monthly for out of date items, similarly you could write down all the expiry dates in your diary and prepare for them accordingly. Keeping products past their expiry date can be dangerous as products can deteriorate and lose their effectiveness.
What first-aid kits are out there?
Travel Kit
The travel first-aid kit ensures employees working away from the workplace has constant access to adequate first-aid equipment. This kit is supplied in a handy nylon case which has a zip closure to not only keep contents safe but also as dry as possible.
Workplace Kit
Available in three different sizes -small, medium and large with optional wall mounting. Size is dependent on the number of employees are at the organisation. Supplied in a strong, plastic hinged case to keep contents safe and as dry as possible.
Burns Kit
Ideal for use in the workplace where burns are a common risk, this kit is suitable for use on emergency care or burns, scalds and sunburn. Contents moisturise, cool and soothe burns to minimise trauma and infection. The kit includes:
- Guidance Leaflet
- Non-adherent Dressing
- Burn/wound Lint Pads
- Burn Gels
- Conforming Bandages
- Hydrogel Burn Dressings
- Sterikool Burn Rolls
- Golves (pair)
- Scissors
Shop the complete range of first-aid kits at Safety Direct2U.
Fixed First-aid Points
Your organisation may choose to have a fixed first-aid room or point; this may mean that you need storage for your supplies these could include:
First-aid Safety Cart
The Armorgard SafetyKart is an extremely versatile unit that enables first-aiders to respond to accidents and incidents quickly equipped with all the supplies they need. It’s heavy duty wheels even ensure that it suited to travel outside so use on construction and work sites is encouraged.
First-aid Trolley
This practical provides secures storage coupled with ease of mobility with swivel castors that you can transport to accident sites. The trolley is fully welded with a UDL of 150kg meaning it is able to carry all important supplies to wherever you need them.
First-aid Room Starter Kit
The First-aid starter kit is the easy and convenient solution for creating your own first-aid room from scratch. This ensures that your room is compliant with Health & Safety at work legislation and fits in virtually any room. This kit includes:
- Examination Couch & Paper Roll
- First-aid Trolley
- First-aid Workstation
- Blanket & Pillow
- Pedal Waste Bin
- First-aid Sign & Poster
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When customers shop with Safety Direct2U they can expect quality, competitive pricing and FREE UK mainland delivery. Our friendly team are available to call or live chat with I you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us.