Providing adequate and appropriate first aid equipment is a legal requirement at work, according to HSE. In fact, making sure the right supplies are available in the right amount is the first step towards a healthier & safer workplace. Before figuring out how you will be storing first aid supplies, make sure you have assessed your needs. When carrying out an assessment of first aid needs, employers must consider several factors:
- The number of employees and pre-existing medical conditions
- Current work-related hazards and risks
- Location, size, and design of work areas
- Number of visitors and non-employees
These points help determine the quantity and type of first aid supplies that should be provided. On top of that, the British Red Cross Society adds several things to keep in mind:
- First aid supplies should be easily identifiable with a green box and white cross
- Staff members should be aware of the nearest first aid kit
- They should be easily accessible
- Supplies should be checked regularly for stock and expiry dates
Now that you know the kind and quantity of first aid supplies you need, what are your storage options? How big does your storage unit need to be? Do you require more than one unit? This blog post aims to help you in choosing the best storage solution for first aid supplies at work. We also feature our most popular and best-selling products.
First Aid Kits
Features:
- Available in many sizes and configurations
- Wall-mountable rigid plastic hinged case
- First aid refills available for each size
Pros & Cons:
+ Portable & ergonomic
+ Easy to refill
+ Cost effective
– Not secure storage
– Quickly depleted
Recommended for:
- Workplaces such as small businesses, offices, warehouses, vehicles
- Work areas with little space available
- Work areas with low risk levels
First Aid Wall & Defibrillator Cabinets
Features:
- Available in many different configurations
- Cam lock or magnetic lock for security
- Wall-mounted & Fire tested
- Germ Guard Active anti-bacterial paint
Pros & Cons:
+ Space saving
+ Easy to monitor supplies
+ Secure storage (cam lock)
– Not portable
– Quickly depleted
Recommended for:
- Workplaces and public areas such as small businesses, offices, schools
- Work areas with limited space
- Work areas with low risk levels
Medical and First Aid Trolleys
Features:
- Available in a multitude of designs
- Welded solid powder coated construction
- Rubber tyre castors
Pros & Cons:
+ Highly mobile
+ Easy to monitor supplies
+ High storage capacity
– Takes up space
– Not secure (except cupboard)
– Not for uneven surfaces
Recommended for:
- Large public areas such as schools and hospitals and large businesses
- Indoor areas with smooth floor surfaces
- Work areas with high risk levels
First Aid Workstations
Features:
- Available in three drawer options
- Adjustable shelves and Fire tested
- Lockable drawers and 2-point locking cupboards
- Germ Guard Active anti-bacterial paint
Pros & Cons:
+ Extremely secure
+ High storage capacity
+ Doubles as a writing station
– Difficult to monitor supplies
– Takes up space
– Not portable
Recommended for:
- Large workplaces such as warehouses, factories, industrial sites, and hospitals
- Work spaces where workers must be on their feet
- Work areas with high risk levels
First Aid Cube Lockers
Features:
- Different sizes, stackable, wall-mounted, or standalone
- Mastered cam lock for security
- Germ Guard Active anti-bacterial paint
Pros & Cons:
+ Secure storage
+ Saves space
+ Cost effective
– Difficult to monitor supplies
– Quickly depleted
– Not very ergonomic
Recommended for:
- Smaller workplaces such as offices, warehouses, hospitals, schools
- Work spaces with limited space
- Work areas with low risk levels
First Aid Cabinets
Features:
- Welded steel construction & adjustable shelves
- Liquid tight sump and spill retaining shelves
- Germ Guard Active anti-bacterial paint
- 2-point locking handles
Pros & Cons:
+ Extremely secure
+ Spill management
+ High storage capacity
– Difficult to monitor supplies
– Takes up a lot of space
– Not portable
Recommended for:
- Large areas of work such as warehouses, factories, schools, and hospitals
- Workplaces with dedicated first aid rooms
- Work areas with high risk levels
It’s worth noting that opting for two or more of these solutions makes for a very efficient emergency response. For example, a large warehouse could have three workstations fully stocked with portable first aid kits, a wall-mounted first aid cabinet in the canteen, and a first aid cupboard in the store room for extra medical supplies. Hopefully these points will help you in choosing the best storage solution for your workplace. If you have any further questions, we will be happy to help. If you have specific requirements, we manufacture most of the above-mentioned products on site and would be happy to help with your project. Simply live chat with us for a quotation or call us for more information.
We’ve got exciting news here at Direct2U, our 2017 catalogue is now out and ready to be delivered direct 2 u! We feature our latest ranges of safety equipment, all in stock and ready for delivery. There is no better way to browse our network’s workplace essentials in one place!
Request your very own catalogue (click on the image)