WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO HAVE A HSE FIRST AID KIT IN THE WORKPLACE?

It is important that every workplace has a First Aid kit available at all times and that people know where it is as it is a legal requirement to have a First Aid kit, as the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981 require workplaces to provide adequate First Aid equipment.

The minimum First Aid provision for any worksite is the following:

A suitably stocked First Aid kit.
An appointed person to take charge of First Aid arrangements.
And information displayed for employees regarding First Aid arrangements.

It is important that within your workplace your employees are equipped to dealing with any minor injuries or illnesses that may occur and have first aiders who can deal with the situation and give First Aid within the workplace.

First Aid kits should be identified by a white cross on a green background.

WHAT SHOULD A FIRST AID KIT CONTAIN?

Below is a list of First Aid items in a First Aid Kit suggested by the HSE:

A leaflet giving general guidance on first aid.
20 Sterile individually wrapped sterile plasters.
two sterile eye pads.
four individually wrapped triangular bandages, preferably sterile.
Six safety pins.
Two large sterile individually wrapped unmedicated wound bandages.
At least three pairs of disposable gloves.

MAINTAINING YOUR FIRST AID KIT

Your workplace First Aid kit should be regularly checked by checking the expiry date on the items such as on the sterile eye pads and replacing these with new ones depending on the expiry date. Also, check that the items are still fit for purpose and if not then replace the items. When an item from your First Aid kit is used ensure that new products are put back into your workplace First Aid kit so that it is always topped up with the necessary First Aid supplies to be equipped within a First Aid emergency situation.

FIRST AID TRAINING

For more information on First Aid at work and First Aid, kits go to HSE to find out more. If you are interested in booking a First Aid course with us to be a trained First Aider in your workplace then have a look at our courses and get in touch with us. If you would like a First Aid course at your site then please contact us.

If you need any help with deciding which course is suitable for you or help with booking on one of our courses, please get in touch with us today.

Safe Haven Training Ltd

Founder Ian Bryan has had an extensive career lasting over 30 years, as an NHS Paramedic, both on the road and for the County Air Ambulance. With a passion for First Aid and Emergency care, Ian went on to build a family run business made up of individuals who are fully trained and experienced in Pre Hospital Emergency Care, First Response and current NHS staff.