First aid equipment
First aid kits and contents
The minimum level of first aid equipment is a suitably stocked and properly identified first aid container. Every employer should provide, for each work site, at least one first aid container supplied with a sufficient quantity of first aid materials.
As a minimum requirement an employer should provide at least one suitably stocked and clearly identifiable first aid container for each work site.
The first aid needs assessment will influence the contents required by considering factors such as the hazards present in the workplace, the number of employees and the history of accidents and illnesses.
The contents should be checked regularly to ensure that items are in date and any non-sterile items without an expiry date are fit for purpose. The container should be restocked immediately after use.
There is no mandatory list of items to be included in a first aid container. The HSE suggested minimum requirements for a low-risk environment such as an office is:
- A leaflet giving general guidance on first aid
- Individually wrapped sterile plasters of assorted sizes (hypoallergenic plasters can be provided if necessary)
- Sterile eye pads
- Individually wrapped triangular bandages, preferably sterile
- Safety pins
- Large and medium sized sterile, individually wrapped, unmedicated wound dressings
- Disposable gloves
HSE guidance says that if mains tap water is not readily available for eye irrigation at least one litre of sterile water or sterile normal saline should be provided in sealed disposable containers.
The first aid needs assessment may indicate that additional items are needed for example burns dressings in a restaurant.
The HSE recommends that tablets and medicines are not kept in the first aid container.
Personal protective equipment (PPE)
To ensure the safety of first aiders, personal protective equipment (PPE) may be needed in hazardous areas. These items should be stored near the first aid container, in the first aid room, or in the hazard area as appropriate.