First aid equipment
First aid kits
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.
There is no mandatory list of items to be included in a first aid container. The decision on what to provide will be influenced by the findings of the first aid needs assessment. This assessment should look at the past history of accidents, and provide equipment to deal with the most common, as well as looking at the activities, machinery, tools, number of employees and the location of the business.
The contents of first aid containers should be examined frequently to ensure that the contents remain in date and suitable for use and restocked soon after use.
As a guide, where work activities involve low hazards, a minimum stock of first aid items might be:
- A leaflet giving general guidance on first aid
- 20 individually wrapped sterile plasters (assorted sizes) hypoallergenic plasters can be provided if necessary
- Two sterile eye pads
- Four individually wrapped triangular bandages, preferably sterile
- Six safety pins
- Two large sterile individually wrapped un-medicated wound dressings
- Six medium-sized individually wrapped un-medicated wound dressings
- A pair of disposable gloves
This is a suggested contents list only.
Personal protective equipment (PPE)
Employers should supply adequate PPE stored near to the first aid supplies. Such equipment could include hand sanitiser, face masks, safety glasses, ear protection, hi-vis vests and flashlights. Employers should also advise First Aiders on what PPE should be worn in which circumstances, ensuring that the First Aider’s safety is the priority.