First aid kits are an important item in the workplace. You Need one (or more)! Having a First Aid kit is a legal requirement. Regulation 3 of the Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981 requires employers to have First Aid provision in their workplace.

Selecting and Maintaining First Aid Kits in your workplace can be a minefield, with many different types, standards and sizes available. Here’s our top ten tips to help you choose and maintain a first aid kit!

1. Carry out a First Aid Needs Assessment. The size, contents and number of First Aid kits in your workplace should be determined by the results of your assessment. The needs assessment should consider a number of factors including; does your workplace have specialist hazards, how many people are employed, is the workforce mobile and how spread out the workplace is meaning more first aid kits are required. 

2. Buy the right standard. First kits in the UK are typically sold in two different standards. These are BS85991 and HSE kits. Th BS85991 kits are more comprehensive and contain up to date items, whilst HSE kits are more basic and have remained the same since 1981. The results of your risk assessment will ultimately determine which kit to buy. As a rule for most workplaces we recommend the BS85991 kits.

3. Don’t Cheap out! Buy kits from a reputable supplier. Good quality First Aid materials are essential when administering treatment to casualties.

4. NEVER include medicines. First Aid Kits should NEVER include any pills, potions, lotions, or liquids. Eyewash is permissible in travel First Aid kits or in kits that are remote from a clean fresh water supply.

5. Initial Checks. Unpack and thoroughly check newly purchased First Aid kits to ensure they are fully stocked and are not boxed up or otherwise sealed which could make the contents inaccessible during an emergency situation.

6. Familiarity with Kit Contents. Ensure First Aid Personnel are aware of and are familiar with the contents of the First Aid kits in the workplace. This will allow them to locate and use equipment in a timely manner when administering First Aid treatment.

7. Location, Location, Location. Place First Aid kits in a prominent location where ALL employees can easily find and access one in an emergency situation. It shouldn’t be hidden in a drawer or cupboard or locked office.

8. Regular Checks. Kits should be regularly inspecting (weekly, monthly etc) to ensure they are fully stocked, the components are in date, the kit is clean and the box is secure and undamaged.

9. Stock up! Kits need to be refilled after they have been used, to ensure that the kit is fully stocked ready for the next time it is needed.

10. Replace. Damaged Kits should be replaced. This may involve just replacing the actual box or the box and its components. These can all be purchased separately from a reputable supplier.

Practical Safety Ltd offers advice on both first aid provision and has extensive experience at carrying out First Aid Needs Assessments. Contact us today to discuss your requirements.

*Disclaimer: Please note that it is the duty of the employer to make a needs assessment of the first aid provision appropriate to the circumstances of their workplace. This page is for information purposes only. The information contained on this page is intended as an overall introduction and is not intended as specific advice from a qualified professional. Practical safety Ltd aims to avoid, but accepts no liability, in the case that any information stated is out of date.