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First Aid Kits in the workplace

First Aid in the Work Place

The Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981 require employers to provide adequate and appropriate first aid equipment, facilities and personnel to enable first aid to be given to employees if they are injured or become ill at work. These Regulations apply to all workplaces including those with five or fewer employees and to the self-employed. Detailed information can be found by visiting the HSE website and searching for:
First aid at work. The Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981 L74.

The first aid equipment that is required by these regulations will depend on the circumstances in the workplace. This includes whether trained first aiders are required, what should be included in a first aid box and if a first aid room is needed. Employers should carry out an assessment of first aid needs to determine this.

Basic advice on first aid at work can be found on the HSE Web site:

http://www.hse.gov.uk/

First aid equipment requirements.
Once a risk assessment of first aid needs has been carried out, the decision must be made as to what first aid equipment needs to be provided in the workplace. The minimum requirement of first aid equipment is a suitably stocked first aid box. The risk assessment may suggest that additional materials and equipment are required such as scissors, adhesive tape, disposable aprons and individually wrapped moist wipes. These may be added to the contents of the first aid box or cabinet.

The HSE legislation also states that if mains tap water is not readily available for eye irrigation, at least one litre of sterile water or sterile normal saline (0.9%) in sealed, disposable containers should be provided. When the seal has been broken, the container should not be reused. The container should not be used beyond its expiry date. First Aid Stop Ltd eye wash products.