OSH requirements for first aid kits

OSH requirements for first aid kits

The Department of Labour's guide for Occupational Safety & Health (OSH) guidelines for First Aid Equipment, Facilities and Training. Guidance Notes to meet the Requirements of the Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992 and Regulations 1995 - Updated May 2001

These guidance notes are intended for the use of:

(a) Anyone responsible for first aid in places of work;
(b) Employers who need to have trained first aid personnel in places of work they are responsible for;
(c) First aid personnel in places of work.

Click on ICON below to link to Requirements of the Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992 and Regulations 1995

First Aid Requirements

Appendices 4, 5 and 6 from the publication First Aid Equipment, Facilities and Training - Guidance Notes on Providing

Appendix 4 - Suggested minimum contents for workplace first aid kits

A manual giving general guidance on first aid, which can be purchased at any book shop, or from a training provider;
20 individually-wrapped sterile adhesive dressings (assorted sizes), appropriate to the type of work (dressings may be of a detectable type for food handlers);
2 sterile eye pads;
2 individually-wrapped triangular bandages (preferably sterile);
6 safety pins;
6 medium-sized, individually-wrapped sterile unmedicated wound dressings - approximately 12 cm x 12 cm;
2 large sterile individually-wrapped unmedicated wound dressings - approximately 18 cm x 18 cm;
1 pair of disposable gloves; and
1 resuscitation mask.
This is a suggested contents list only; equivalent but different items will be considered acceptable. See 9.3 concerning pain relief.

Once the employer has completed their assessment of the first aid items required, a need for additional items may be identified; this could include, for example, scissors, adhesive tape, disposable aprons, individually-wrapped moist wipes or saline solution. These may be stored in the first aid kit if there is room, but they may be stored separately as long as they are available for use as required.


Appendix 5 - Suggested minimum contents for vehicle or lone worker's first aid kit

A leaflet giving general guidance on first aid, available from most training providers and bookshops;
6 individually-wrapped sterile adhesive dressings (assorted sizes), appropriate to the type of work (dressings may be of a detectable type for food handlers);
2 individually-wrapped triangular bandages (preferably sterile);
2 safety pins;
1 large, sterile, individually-wrapped, unmedicated wound dressings approximately 18 cm x 18 cm;
Individually-wrapped moist cleansing wipes (not alcohol-based);
1 pair of disposable gloves; and
1 resuscitation mask.
This is a suggested contents list only; equivalent but different items will be considered acceptable. See 9.3 concerning pain relief.

This kit can be carried in individual belt pouches by people working alone. Once the employer has completed their assessment of the first aid items required, a need for additional items may be identified. This could include, for example, scissors, adhesive tape, thermal blanket, and additional individually-wrapped unmedicated sterile wound dressings. As with workplace first aid kits, the contents should be stocked from backup stock at the home site.

Remember your priorities are to :

* assess the situation
* not to put yourself in danger
* make the area safe if needed
* assess all the casualties, attend to unconscious casualties first
* phone or send for help immediately.