First Aid Equipment - What do you need???

Approve Code of Practice for First Aid kits states.  A minimum level of first aid equipment is suitably stocked and properly identified in a first aid container. Every employer should provide every work site at least one first aid container supplied with a sufficient quantity of first aid materials suitable to the particular circumstances

To identify the particular needs of the workplace, a risk assessment should  indentify what the first aid requirements are for the workplace,  therefore identfiying what first aid equipment is required.

There is no mandatory list  for  first aid boxes. It will depend on the risk assessment. If there is no specific risk in the workplace, then a suggested first aid kit for the minimum level of provision will be:

• 20 individually wrapped sterile adhesive dressings (assorted sizes)
• a leaflet giving general guidance on first aid
• two sterile eye pads
• four individually wrapped triangular bandages (preferably sterile)
• six safety pins
• six medium-sized (approximately 12 cm x 12 cm) individually wrapped sterile
• unmedicated wound dressings
• two large (approximately 18 cm x 18 cm) sterile individually wrapped
• unmedicated wound dressings
• one pair of disposable gloves

 The risk assessment may identify additional requirements scissors, adhesive tape, disposable aprons and individually wrapped moist wipes.

But you shouldnot keep tablets or medicines in the first aid box.

Soiled items from dealing with a first aid situation should be disposed of in yellow clinical waste bags and the area cleaned and disinfected and returned to normal use.

First Aid Supplies should be monitored to ensure they comply with the guidance card, replenished afer a first aid situation and monitored for use by dates.

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.

Active Training Network supplies a range of quality first aid kits and accessories. The range covers first aid bags which are ideal if you are participating in sport or are traveling on holiday.

If you wish for us to assess your first aid needs and advise you on your first aid supplies, please contact us.