What You Need In A First Aid Kit At Work

If you are buying a kit look for british standard bs 8599.
What you need in a first aid kit at work. The contents of your first aid kit should be based on your first aid needs assessment. While construction site first aid kits and office first aid kits might differ a little the basic contents remain the same. This means the presence of trained first aiders or appointed person s information for employees about first aid arrangements as well as the availability of a first aid kit that s fit for purpose. This is a suggested contents list.
The health and safety first aid regulations 1981 as amended require all employers to provide adequate and appropriate first aid equipment so that employees can be given immediate help if they are injured or taken ill at work. Each workplace must have first aid kits on site. Understanding the types of hazards found in your work environment is essential to be prepared for specific risks however each workplace needs a first aid kit. A well stocked first aid kit can help you respond effectively to common injuries and emergencies.
The listed items are intended to be the minimum for a workplace first aid kit. Butterfly bandages and narrow adhesive strips to hold the edges of a cut together to allow it to heal. The following are important items to have in your family health first aid kit. Sterile adhesive bandages in assorted sizes for simple cuts or abrasions.
Osha does not have a minimum requirement but references ansi z308 1 2003 minimum requirements for workplace first aid kits. The contents of any first aid kit should reflect the outcome of your first aid needs assessment. While the contents of the first aid kit listed in ansi z308 1 may be adequate for most worksites larger operations and high risk industries should consider additional first aid kits additional types of first aid equipment and first aid supplies in larger quantities. Therefore you should understand what the legal requirements are of first aid kits.
If you carry out activities involving low hazards eg clerical work in your own home you would not be expected to provide first aid equipment beyond your normal domestic needs. First aid kit what you need. The numbers given in table 2 are suggestions only. As a guide where work activities are low risk for example desk based work a minimum first aid kit might contain.
Depending on the potential for injury a more complete kit may be necessary. To table 2 which provides a general guide on how many appointed persons or first aiders you might need. Store your kits someplace easy to get to and out of the reach of young children. If your work involves driving long distances or you are continuously on the road the assessment may identify the need to keep a personal first aid kit in your vehicle.
First aid arrangements are legally required in all businesses.