As a minimum, all workplaces should have a first aid box or kit. But what should be in a workplace first aid kit?
As a minimum, all workplaces should have a first aid box or kit. But what should be in a workplace first aid kit?
Different work activities involve different hazards, therefore different first aid kit contents are needed. It depends on multiple factors, including the size of the workplace, the numbers employed, potential hazards and access to medical services.
Firstly, as a minimum, a low-risk working environment such as a small office should have a first aid kit coupled with a designated person to manage first aid procedures like calling the emergency services if needed.
Secondly, if the workplace poses more substantial health and safety risks, for example, frequent use of machinery or hazardous materials, then it is vitally important to have a trained first aider ready in the event of an accident.
Check out this essential list of all the necessary items for your workplace first aid kit, so you can make sure that your company complies with all of the Health and Safety Authority’s rules and regulations and your place of work’s first aid supplies are up to scratch in the event of an accident.
HSA first aid kit requirements
So what exactly should be in your workplace first aid kit? This official table from the Health and Safety Authority outlines all the essential items.
Materials | First Aid Travel Kit Contents | First Aid Box Contents | ||
|
| 1-10 persons | 11-25 persons
| 26-50 persons *1
|
Adhesive Plasters | 20 | 20 | 20 | 40 |
Sterile eye pads (no. 16) (bandage attached) | 2 | 2 | 2 | 4 |
Individually wrapped triangular bandages | 2 | 2 | 6 | 6 |
Safety pins | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
Individually wrapped sterile unmedicated wound dressings medium (no. 8) (10 x 8cms) | 1 | 2 | 2 | 4 |
Individually wrapped sterile unmedicated wound dressings large (no. 9) (13 x 9cms) | 1 | 2 | 6 | 8 |
Individually wrapped sterile unmedicated wound dressings extra large (no. 3) (28 x 17.5cms) | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
Individually wrapped disinfectant wipes | 10 | 10 | 20 | 40 |
Paramedic shears | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
Examination gloves pairs | 3 | 5 | 10 | 10 |
Sterile water where there is no clear running water *2 | 2 x 20ml | 1 x 500ml | 2 x 500ml | 2 x 500ml |
Pocket face mask | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
Water based burns dressing small (10 x 10cms) *3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
Water based burns dressing large *3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
Crepe bandage (7cm) | 1 | 1 | 2 | 3 |
Notes:
*1 Where more than 50 persons are employed, pro rata provision should be made.
*2 Where mains tap water is not readily available for eye irrigation, sterile water or sterile normal saline (0.9%) in sealed disposable containers should be provided. Each container should hold at least 20ml and should be discarded once the seal is broken. Eye bath/eye cups/refillable containers should not be used for eye irrigation due to risk of cross infection. The container should be CE marked.
*3 Where mains tap water is not readily available for cooling burnt area.
Flexibility on first aid kit contents
The above table provides a general outline of what should be in a workplace first aid kit based on the number of employees in the workplace.
Quantities indicated in the table are minimum numbers and can be increased.
The requirements for sterile water and water based burns dressing as per note 2 and 3 above are only where there is not a sufficient supply of tap water available.
Also a single paramedic shears and pocket face mask is considered adequate.
Sometimes the quantities indicated in the table will be insufficient and the actual amounts needed should be based on a risk assessment. For instance, the drivers of dangerous goods vehicles would need a quantity of 2x 500ml of sterile water for eye irrigation in their travel kits due to the risk of coming into contact with hazardous chemicals.
Need a new first aid kit or first aid kit contents?
Now that you know what should be in workplace first aid kit as suggested in the HSA’s first aid kit requirements, you might wish to stock up on your place of work’s first aid provisions.
Here at Martin Services our wide selection of first aid supplies will ensure that any ailment can be cured. We also have a diverse range of first aid kits for any situation:
– First aid kits for childcare
– First aid kits for catering
– First aid kits HSA cabinet
– First aid kits HSA work
– First aid kits for outdoor
– First aid kits for sports
