The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) states that an organisation’s minimum first aid provisions should include suitably stocked first aid kits. But where should they be placed and What type of first aid kit is suitable for your workplace? This blog looks at where first aid kits should be placed and the differences between small, medium and large size first aid kits.
First aid kits play a critical role in lessening the severity of accidents in the workplace and thereby improve workplace safety. If a workplace is without a first aid kit, small injuries could become a much larger problem. Simply having a first aid kit on hand can help you and your team avoid these issues.
Where should a first aid kit be placed?
First aid kits should not be restricted to a specific location but rather be positioned based on the premises' layout and the outcomes of a comprehensive first aid needs assessment. It may become apparent that certain areas within the same floor pose higher hazards, necessitating either more kits or closer proximity. Although first aid training is also an important part of your first aid needs assessment, access to the first aid kit should be available to all your team, even if they are not qualified workplace first aiders. The contents may be required quickly in an emergency and the instruction leaflet will help guide anyone who is trying to help.
When thinking about where a first aid kit should be placed, you should ensure that it is:
- easily accessible
- clearly visible
- signposted by a ‘first aid kit’ sign nearby.
First aid kits are available in a wide range of shapes and sizes, each is designed with specific considerations tailored to different levels of risk and sizes of workplace. The provision of a first aid kit with updated content is a clear and definitive way for employers to demonstrate they are serious about meeting their legal obligations under the Health and Safety First Aid Regulations.
What is a small first aid kit?
The British Red Cross small workplace first aid kit BS8599-1 complies with the latest 2019 British Standards update. A small first aid kit is suitable for treating a range of injuries, including cuts, scratches, sprains and bleeding. One first aid kit is ideal for low-risk workplaces with up to 25 employees. In a high-risk workplace, the small first aid kit has the capacity to treat individuals or small teams of up to five people.
What is included in a small first aid kit?
- 1 x conforming bandage
- 2 x triangular bandages
- 1 x burn dressing
- 2 x eye pad dressings
- 2 x finger dressings
- 2 x HSE compliant medium dressings
- 2 x HSE compliant large dressings
- 1 x adult foil blanket
- 6 x pairs of gloves
- 1 x guidance leaflet
- 40 x assorted wash proof plasters
- 1 x resuscitation face shield
- 1 x shears
- 1 x microporous tape
- 20 x cleansing wipes
What is a medium first aid kit?
The Red Cross medium workplace first aid kit BS8599-1 complies with the latest 2019 British Standards update. One medium sized first aid kit is ideal for low-risk workplaces with between 25 and 100 employees. If you work in a high-risk workplace, the medium first aid kit can be used for teams of between five and 25 employees.
What is included in a medium first aid kit?
- 2 x conforming bandages
- 3 x triangular bandages
- 2 x burn dressings
- 3 x eye pad dressings
- 3 x finger dressings
- 4 x HSE medium dressings
- 3 x HSE large dressings
- 2 x foil blankets
- 9 x pairs gloves
- 1 x guidance leaflet
- 60 x assorted wash proof plasters
- 1 x resuscitation face shield
- 1 x shears
- 2 x microporous tapes
- 30 x cleansing wipes.
What is a large first aid kit?
The Red Cross large workplace first aid kit BS8599-1 complies with the latest 2019 British Standards update. If you work in a low-risk organisation, one large first aid kit is suitable for every 100 employees. In a high-risk work environment, one large first aid kit is appropriate for every 25 employees.
What is included in a large first aid kit?
- 2 x conforming bandages
- 4 x triangular bandages
- 2 x burn dressings
- 4 x eye pad dressings
- 4 x finger dressings
- 6 x HSE medium dressings
- 4 x HSE large dressings
- 3 x adult foil blankets
- 12 x pairs of gloves
- 1 x guidance leaflet
- 100 x assorted wash proof plasters
- 2 x resuscitation face shields
- 1 x shears
- 3 x microporous tapes
- 40 x cleansing wipes.
It’s important to remember that workplace first aid kits should be always fully stocked, so that they’re always ready for a first aid emergency.
At Red Cross Training, we provide a variety of first aid supplies to ensure you meet HSE guidelines based on your first aid needs assessment. We stock a range of small, medium and large first aid kits. We also offer a range of other products to help you to comply with HSE guidance, in accordance with the requirements of your first aid needs assessment. In addition to first aid kits, you can purchase defibrillators and accessories, burns first aid kit and double eye wash station.
If you’d like more information in deciding how many first aid kits you need in your organisation, our blog looks at where first aid kits should be placed and how many are required.