When was the last time you checked your first aid kit was adequately stocked, or that your dressings were not past their “use by” date?
It is an employers legal obligation to ensure that first kits are available to all their employees and customers at all times. So don’t delay…. check it now. If you’re not sure what should be in your first aid kit, below is a list of minimum suggested contents:
- A guidance leaflet
- 20 adhesive dressings (individually wrapped and assorted sizes)
- 2 sterile eye pads
- 6 triangular bandages (individually wrapped and sterile)
- 6 medium sterile wound dressings (individually wrapped and unmedicated)
- 2 large sterile wound dressings (individually wrapped and unmedicated)
- 6 safety pins
- Disposable gloves
Also, if your risk assessment concludes a requirement, employers may include additional materials such as:
- Blunt tipped scissors
- Non-alcoholic wipes
- Micropore tape
- Disposable apron
- Protective equipment
- Clinical waste bag
- Special burns dressings
Remember, no creams, lotions or potions are permitted. If you have no fresh mains tap water available, you should also consider having sterile eyewash available for the purpose of eye irrigation. (Do not use sterile water if the seal has previously been broken, if it has already been used on another individual or if it is out-of-date.)
Whilst you’re at it, why not check that all your first aid certificates are still valid. First Aid Certificates are valid for a maximum of three years so should be checked on a regular basis. The Health and Safety Executive now also recommend that annual refresher training be undertaken to keep key skills practiced and up-to-date.
beSmart Training run both the one-day Emergency First Aid at Work and the three-day First Aid at Work courses at their London based training centre. Please call Sue on 020 7237 6007 for prices and dates.
