First Aid Kit — Reference Guide

Workplace First Aid Kits

Ensure your workplace kits meet safety standards and are fit for purpose.

Kit Types

There are many different first aid kits available in the UK. The most common are:

  • HSE Standard Kit – Basic items for low-risk environments such as offices or retail.
  • British Standard (BS) Kit – Contains more items than HSE kits and is recommended for most workplaces.

First aid kits must contain essential items for your workplace and activities.

Recommended Contents

Typical low-hazard kit contents include:

  • HSE Basic Advice leaflet
  • Assorted sterile plasters
  • Sterile eye pad
  • Triangular bandage (sterile, wrapped)
  • Safety pins
  • Medium and large sterile dressings
  • Disposable gloves (various sizes)

Kit Standards

  • BS 8599-1 Certified Kits are not legally mandatory but strongly recommended.
  • Kits should feature a white cross on a green background for easy identification.

? Maintaining First Aid Kits

  • Regular inspection – check kits frequently.
  • Replace any expired sterile items and dispose safely.
  • Consult manufacturer for items without expiry dates; ensure non-sterile items remain fit for purpose.

? Summary Table

Area Key Points
Purpose Low or high hazard workplaces; consider outdoor work.
Example Contents Leaflet, plasters, dressings, pins, bandages, gloves, eye pads, scissors, CPR face shield.
Standards & Labels BS 8599-1 recommended; green kits with white cross.
Maintenance Regular checks, expiry tracking, safe disposal.

? British Standard First Aid Kit Contents (BS 8599-1:2019)

Item Small Medium Large
First Aid Guidance Leaflet111
Medium Sterile Dressings (12x12 cm)246
Large Sterile Dressings (18x18 cm)123
Triangular Bandages234
Safety Pins61224
Sterile Eye Pads234
Sterile Plasters (Assorted)4060100
Sterile Wipes203040
Adhesive Finger Dressings234
Disposable Gloves (Pairs)6912
Resuscitation Face Shield112
Foil Blanket123
Burn Dressings (10x10 cm)122
Shears (Tuff Cut)111
Conforming Bandage (7.5 cm)122

? Kit Sizes & Workplace Suitability

Kit Size Suggested Use
SmallLow-risk workplaces (fewer than 25 employees)
MediumHigher risk or 25–100 employees
LargeHigher risk or over 100 employees

? Key Points

  • BS 8599-1 is not a legal requirement but strongly recommended by HSE.
  • Employers should assess workplace risk to determine correct kit size and quantity.
  • Always store kits in an easily accessible location with a white cross on a green background.

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