Workplace first aid kits: BS 8599-1:2019

BS 8599-1:2019 is the latest standard for Workplace First Aid Kits. It was updated in 2019 to provide much needed detail and specific guidance to allow business owners and managers to begin building a suitable workplace first aid kit.

This latest standard represents a substantial update to the previous requirements, In particular:

  • The British Standards Institute (BSI) set out updates to a number of kits to meet these standards, including workplace first aid kits and vehicle first aid kits.
  • The BSI introduced two specific kits to cater for incidents in particular circumstances: the personal issue first aid kit and the critical injury first aid kit.
  • As well as detailed component requirements, the standard sets out requirements for the container holding the kit.
  • The standard contains tables listing what should be contained in a workplace first aid kit, as well as a guide on the appropriate size of the kit depending on the type of environment in which it is used.

Contents for workplace first aid kits:

Contents Small  Medium Large
First aid guidance leaflet 1 1 1
Medium sterile dressing 2 4 6
Large sterile dressing 2 3 4
Triangular dressing 2 3 4
Eye dressing 2 3 4
Plasters 40 60  100
Alcohol-free moist cleansing wipes 20  30 40
Adhesive tape 1 2 3
Nitrile gloves – pair 6  9  12
Face shield  1 1 2
Foil blanket 1 2 3
Burn dressing 10 x 10cm 1 2  2
Clothing cutters 1 1  1
Conforming bandage  1 2 2
Finger dressing 2 3  4
Contents list 1 1 1

 

The standard also states how many first aid kits will be required for the number of people in a given workplace. In addition, it is important to note that the standard states that where there are special circumstances in a particular workplace, such as remoteness from emergency services, the quantity of first aid kits should be increased as needed. As such, the following list should not be taken as authoritative and your individual needs should be carefully assessed.

For low hazard workplaces the requirements are:

  • Fewer than 25 employees: 1 small workplace first aid kit.
  • From 25-100 employees: 1 medium workplace first aid kit.
  • Over 100 employees: 1 large workplace first aid kit per 100 employees.

For high hazard work environments, the requirements are slightly more stringent:

  • Fewer than five employees: 1 small first workplace first aid kit
  • From 5-25 employees: 1 medium workplace first aid kit
  • More than 25 employees: 1 large kit per 25 employees

Travel and motoring first aid kit

Travel and motoring first aid kits should be installed in all company vehicles and are designed to be transportable and used when employees are working away from the main workplace. For cars, vans, and lorries BS 8599-2:2019 guidelines recommend a medium size that contains the following (Note: The equipment list requirements for motorcycles, minibuses and coaches are different):

  • 1 x guidance leaflet.
  • 1 x contents list.
  • 1 x medium sterile dressing.
  • 1 x triangular bandage.
  • 10 x sterile adhesive dressings.
  • 10 x alcohol-free cleansing wipes.
  • 2 x pairs of nitrile gloves.
  • 1 x face shield.
  • 1 x foil blanket.
  • 2 x burn dressings.
  • 1 x universal shears.
  • 1 x adhesive dressing.
  • 1 x medium trauma dressing.

Personal issue kit

In the BS 8599-1:2019 guidelines, a personal issue first aid kit was introduced, aimed specifically at lone workers. This kit is designed specifically for the needs of those engaged in work activities away from the main workplace, such as those doing ground, security or maintenance work, or cleaning personnel. They are intended as a supplementary resource to small, medium and large first aid kits being available in the workplace they are separated from. Their contents should be as follows:

  • 1 x guidance leaflet.
  • 1 x contents list.
  • 1 x large sterile dressing.
  • 1 x triangular bandage.
  • 10 x sterile adhesive dressings.
  • 4 x alcohol-free cleansing wipes.
  • 2 x pairs of nitrile gloves.
  • 1 x face shield.
  • 1 x foil blanket.
  • 1 x universal shears.

Critical injury first aid kit

The BS 8599-1:2019 standard recommends a critical injury first aid kit where employees will be engaged in work with “dangerous machinery or sharp instruments, cutting equipment, power tools, construction, agriculture, forestry, etc.” According to the guidelines, employers should undertake a risk assessment and store appropriate numbers of the critical injury first aid kit in line with the level of risk and the number of employees on site at any given time. Interestingly, the guidelines relating to the critical injury first aid kit also make reference to the need to assess whether you should have access to kits for use in the event of acts of terrorism or any other mass casualty incident.

In terms of the contents of the critical injury first aid kit, of note are the requirements for trauma dressings, haemostatic dressings and a tourniquet. These additions were recommended by the European Resuscitation Council. Critical injury first aid kits will also need to include:

  • 1 x guidance leaflet.
  • 1 x contents label.
  • 2 x pairs nitrile gloves.
  • 2 x large trauma dressings 15 x 18cm.
  • 2 x haemostatic dressings.
  • 1 x tourniquet.
  • 1 x foil blanket.
  • 1 x heavy-duty shears.

The BS 8599-1:2019 standard was a most welcome update and significantly clarified the health and safety obligations in respect of workplace first aid kits. The 2019 update provided much needed detail and specific guidance, which allows business owners and concerned managers to begin building a suitable workplace first aid kit. If you take workplace health and safety seriously, it is vital that you familiarise yourself with the BS 8599-1:2019 requirements and acquire a workplace first aid kit that meets the standards.

There is more information in our article about first aid in the office environment.

Disclaimer: The information provided through Legislation Watch is for general guidance only and is not legal advice. Legislation Watch is not a substitute for Health and Safety consultancy. You should seek independent advice about any legal matter.

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