What’s in your first aid room?
Where identified as necessary by the risk assessment, a suitable room should be made available for first aid purposes. It should contain sufficient first aid resources, be easily accessible to stretchers and, where possible, should only be used for administering first aid. The room should be identified with a sign using white lettering or symbols on a green background.
One person, usually a first aider, should be made responsible for the first aid room. A list of first aiders with their contact details should be displayed.
Although undesirable, it may be that the designated first aid room has to be shared with other activities. In this situation, the employer should consider the implications of the room being needed in an emergency and whether the activities in the room could be stopped immediately.
In addition to the contents of the first aid box, the first aid room should contain the following:
- Accident Record book
- Telephone
- Storage area for first aid materials
- Bed or couch with clean pillows and blankets
- Chair
- Waste bin and receptacle suitable for the safe disposal of clinical waste
- Sink with hot and cold running water – also drinking water and disposable cups
- Soap and some form of disposable paper towel.
First aid rooms should:
- Be large enough to hold an examination/medical couch, with enough space at each side for people to work, a chair and any necessary additional equipment
- Have washable surfaces and adequate heating, ventilation and lighting
- Stay clean, tidy, accessible and available for use at all times when employees are at work
- Be located as near as possible to a point of access for transport to hospital
- Display a notice on the door advising of the names, locations and, if appropriate, telephone extensions of first aiders and how to contact them.
Our useful first aid in different environments guide can support the preparation for your workplace.