Every workplace has a legal obligation to provide adequate first aid equipment on their premises with a minimum being a first aid kit. But should that kit be a British Standard or a HSE one?
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) outlined their recommendations for first aid kits back in 1981, offering guidance on what items should be included, but not specifying the quantity of the items.
The British Standard (BS8599-1) was created as a revised and improved recommendation based on modern risks and hazards, as the HSE guidance hasn’t been updated since the 1980s. The British Standard workplace first aid kits ensure that there is a first aid kit on hand that meets the needs outlined by their risk assessments.
What is a HSE first aid kit?
The Health and Safety Executive, commonly known as the HSE, is the national regulator of health and safety for workplaces in the UK. Their job is to collect data from RIDDOR and other avenues, so that they can make recommendations to improve workplace safety, preventing work-related death, injury and ill health.
A HSE first aid kit includes the items to meet the minimum legal requirements.
The HSE first aid kit will add a cheaper, more basic kit that will cover a business’ legal requirements but doesn’t have any extra supplies to your range, ensuring that companies have access to the mandatory requirements in an emergency.
What is a BS8599-1 first aid kit?
The BS8599-1 is what the 2019 British standard for workplace first aid kits is known as. This type of first aid kit will offer your range a more comprehensive supply of first aid products, ensuring that there is adequate coverage for various emergency situations.With a British Standard first aid kit, employers are required to carry out a risk assessment which will dictate what size of kit the business requires. This allows them to factor in the quantity of each item they might need, how many employees need to be covered and how high the risk is.
Is it mandatory to have a British Standard First Aid Kit?
It is not mandatory for workplaces to have a British Standard First Aid kit. While the HSE first aid kit is the standard legal requirement for all workplaces, the British Standard kits offer a more comprehensive collection. The BS8599-1 kits expand upon the first aid kit’s contents to make the workplace as safe as possible for everyone.What are the HSE recommendations for first aid kits?
The HSE advises that your customer has these supplies available as the standard minimum requirements for their workplace first aid kit:- A leaflet including guidance on how to perform first aid
- Individually wrapped sterile plasters of different sizes
- Sterile eye pads
- Individually wrapped triangular bandages
- Safety pins
- Individually wrapped medium and large sterile wound dressings
- Disposable gloves
You can find more information on the contents of a British Standard first aid kit here.
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By Sarah Mason