What should a first aid kit in the workplace contain?

The decision on what to provide will be influenced by the findings of the first aid needs assessment. As a guide, where work activities involve low hazards, a minimum stock of first aid items might be:

A leaflet giving general guidance on first aid (for example, HSE’s leaflet Basic advice on first aid at work).
Individually wrapped sterile plasters (assorted sizes), appropriate to the type of work (hypoallergenic plasters can be provided if necessary).
Sterile eye pads.
Individually wrapped triangular bandages; preferably sterile.
Safety pins.
Large sterile individually wrapped unmedicated wound dressings.
Medium-sized sterile individually wrapped unmedicated wound dressings.
Disposable gloves (for advice on latex gloves please see Selecting latex gloves).

This is only a suggested contents list.

Employers may wish to refer to British Standard BS 8599 which provides further information on the contents of workplace first aid kits.

Whether using a first aid kit complying with BS 8599 or an alternative kit, the contents should reflect the outcome of the first aid needs assessment.

It is recommended that you do not keep tablets and medicines in the first aid kit.

More advice is given in HSE’s free leaflet: First aid at work: your questions answered.

How often should the contents of first aid kits be replaced?

Although there is no specified review timetable, many items, particularly sterile ones, are marked with expiry dates. They should be replaced by the dates given and expired items disposed of safely. In cases where sterile items have no dates, it would be advisable to check with the manufacturers to find out how long they can be kept. For non-sterile items without dates, it is a matter of judgement, based on whether they are fit for purpose.

First aid needs assessment

RT Training are willing to provide free telephone advice for companies wishing to carry out a first aid needs assessment; we also offer free on-site visits to companies with 150+ employees.

If you would like any further advice, RT Training is to provide free telephone advice to companies wishing to carry out a first aid needs assessment; we also offer free on-site visits to companies with 150+ employees.

If you wish to receive advice or an on-site visit please fill out our form below or call 03333 44 2176

See First Aid Needs Assessment Form

Your first and surname:*
Name of company | organisation | institution:*
Address of company | organisation | institution*
Street Address Address Line 2 Town or City Postcode
Your email address:*
Your contact phone number
Approximately, how many employees does your company | organisation | institution have?
To enable us to conduct an initial appraisal of the likely First Aid at Work needs (using the dropdown above) please let us know very approximately how many employees your company, organisation or institution has?
Additional comments about your company | organisation | intuition.
To enable us to help you with your First Aid at Work Needs Assessment, please provide us with a brief outline of the type of work your organisation performs.
CAPTCHA

Instructor-led Industry Courses

Schools – Instructor-led

First Aid Courses

First Aid at Work

Emergency First Aid at Work

First Aid at Work Re-qualification

Paediatric First Aid

Emergency Paediatric First Aid

Basic Life Support and Safe Use Of An Automated External Defibrillator [AED]

First Aid at Work [Remote Working]

First Aid at Work [Remote Working and Incident Management]

First Aid at Work [Equestrian Industry]

First Aid at Work [Equestrian Industry and Incident Management]

E-learning

In addition we provide e-learning workplace courses specific to industry; click here to browse or use our search tool.