The legal requirements for workplace first aid kits in the UK and Ireland are frequently misunderstood, with many employers either over-stocking kits with unnecessary items or failing to maintain the minimum required contents. This guide sets out the current legal requirements and best practice recommendations for both jurisdictions.
UK Requirements
In the UK, the Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981 require employers to provide adequate and appropriate first aid equipment, but do not specify a mandatory list of kit contents. Instead, the HSE provides guidance on minimum contents based on workplace risk level.
For a low-risk workplace with fewer than 25 employees, the HSE recommends a minimum kit containing:
- A leaflet giving general guidance on first aid
- 20 individually wrapped sterile adhesive dressings
- 2 sterile eye pads
- 4 individually wrapped triangular bandages
- 6 safety pins
- 2 large sterile individually wrapped unmedicated wound dressings
- 6 medium-sized sterile individually wrapped unmedicated wound dressings
- 1 pair of disposable gloves
Irish Requirements
In Ireland, the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 2007 require employers to provide first aid equipment appropriate to the nature of the workplace. The Health and Safety Authority provides guidance on minimum kit contents similar to the HSE's recommendations, with the addition of a requirement for resuscitation face shields in all workplace kits.
Inspection and Maintenance
First aid kits must be inspected regularly to ensure that all items are present and within their expiry dates. The HSE recommends monthly inspections for high-use kits and quarterly inspections for low-use kits. A record of inspections should be kept.
For workplaces wishing to train a designated person to manage first aid provision, Abertay Training offers First Aid at Work and Emergency First Aid at Work trainer qualifications.