Revision to first aid kit standard

A new British Standard for the provision of first aid within the workplace will come into force this month (January 2012).

A provisional standard has been in place since June, but the new BS 8599-1:2011 standard will require all employers to make a more comprehensive first aid kit available.

“Over the past decade the contents requirement of first aid kits has evolved and this has been recognised by the British Healthcare Trade Association (BHTA),” said Peter Walker, BCSA Health, Training & Safety Manager. “The BHTA has now developed a new solution for today’s workplace.”

Steelwork contractors should always make sure that there is adequate first aid available for its employees. This should be by either utilising the main contractor’s kit, or by brining its own kit to site.

“There may be instances when the steelwork contractor may be the dominant contractor on a site, in which case it wouldn’t be in a position to rely on another company’s first aid,” said Mr Walker. “They should always have their own kit with them anyway.”

The BSi first aid kits are now the only safe and clear way for an employer to meet its obligations. The new kits contain larger quantities of plasters and wipes, modern burns gel and the introduction of a foil emergency blanket.