First aid kits are a requirement in any workplace thanks to the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981 and with the new BS-8599 regulations which were introduced in the Summer of 2011 there is now more guidance on what should be included and more guidelines for workplaces and the self-employed.
What’s changed with the BS-8599 Regulations?
The BS-8599 regulations now reflect the new training protocols of dealing with injuries, illnesses and also with the increased concern over infection control. The new regulations, which came into effect on 30th June 2011, was given a 6 month roll out period to be compliant by 30th December 2011.
First aid kits have been updated to reflect this and the changes include:
- Increased disposable gloves, Nitrile rather than Latex to decrease any potential allergy attacks
- An Introduction of small absorbent wound dressings
- An introduction of a clothing cutter
- An introduction of a resuscitation shield
- Introduction of a heat reflecting foil survival blanket
- Introduction of Saline wipes
- Introduction of non-woven hypoallergenic tape
What size and how many first aid kits do I need?
Good question, this depends on the size of your workforce, and whether the working environment falls into a low risk category or high risk category, you can use the below tables as a guide to help you work out what you need to be compliant.
First Aid Kit sizes (Compliant with BS-8599)
| Small Workplace Kit |
Up to 25 people |
| Medium Workplace Kit |
Between 25-50 people |
| Large Workplace Kit |
Over 100 people |
Low Risk: shops, offices, libraries etc
| Less than 25 Employees |
Small First Aid Kit |
| 25-100 Employees |
Medium First Aid Kit |
| 100+ Employees |
1 Large Kit per 100 Employees |
High Risk: Manufacturing, Agricultural, Construction, Machinery work etc
| Less than 5 Employees |
Small First Aid Kit |
| 5-25 Employees |
Medium First Aid Kit |
| 25+ Employees |
1 Large Kit per 25 Employees |
If you need to purchase first aid kits ESE Direct supply the statutory Green Box First Aid kit in the small, medium large as well as travel sizes
We also supply motorist first aid kits among a vast range of first aid refills and supplies you can use to top up your existing first aid kit.
You can also purchase the legally required first aid signs from our site too. And for any first aid items which you need to keep under lock and key, a St John Ambulance approved lockable first aid cabinet is a great idea.