HSE Regulations
How many First Aiders should I have?
The table below is for guidance purposes only:
| Category of risk | Numbers of employed at any location | Suggested number of First Aid personnel |
|---|---|---|
| Lower Risk Shops, Offices, Libraries |
1: Fewer than 50. 2: 50-100. 3: More than 100. |
1: At least one appointed person. 2: At least one first aider. 3: One additional First Aider for Every 100 employed. |
| Medium risk Light engineering and assembly work, food processing, warehousing. |
1: Fewer than 20. 2: 20-100. 3:More than 100. |
1: At least one appointed person. 2: At least one First Aider for every 50 employed (or part thereof). 3: One additional First Aider for every 100 emoloyed. |
| High Risk Most construction slaughterhouses, chemical manufacturing, extensive work with dangerous machinery, or sharp instruments. |
1: Fewer than 5. 2: 5-50. 3: More than 50. 4: Where there are hazards for which additional first aid skills are necessary. |
1: At least one appointed person. 2: At least one First Aider. 3: One additional First Aider fo every 50 employed. 4: In addition, at least one First Aider trained in the specific emergency action. |
Contents of a First Aid box
There is no standard list of items to put in a first aid box. It depends on what you assess the needs are. However, as a guide, and where there is no special risk in the workplace, a minimum stock of first aid items would be:
| HSE 1 to 5 Person Kit | HSE 6 t0 10 Person Kit | HSE 11 to 20 Person Kit | HSE 21 to 50 Person Kit |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Aid Guidance Leaflet. 6 x Adhesive Dressings (Plasters) Assorted. 2 x Triangular Bandages. 6 x Safety Pins. 1 x HSE Dressing 18 x 18cm. 2 x Alcohol-Free Hygienic Cleansing Wipes. 1 x Pair Disposable Gloves. |
First Aid Guidance Leaflet. 20 Adhesive Dressings (Plasters) Assorted. 2 x No.l6 Eye Pad with Bandage. 4 x Triangular Bandages. 6 x Safety Pins. 6 x HSE Dressing 12 x l2cm. 2 x HSE Dressing 18 x l8cm. 6 x Alcohol-Free Hygienic Cleansing Wipes. Pair Disposable Gloves. |
First Aid Guidance Leaflet. 40 Adhesive Dressings (Plasters) Assorted. 4 x No.l6 Eye Pad with Bandage. 6 x Triangular Bandages. 12 x Safety Pins. 9 x HSE Dressing 12 x l2cm. 3 x HSE Dressing 18 x l8cm. 10 x Alcohol-Free Hygienic Cleansing Wipes. 2 x Pairs Disposable Gloves. |
First Aid Guidance Leaflet. 60 Adhesive Dressings (Plasters) Assorted. 6 x No.l6 Eye Pad with Bandage. 8 x Triangular Bandages. 12 x Safety Pins. 12 x HSE Dressing 12 x l2cm. 4 x HSE Dressing 18 x l8cm. 20 x Alcohol-Free Hygienic Cleansing Wipes. 3 x Pairs Disposable Gloves. |
The information above is intended for general guidance. You may contact the H.S.E directly at: Health & Safety Executive, Health Policy Division, Magdalen House, Stanley Precinct, Bootle L20 3QZ. Website: www.hse.gov.uk