Frequently asked questions on first aid

Frequently asked questions on first aid What is an appointed person? When an employer's first aid needs assessment indicates that a first aider is unnecessary, the minimum requirement is to appoint a person to take charge of first aid arrangements. The roles of this appointed person include looking after the first aid equipment and facilities and calling the emergency services when required. They can also provide emergency cover, within their role and competence, where a first aider is absent due to unforeseen circumstances (annual leave does not count). To fulfil their role, appointed persons do not need first aid training. If you decide to provide a defibrillator in your workplace, it is important that those who may use it are appropriately trained. HSE does not specify the content of this training. However, whoever you select to deliver this training must be competent. Information on training is available from the Resuscitation Council (UK). What is the first aid treatment for an electric shock? See HSE's poster: Electric shock: first aid procedures What should a first aid box 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;safety pins; disposable gloves (for advice onlatex 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 http://www.arabcarsales.co.uk 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 don't keep tablets and medicines in the first aid box. More advice is given in HSE's free leaflet: First aid at work: your questions answered. How often should the contents of first aid boxes 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. http://www.hookeygin.uk 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. What first aid equipment should be provided? Once an assessment of first aid needs has been carried out, the findings can be used to decide what first aid equipment should be provided in the workplace. The minimum requirement is a suitably stocked first aid box, see FAQ 'First aid box'. The assessment may indicate that additional materials and equipment are required such as scissors, hypoallergenic microrpous adhesive tape, disposable aprons and individually wrapped, moist wipes. They may be put in the first aid box or stored separately.