Health and Safety First Aid Regulations 1981

      First aid is defined as ‘the skilled application of accepted principles of treatment on the occurrence of an accident or in the case of sudden illness,using facilities and materials available at the time

 Health and Safety First Aid Regulations 1981

    First aid is defined as ‘the skilled application of accepted principles of treatment on the occurrence of an accident or in the case of sudden illness,using facilities and materials available at the time’.

First aid is rendered:

a) to sustain life;

b) to prevent deterioration in an existing condition; and

c) to promote recovery.

The significant areas of first aid treatment are:

a) restoration of breathing (resuscitation);

b) control of bleeding; and

c) prevention of collapse

·      Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981

These Regulations apply to nearly all workplaces in the UK. Under the Regulations first aid means:

a) in cases where a person will need help from a medical practitioner or nurse, treatment for the purpose of preserving life and minimizingthe consequences of injury or illness until such help is obtained; and

b) treatment of minor injuries which would otherwise receive no treatment or which do not need treatment by a medical practitioner or nurse.

·       

·      Duties of employers

·               Duties of employers

·               An employer must provide, or ensure that there are provided, such equipment and facilities as are adequate and appropriate in the circumstances for enabling first aid to be rendered to his employees if they are injured or become ill at work.

·               Two main duties are imposed on employers by the Regulations:

a) to provide first aid; and

b) to inform employees of the first aid arrangements.

·      First aid boxes

There should be at least one first aid box, the contents being listed in the
HSE (health and safety executive) Guidance

·       

·      Contents of first aid boxes.

·              A first aid box should contain the following items:

• 1 x Guidance Card

• 20 x assorted individually wrapped sterile adhesive dressings

• 2 x sterile eye pads with attachment

• 6 x individually wrapped triangular bandages

• 6 x safety pins

• 6 x medium sized individually wrapped sterile unmedicated wound

dressings

• 2 x large individually wrapped sterile unmedicated wound dressings

• 3 x extra large individually wrapped sterile unmedicated wound

dressings and NOTHING ELSE.

A minimum 300ml sterile water container should be provided where mains

water is not available.

·      Equipment etc. for first aid rooms.

·               The following equipment and other items are recommended for first aid rooms:

a) a sink with running hot and cold water always available;

b) drinking water when not available on tap, together with disposable cups;

·          c) soap;

·          d) paper towels;

·          e) smooth topped work surfaces;

f) a suitable store for first aid materials;

g) suitable refuse containers lined with a disposable plastic bag;

h) a couch with waterproof surface, together with frequently cleaned

pillows and blankets;

i) clean protective garments;

j) a chair;

k) an appropriate record (Form BI 510); and

l) a bowl.

·      Travelling first aid kits.

The minimum contents for a travelling first aid kit are:

• 1 x Guidance card

• 6 x individually wrapped sterile adhesive dressings

• 1 x large sterile unmedicated dressing

• 2 x triangular bandages

• 2 x safety pins;

  First aid is defined as ‘the skilled application of accepted principles of treatment on the occurrence of an accident or in the case of sudden illness,using facilities and materials available at the time