Suggested minimum contents for a workplace first aid kit
Here is a list of recommended contents for first aid kits for workplaces with no special risk:
- manual, giving general guidance on first aid
- individually wrapped moist wipes or saline solution
- 20 individually wrapped sterile adhesive dressings (assorted sizes), appropriate to the type of work in question. Dressings may be of a specific type, for food handlers
- two sterile eye pads
- two individually wrapped triangular bandages (sterile) and clasps or safety pins to secure bandages
- two stretch bandages
- six medium-sized, individually wrapped unmedicated wound dressings – approximately 12cm x 12 cm
- two large, sterile, individually wrapped unmedicated wound dressings – approximately 18cm x 18cm
- two pairs of disposable gloves
- one resuscitation mask
This is a suggested contents list only. You may want to use equivalent items.
When you do your Needs Assessment you may identify a need for additional items. These could include:
- scissors
- adhesive strips or Band-Aids for minor wound dressing
- non-allergic adhesive tape
- disposable aprons
- forceps or tweezers, to remove foreign bodies
- plastic bags for waste disposal
- hand sanitiser
Ideally, these items are stored inside the first aid kit. But if necessary, they may be stored separately so long as they are available for use as required.
Suggested minimum contents for vehicle or lone worker’s first aid kit
- a leaflet giving general guidance on first aid
- six individually wrapped sterile adhesive dressings (assorted sizes), appropriate to the type of work
- two individually wrapped triangular bandages (sterile)
- one stretch bandage
- clasps or safety pins to secure bandages
- one large, sterile, individually wrapped unmedicated wound dressing – approximately 18cm x 18cm
- one pair of disposable gloves
- one resuscitation mask
This is only a suggested contents list; equivalent items will be considered acceptable. This kit can be carried in individual belt pouches by people working alone.
The contents of vehicle or lone worker first aid kits should be stocked from backup stock at the main work site.