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New BS standard for First Aid kits
Date: 29 Jun 2011
From 30th June 2011, there is to be a new British Standard First Aid kits BS8599.
Don't panic though as the HSE say that existing kits are acceptable to comply with HSE's First Aid at Work guidance.
Please note that HSE have been involved in the creation of the new standard and the current guidelines in the First Aid at Work regs, ACOP (L74) are met and exceeded by the new BSi Standard.
HSE are not planning to update the current ACOP in the foreseeable future but they have this to say about the current HSE First Aid kit regs:
From HSE's perspective the contents of the first aid kit are dependent on the needs assessment. All L74 provides is a suggested minimum list of contents for a low hazard environment. It doesn\'t matter provided the needs assessment has been done whether a dutyholder creates purchases a kit of the shelf or a bespoke first aid kit or purchases a kit that matches standard BS 8599. HSE will not be taking action against anyone who has a non BS8599 first aid kit but it meets the needs assessment of that workplace after the 31st December 2011. Obviously purchasing a BS8599 kit could provide one means for a dutyholder to discharge part of their first aid responsibilities but it is not the only way.
Andrew Moore PhD FAAMS, HSE,
So our advice is to stick with your current kit until the contents go out of date then think about upgrading to the new standard.
BRITISH STANDARD 8599-First Aid Kit Sizes and Contents. Contents Small Medium Large Travel First Aid Guidance Leaflet 1 1 1 1 Contents List 1 1 1 1 Medium Dressing (12cm x 12cm) (Sterile) 4 6 8 1 Large Dressing (18cm x 18cm) (Sterile) 1 2 2 1 Triangular Bandage (Single Use) ((90cm x 127cm) 2 3 4 1 Safety Pins (Assorted) (minimum length 2.5cm) 6 12 24 2 Eye Pad Dressing with Bandage (Sterile) 2 3 4 0 Washproof Assorted Plasters 40 60 100 10 Moist Cleaning Wipes 20 30 40 4 Microporous Tape (2.5cm x 5m or 3m for Travel Kit) 1 1 1 1 Nitrile Gloves (1 Pair) 6 9 12 1 Finger Dressing with Adhesive Fixing (3.5cm) 2 3 4 0 Mouth to Mouth Resuscitation Device with Valve 1 1 2 1 Foil Blanket (130cm x 210cm) 1 2 3 1 Eye Wash (250ml) 0 0 0 1 Burn Relief Dressing (10cm x 10cm) 1 2 2 1 Universal Shears (Suitable for cutting clothing) 1 1 1 1 Conforming Bandage (7.5cm x 4m) 1 2 2 1 Please Note: BS-8599 is effective from 30th June 2011 with a transitional period until 31st December 2011.
