What to put in a First Aid Kit?

Each workplace must have a suitably stocked first aid kit. This should be accessible, and all staff should know its locations. First aid kits are recognised by the logo displaying a white cross on a green background. The container must be kept free from dust and moisture. It is also advised, where possible, to store kits near hand washing facilities.

Many workplaces first aid kits now conform to the British standard BS8599-1:2019. By law, your kit doesn't have to meet this standard, but you should check it contains what you've identified in your needs assessment. The size of the kit should be based on the level of risk and the number of employees.

Size / type of kit	Small	Medium	Large
Low Risk: Offices & Shops	Fewer than 25 employees	25-100 employees	Over 100 employees
High Risk: Construction, Manufacturing, engineering etc.	Fewer than 5 employees	5-25 employees	Over 25 employees

Contents	Small	Medium	Large
Guidance Leaflet	1	1	1
Plasters	40	60	100
Medium Sterile Dressing	2	4	6
Large Sterile Dressing	2	3	4
Eye Pad Sterile Dressing	2	3	4
Sterile Finger Dressing	2	3	4
Burn Dressing	1	2	2
Triangular Bandage	2	3	4
Conforming Bandage	1	2	2
Alcohol-free Moist Cleaning wipes	20	30	40
Adhesive tape (roll)	1	2	3
Nitrile / Vinyl disposable Gloves (pair)	6	9	12
Clothing cutters (medical Shears)	1	1	1
Foil Blanket	1	2	3
Resuscitation face-shield	1	1	2

It should be remembered that certain items should not be stored in first aid kits.

These include

• Creams and sprays

• Painkillers

• Medication

• antiseptics