These FAQs are aimed at employers, dutyholders, first-aiders and training organisations.
Please note that FAW refers to 'first aid at work' and EFAW to 'emergency first aid at work'.
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. However, emergency first-aid training courses are available.
Appointed persons are not first-aiders and should not attempt to give first aid for which they have not been trained.
First aid at work (FAW) courses do not cover the use of defibrillators. 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 and organisations providing it do not need HSE approval. Information on training is available from the Resuscitation Council (UK).
See HSE's poster:
There is no mandatory list of contents for first-aid boxes and HSE does not 'approve' or endorse particular products. Deciding what to include should be based on an employer's assessment of first-aid needs. As a guide, where work activities involve low hazards, a minimum stock of first-aid items might be:
This is only a suggested contents list.
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.
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. 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.
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, adhesive tape, disposable aprons and individually wrapped, moist wipes. They may be put in the first-aid box or stored separately.
If mains tap water is not readily available for eye irrigation, at least one litre of sterile water or sterile normal saline (0.9%) in sealed, disposable containers should be provided. When the seal has been broken, containers should not be reused. Containers should not be used beyond their expiry date.
The Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981 do not require employers to provide first aid for members of the public. However, many organisations such as schools, places of entertainment, fairgrounds and shops provide a service for others. HSE strongly recommends that employers include the public in their first-aid needs assessment and make provision for them.
Only in so far as employers are responsible for providing first aid for their employees. At events such as concerts, it is the event organiser's responsibility to ensure the availability of medical, ambulance and first-aid assistance as appropriate for all those involved.
Employers are responsible for meeting the first-aid needs of their employees working away from the main site. The assessment of first-aid needs should determine whether:
There is a British Standard BS 8599 for first aid kits, it is not a regulatory requirement under the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981 to purchase kits that comply with this standard. Instead the contents of a first aid box is dependent on an employers first aid needs assessment.
This means for employers following a needs assessment the options are:
1. Within your workplace you have access to a first aid kit whose contents complies with BS 8599 and matches your needs assessment;
or
2. Within your workplace you have access to a first aid kit whose contents matches your needs assessment but does not comply with the requirements of BS 8599.
You should provide a suitable first-aid room(s) where your first-aid needs assessment identifies this as necessary.
Typical examples of the equipment and facilities a first-aid room may contain are:
If possible, the room should be reserved specifically for providing first aid and a designated person (first-aider or appointed person) should be given responsibility for supervising it. The room should be easily accessible to stretchers and be clearly signposted and identified.
All first-aid boxes should have a white cross on a green background. Similarly, first-aid rooms should be easily identifiable by white lettering or a white cross on a green background.
Signs should be placed where they can be seen (not obstructed from view) and easily identified.
The findings of your first-aid needs assessment will help you decide how many first-aiders are required. There are no hard and fast rules on exact numbers and you will need to take into account all the relevant circumstances of your particular workplace. See the table in the leaflet First aid at work assessment tool
It is very unlikely that any action would be taken against a first-aider using the first-aid training they have received. HSE cannot give any specific advice on this issue as it does not fall within HSE's statutory powers.
It is recommended that you seek legal advice, or advice from your employer's insurance brokers on whether their policies cover first-aiders' liability.
Training courses for first-aiders in the workplace highlight the importance of preventing cross-infection in first-aid procedures.
Particular concerns have been raised about the possibility of first-aiders becoming infected by a blood-borne virus (including HIV, hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus) while performing first aid. HSE's free leaflet, Blood-borne viruses in the workplace , addresses this issue and advises on steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of infection.
It is good practice to provide your first-aiders and appointed persons with a book in which to record incidents they attend. The information can help you identify accident trends and possible areas for improvement in the control of health and safety risks. It can be used for reference in future first-aid needs assessments. The record book is not the same as the statutory accident book though the two might be combined.
Employers, self-employed people and those in control of premises have a duty to report some accidents and incidents at work under the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995 (RIDDOR). Further information is given at RIDDOR.
Useful information to record includes:
It is usually the first-aider or appointed person who looks after the book. However, employers have overall responsibility.
First aid at work does not include giving tablets or medicines to treat illness. The only exception to this is where aspirin is used when giving first aid to a casualty with a suspected heart attack, in accordance with currently accepted first-aid practice. It is recommended that tablets and medicines should not be kept in the first-aid box.
Some workers carry their own medication that has been prescribed by their doctor (eg an inhaler for asthma). If an individual needs to take their own prescribed medication, the first-aider's role is generally limited to helping them to do so and contacting the emergency services as appropriate.
Medicines legislation restricts the administration of injectable medicines. Unless self-administered, they may only be administered by or in accordance with the instructions of a doctor (eg by a nurse). However, in the case of adrenaline there is an exemption to this restriction, which means in an emergency a layperson is permitted to administer it by injection for the purpose of saving life.
The use of tablets and medication in the context of first-aid provision in the offshore industry is dealt with separately (see sections on offshore work under 'Training').
Breaches of the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981 are dealt with proportionately. Enforcement action could include issuing notices or prosecuting if the circumstances warrant it.
No. It is strongly recommended to employers to help qualified first aiders maintain their basic skills and keep up to date with any changes in first-aid procedures.
Your employer is expected to have:
This page has some answers to specific questions regarding employees and first aid. If you have any other queries, please refer to the frequently asked questions (FAQs) for employers, first-aiders and appointed persons or training organisations.
When an employer's first-aid needs assessment identifies that a first-aider is not necessary, the minimum requirement is to appoint a person to take charge of first-aid arrangements. The role of this appointed person includes 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. However, emergency first-aid training courses are available.
Appointed persons are not first-aiders and should not attempt to give first aid for which they have not been trained.
First aid at work courses do not cover the use of defibrillators. If your employer decides 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 and organisations providing it do not need HSE approval. Information on training is available from the Resuscitation Council (UK).
See HSE's poster:
There is no mandatory list of contents for first-aid boxes and HSE does not 'approve' or endorse particular products. Deciding what to include should be based on an employer's assessment of first-aid needs. As a guide, where work activities involve low hazards, a minimum stock of first-aid items might be:
This is only a suggested contents list.
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: Employees First aid at work: your questions answered.
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. 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.
Employers are responsible for meeting the first-aid needs of their employees working away from the main site. The assessment of first-aid needs should determine whether:
Training courses for first-aiders in the workplace highlight the importance of preventing cross infection in first-aid procedures.
Particular concerns have been raised about the possibility of first-aiders becoming infected by a blood-borne virus (including HIV, hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus) while performing first aid. HSE's free leaflet, Blood-borne viruses in the workplace, addresses this issue and advises on steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of infection.
First aid at work does not include giving tablets or medicines to treat illness. The only exception to this is where aspirin is used when giving first aid to a casualty with a suspected heart attack in accordance with currently accepted first-aid practice. It is recommended that tablets and medicines should not be kept in the first-aid box.
Some workers carry their own medication that has been prescribed by their doctor (eg an inhaler for asthma). If an individual needs to take their own prescribed medication, the first-aider's role is generally limited to helping them to do so and contacting the emergency services as appropriate.
Medicines legislation restricts the administration of injectable medicines. Unless self-administered, they may only be administered by or in accordance with the instructions of a doctor (eg by a nurse). However, in the case of adrenaline there is an exemption to this restriction, which means in an emergency a layperson is permitted to administer it by injection for the purpose of saving life.
The use of an Epipen to treat anaphylactic shock is an example of an exemption from the restriction imposed by medicines legislation. Therefore, first-aiders may administer an Epipen if they are dealing with a life-threatening emergency involving a casualty who has been prescribed and is in possession of an Epipen, and where the first-aider is trained to use it.
The use of tablets and medication in the context of first-aid provision in the offshore industry is dealt with separately (see sections on offshore work under 'Training').
When an employer's first-aid needs assessment identifies that a first-aider is not necessary, the minimum requirement is to appoint a person to take charge of first-aid arrangements. The role of this appointed person includes 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. However, emergency first-aid training courses are available.
Appointed persons are not first-aiders and should not attempt to give first aid for which they have not been trained.
First aid at work (FAW) courses do not cover the use of defibrillators. If an employer decides 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 and organisations providing it do not need HSE approval. Information on training is available from the Resuscitation Council (UK).
See HSE's poster:
There is no mandatory list of contents for first-aid boxes and HSE does not 'approve' or endorse particular products. Deciding what to include should be based on an employer's assessment of first-aid needs. As a guide, where work activities involve low hazards, a minimum stock of first-aid items might be:
This is only a suggested contents list.
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.
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. 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.
Employers are responsible for meeting the first-aid needs of their employees working away from the main site. The assessment of first-aid needs should determine whether:
The findings of an employer's first-aid needs assessment will help them decide how many first-aiders are required. There are no hard and fast rules on exact numbers and all the relevant circumstances of your particular workplace should be taken into account. The table in the leaflet First aid at work assessment tool
It is very unlikely that any action would be taken against a first-aider who was using the first-aid training they have received. HSE cannot give any specific advice on this issue as it does not fall within HSE's statutory powers.
It is recommended that you seek legal advice, or advice from your employer's insurance brokers on whether their policies cover first-aiders' liability.
Training courses for first-aiders in the workplace highlight the importance of preventing cross-infection in first-aid procedures.
Particular concerns have been raised about the possibility of first-aiders becoming infected by a blood-borne virus (including HIV, hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus) while performing first aid. HSE's free leaflet, Blood-borne viruses in the workplace , addresses this issue and advises on steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of infection.
It is good practice for employers to provide first-aiders and appointed persons with a book in which to record incidents they attend. The information can help employers identify accident trends and possible areas for improvement in the control of health and safety risks. It can be used for reference in future first-aid needs assessments. The record book is not the same as the statutory accident book though the two might be combined.
Employers, self-employed people and those in control of premises have a duty to report some accidents and incidents at work under the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995 (RIDDOR).
Useful information to record includes:
It is usually the first-aider or appointed person who looks after the book. However, employers have overall responsibility.
First aid at work does not include giving tablets or medicines to treat illness. The only exception to this is where aspirin is used when giving first aid to a casualty with a suspected heart attack in accordance with currently accepted first-aid practice. It is recommended that tablets and medicines should not be kept in the first-aid box.
Some workers carry their own medication that has been prescribed by their doctor (eg an inhaler for asthma). If an individual needs to take their own prescribed medication, the first-aider's role is generally limited to helping them to do so and contacting the emergency services as appropriate.
Medicines legislation restricts the administration of injectable medicines. Unless self- administered, they may only be administered by or in accordance with the instructions of a doctor (eg by a nurse). However, in the case of adrenaline there is an exemption to this restriction, which means in an emergency a layperson is permitted to administer it by injection for the purpose of saving life. The use of an Epipen to treat anaphylactic shock falls into this category. Therefore, first-aiders may administer an Epipen if they are dealing with a life-threatening emergency involving a casualty who has been prescribed and is in possession of an Epipen, and where the first-aider is trained to use it.
The use of tablets and medication in the context of first-aid provision in the offshore industry is dealt with separately (see sections on offshore work under 'Training').
When an employer's first-aid needs assessment identifies that a first-aider is not necessary, the minimum requirement is to appoint a person to take charge of first-aid arrangements. The role of this appointed person includes 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. However, emergency first-aid training courses are available.
Appointed persons are not first-aiders and should not attempt to give first aid for which they have not been trained.
First aid at work (FAW) courses do not cover the use of defibrillators. 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 and organisations providing it do not need HSE approval. Information on training is available from the Resuscitation Council (UK) .
Training courses for first-aiders in the workplace highlight the importance of preventing cross-infection in first-aid procedures.
Particular concerns have been raised about the possibility of first-aiders becoming infected by a blood-borne virus (including HIV, hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus) while performing first aid. HSE's free leaflet, Blood-borne viruses in the workplace , addresses this issue and advises on steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of infection.
First aid at work does not include giving tablets or medicines to treat illness. The only exception to this is where aspirin is used when giving first aid to a casualty with a suspected heart attack in accordance with currently accepted first-aid practice. It is recommended that tablets and medicines should not be kept in the first-aid box.
Some workers carry their own medication that has been prescribed by their doctor (eg an inhaler for asthma). If an individual needs to take their own prescribed medication, the first-aider's role is generally limited to helping them to do so and contacting the emergency services as appropriate.
Medicines legislation restricts the administration of injectable medicines. Unless self administered, they may only be administered by or in accordance with the instructions of a doctor (eg by a nurse). However, in the case of adrenaline there is an exemption to this restriction, which means in an emergency a layperson is permitted to administer it by injection for the purpose of saving life. The use of an Epipen to treat anaphylactic shock falls into this category. Therefore, first-aiders may administer an Epipen if they are dealing with a life-threatening emergency involving a casualty who has been prescribed and is in possession of an Epipen, and where the first-aider is trained to use it.
The use of tablets and medication in the context of first-aid provision in the offshore industry is dealt with separately (see sections on offshore work under 'Training').
Note from author:
[The information currently at Training FAQ needs to be archived and a new webpage created as outlined below.]
Frequently asked questions on first aid training and approval arrangements
Breaches of the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981 are dealt with proportionately. Enforcement action could include issuing notices or prosecuting if the circumstances warrant it.
No. It is strongly recommended to employers to help qualified first aiders maintain their basic skills and keep up to date with any changes in first aid procedures.
HSE is confident that shorter, more streamlined courses meet the needs of businesses and the standards of health and safety training that the law demands for workplaces.
Compared with the old course, these courses place greater emphasis on the practical nature of first aid and less on theory.
Any training organisation delivering FAW courses must be approved by HSE and must follow a training standard set by HSE. As part of this process, HSE ensures that training organisations are monitored to check compliance with the training standard. These checks include observation of training delivery.
The syllabuses can be found in guidance for employers and first aid training providers that was previously subject to consultation. These syllabuses can be found on our website at First aid training and qualifications for the purposes of the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981.
No. They should be treated as separate courses.
Yes. The training should be conducted over a minimum of three days and maximum of ten weeks.
For regulatory purposes, successfully completing an EFAW course will enable the student to act as a first-aider in the workplace. The role of the appointed person remains and there continues to be no regulatory requirement for such personnel to undertake first aid training. However, employers can still send appointed persons on basic first aid training and organisations would not need HSE approval to offer such training. Some employers may choose instead to send individuals on EFAW courses, in which case they would become first-aiders in regulatory terms.
Training organisations already approved by HSE have automatic approval to run FAW and EFAW courses.
Post Approval Monitoring (PAM) visits to the HSE approved provider continue to focus on delivery of FAW training. Therefore, you need to be running a minimum of 6 FAW courses per year to ensure timely PAM visits are conducted when required. The number of such visits will depend on the number of training sites, including third parties, used by the approved provider. As long as you are running FAW courses, you can also deliver EFAW courses, although the approval holder must issue certificates and is ultimately responsible for the quality of your FAW and EFAW training. However, if you want to run EFAW courses only and not FAW, you need to seek approval from an Awarding Body (see Q3 below).
First-aid training providers that only run EFAW courses should apply for approval to a recognised Awarding Body regulated either by Ofqual (in England and Wales) or the Scottish Qualifications Authority (in Scotland) and eligible to award an accredited qualification in EFAW. You can find a list of EFAW-accredited awarding bodies on our website at List of awarding bodies offering an accredited qualification in EFAW.
For EFAW to be approved by HSE for regulatory purposes, awarding bodies must apply a training standard to their training centres. This is produced by HSE and can be found at Training standard for delivery of emergency first aid at work courses for the purposes of the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981.
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