What belongs in a workplace first aid kit
BS 8599-1 gives a recognised specification. You can deviate, but you should be able to justify it.
There is no legally mandated list, but BS 8599-1 is the recognised British Standard for workplace first aid kits and is the sensible starting point.
Kit sizes under BS 8599-1
Kits come in Small, Medium and Large, selected against the risk level and number of employees. A low-hazard office of under 25 people typically needs a Small; a high-hazard site of 100 people needs multiple Large kits.
Typical contents
- Sterile adhesive dressings in assorted sizes.
- Sterile wound dressings, medium and large.
- Sterile eye pads.
- Triangular bandages.
- Safety pins, disposable gloves, a foil blanket.
- Sterile saline wipes or eye wash.
- Adhesive tape, shears, a resuscitation face shield.
- A guidance leaflet.
Where to deviate
Food premises usually need blue detectable dressings. Sites with chemical hazards need eye irrigation in quantity. Remote sites need more of everything.
What not to include
Do not stock medicines such as painkillers in a workplace kit — that falls outside first aid provision.
See a pharmacist, GP or urgent care if a wound will not stop bleeding after ten minutes of firm pressure, is deep or gaping, was caused by something dirty or rusty, contains anything you cannot flush out, or shows spreading redness, heat, swelling, pus or a fever. Get help urgently for animal or human bites, wounds over a joint, and any wound in someone with diabetes or poor circulation.
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FitMedix products are CE-marked medical devices intended for the care of minor wounds. This site does not provide medical advice — seek professional help for deep, dirty or non-healing wounds, or if signs of infection appear. Always read the instructions on the pack.