Compliance Reference / SHWW (General Application) Regs 2007

Workplace First Aid Kit Requirements

How many first aid kits do you need, and what goes in them? In Ireland the answer is risk based. Here is how provision scales with headcount, layout and hazard.

Workplace first aid kit and its contents laid out
First aid provision should match the size, layout and hazards of your workplace.

In Ireland, first aid provision is risk based. Under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 2007 (Part 7, First Aid) and HSA guidance, employers must provide first aid equipment, and where necessary trained occupational first aiders, suitable and sufficient for the size, layout and hazards of the workplace. The number and contents of kits scale with headcount and risk rather than following a single fixed list.

2007 General Application Regulations
Part 7 First Aid provisions
Risk Based provision, not a fixed list
HSA Enforcing authority
The Framework

What the Regulations require

Four requirements run together under the 2007 Regulations and HSA guidance.

  1. 01

    Adequate equipment

    First aid equipment provided and properly maintained.

  2. 02

    Provision proportionate to risk

    Scaled to the number of employees and the level of risk in the workplace.

  3. 03

    Trained first aiders where needed

    Occupational first aiders provided where the risk assessment indicates they are required.

  4. 04

    Accessible and identified

    First aid equipment and information clearly identified and accessible to staff.

Scaling Provision

How provision scales

Higher hazard workplaces need more first aiders and better stocked kits than low hazard workplaces of the same size, and larger sites or multiple floors need more kits and more first aiders. Use HSA guidance and your own risk assessment to set the exact numbers and contents for your workplace.

Low Hazard e.g. offices

Fewer first aiders and lighter kit provision, scaled to headcount.

Higher Hazard e.g. construction, manufacturing

More first aiders and better stocked kits than a low hazard site of the same size.

Larger or Multi Floor Sites

More kits and more first aiders, positioned so cover reaches every floor and area.

Supply

Kits and refills

We supply workplace first aid kits and refills, sized and stocked to match your risk assessment rather than a one size fits all box.

See our First Aid range to order kits and refills.

Pat O Brien Safety Ltd

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