First Aid Equipment Essentials for Australian workplaces: Ensuring Your Workplace is Stocked Up, Safe and Compliant

In our previous guide, we outlined the first aid training requirements and essentials required for your workplace. The correct training is only one component of providing a safe and compliant environment for your employees. In this guide, we’re outlining what first aid supplies and equipment your business needs to have readily available. Understanding these requirements is essential not only for compliance but also to ensure that if an accident occurs, the necessary tools are at hand to provide immediate and effective aid.

What first aid equipment is my workplace required to have?

In Australia, the legal requirements for first aid equipment in the workplace are governed by the Work Health and Safety (WHS) Regulations, which Safe Work Australia enforces across various states and territories. However, each state and territory may have slight variations or additional requirements, so businesses must be familiar with the specifics applicable to their location.

Nationally, every workplace is required to have at least one first aid kit accessible at all times. The contents of the kit may vary depending on the specific risks associated with the workplace. Some specific state variations include:

New South Wales, Victoria, and Queensland:

These states emphasise accessibility and maintenance of first aid kits, with guidelines specifying that first aid equipment must be suitable for the types of injuries that could occur at the workplace.

Western Australia and South Australia:

These states require that first aid facilities also include an area suitable for administering first aid, in addition to the equipment itself.

Tasmania and Northern Territory:

These regions focus on both the provision of appropriate first aid kits and ongoing training for staff on how to use the contents effectively.

Typical minimum contents include:

Adhesive bandages

Sterile gauze pads

Adhesive tape

Bandages for wrapping wounds or immobilising injuries

Wound cleaning agents like saline solution

Scissors and tweezers

Gloves (disposable)

Resuscitation face mask or face shield

Burn dressing

An emergency blanket

A first aid manual

Other potential first aid equipment requirements dependent on the workplace:

Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs):

Recommended for workplaces where there is a significant health risk or where it would take emergency services a long time to arrive. AEDs are increasingly found in places with high public concentration and large workplaces.

Eye Wash Stations:

Required in environments where chemicals are used or where there is a risk of contaminants entering the eyes.

Emergency Showers:

Necessary in workplaces where there is a potential for exposure to hazardous chemicals.

Burn Kits:

Essential in workplaces where there is a risk of burn injuries, such as kitchens, manufacturing plants, and laboratories.

What are the location requirements for the first aid kits?

First aid kits must be placed in areas that are easily accessible during all working hours, including during night shifts and overtime. They should not be locked away in cabinets or rooms that are not accessible to all staff at all times.

Other important considerations:

Visibility:

First aid kits should be clearly visible or marked with signage that indicates their location.

Risk Assessment Based:

High-risk areas, such as kitchens, workshops, or areas where machinery is operated, may require more immediate access to first aid kits compared to lower-risk areas like offices.

Multiple Locations:

In larger workplaces, or those spread over multiple levels or buildings, several first aid kits should be provided. Each kit should be strategically placed to ensure no employee is too far from one during an emergency.

Special Considerations:

For workplaces with specific hazards, such as chemicals or dangerous equipment, additional first aid kits should be placed nearer to these risks. For example, if a workplace uses hazardous chemicals, a first aid kit with appropriate treatments for chemical exposure should be readily available.

Mobile Workers:

For employees who are mobile or work outside the usual workplace environment, portable first aid kits should be provided. These kits should be carried in company vehicles or as part of the equipment for workers in the field.

Height Considerations:

First aid kits should be installed at a height that is reachable by all potential users, including those who might be in a seated position, such as wheelchair users. The recommended installation height is between 900 mm and 1100 mm from the floor.

How often am I required to maintain First Aid Equipment?

Businesses are required to check and replenish their first aid kits regularly, ideally quarterly, or more frequently if they are accessed often. This routine check involves ensuring that all items are within their expiry dates, supplies are complete and in good condition, and any used or outdated components are replaced promptly.

Proper maintenance not only adheres to legal requirements but also guarantees that the equipment is ready to use when needed, supporting a safe and prepared workplace environment.

Life International Training can ensure your first aid equipment meets regulatory standards and is always ready for use.

Our services include regular audits of your first aid supplies, replenishing kits with necessary, up-to-date items, and providing guidance on proper storage and maintenance practices. Life International Training can tailor their services to the specific needs of your workplace, whether it’s a low-risk office environment or a high-risk industrial site, enhancing overall workplace safety and preparedness.

Would you like to learn more? You can find out more about our First Aid Services here → https://lifeint.com.au/first-aid-compliance.html

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