First aid kits
A first aid kit should be appropriate for the types of injuries and illnesses likely to occur at the workplace. Do a risk assessment to decide on the type, quantity and sizes of items needed in the kit.
The first aid kit can be any size, but must be large enough to fit all the required contents and should be clearly signed.
First aid signs are needed because it is easier to locate equipment and facilities. For examples of signs please refer section 2.6 of the First Aid Advisory Standard 2004 (now known as a Code of Practice).
Include single use, disposable items in the kit where possible. Reusable items must be cleaned, sterilised and disinfected.
First aid kits (for low risk workplaces) should include:
- adhesive strips (assorted sizes) for minor wound dressing
- non-allergenic adhesive tape for securing dressings and strapping
- eye pads for emergency eye cover
- triangular bandage for slings, support and/or padding
- hospital crepe or conforming bandage to hold dressings in place
- wound/combine dressings to control bleeding and for covering wounds
- non-adhesive dressings for wound dressing
- safety pins to secure bandages and slings
- scissors for cutting dressings or clothing
- kidney dish for holding dressings and instruments
- small dressings' bowl for holding liquids
- gauze squares for cleaning wounds
- forceps/tweezers for removing foreign bodies
- disposable latex or vinyl gloves for infection control
- sharps disposal container for infection control and disposal purposes
- sterile saline solution or sterile water for emergency eye wash or for irrigating eye wounds This saline solution must be discarded after opening
- resuscitation mask to be used by qualified personnel for resuscitation purposes
- antiseptic solution for cleaning wounds and skin
- plastic bags for waste disposal
- note pad and pen/pencil for recording the injured or ill person's condition and treatment given
- re-usable ice-pack for the management of strains, sprains and bruises
In some workplaces specific injuries or illnesses may occur. Additional first aid kit contents and facilities, including properly trained people, should be provided, for example:
- where burns have been identified as potential injuries
- where eye injuries/poisoning may occur
- where chemical splashes may arise in which case a emergency shower would be necessary
In remote locations a first aid kit should also include:
- heavy smooth crepe roller bandages, 10cm wide, and sufficient quantity to bandage lower limbs to immobilise limb after a snakebite
- splint to immobilise limb after a snakebite or fractures
- melaleuca hydro gel burn dressings if there is no cool water supply
- large burns sheet for covering burn areas
- clean sheeting for cooling and dressing burns
- thermal/emergency blanket for the management of shock and to assist portability of a patient
- first aid manual or book
- torch and/or flashlight for use at night and for attracting attention
- note pad and pen/pencil for recording the injured or ill person's condition and treatment given
People working in remote locations should have access to an appropriate communication system like a mobile, telephone or two-way radio.
Major trauma kits may be required in certain remote locations.
A checklist on first aid kits is provided in section 2 of the First Aid Advisory Standard 2004 (now known as a Code of Practice).
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