First aid rooms
Provide a first aid room where:
- a risk assessment shows that treatment for injuries or illnesses would be more effective with the provision of a first aid room, or
- 200 or more people are employed (from the Australian Building Codes Board (non-Queensland Government link), a casualty room with a minimum floor area of 11 m2 dedicated to first aid is required for all new buildings built after 1 January 1992 and any building subject to building approval)
The room should:
- be available when workers are at work
- be close to motor vehicle access (This will help with transport to medical assistance)
- be close to toilets and telephones
- be large enough to accommodate furniture/equipment with enough space for people to work
- have effective ventilation, heating, cooling and lighting
- have enough seating close to the first aid room if workers are waiting for treatment
- have a designated waste container for waste contaminated by blood or body substances which allows for the safe disposal of materials and sharp instruments. Waste disposal should comply with State or local government requirements
- have clean bench tops/floors/surfaces
- have hand basin, running water and supplies of soap and disposable paper towels
- be clearly identified as a first aid room
- have entrances and corridors wide enough to fit a stretcher, wheelchair or any kind of transport leading to or from the room
- have signs attached to the door showing the name of the person in charge, the person on duty, the locations of the nearest first aid personnel and contact numbers in case of emergency.
A person with a current occupational first aid qualification (or higher qualification), should be responsible for the room and its contents, assessing requirements, and maintaining facilities and equipment.
For advice on furniture and equipment, check section 2.3.1 of the First Aid Advisory Standard 2004 (now known as a Code of Practice).
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