Information and training
Information and training should be provided to first aid personnel and others on the following issues:
- the risk of exposure to biological hazards
- infection control practises and procedures
- correct use of Personal protective equipment (PPE)
- management of blood or body substance exposure and spills
Training should help first aid personnel to anticipate and handle events where there may be exposure to biological hazards.
Supervision of workers should occur to ensure infection control measures are being followed.
Workers should be informed about first aid equipment and facilities.
Accident response plan
Information about first aid should include an accident response plan which should:
- specify the 'response' procedures to be followed in an accident situation such as notify the supervisor or telephone for medical assistance
- allocate specific tasks to individuals such as instructing the supervisor to telephone for an ambulance
- include emergency transportation arrangements such as identifying a person with a driving licence and the location of an available vehicle(s)
- detail the location of first aid equipment and facilities at the workplace including details of personnel responsible for the equipment and facilities
- specify the role of the first aid provider:
- the first aid providers should be instructed not to exceed their training and expertise in first aid
- other staff such as supervisors should be instructed not to direct first aid providers to exceed their first aid training and expertise
Information about first aid facilities and the accident plan should be given to workers at the start of their employment. When starting work, workers should also be aware of the availability of first aid equipment, facilities and services and infection control procedures.
Important details about the provision of information and training to workers are included in section 2.5 of the First Aid Advisory Standard 2004 (now known as a Code of Practice).
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