First Aid Rooms: Requirements and Guidelines

Providing Suitable First Aid Rooms

Identifying the Need for First Aid Rooms

While not mandatory for all businesses, employers should assess their first aid needs to determine if a first aid room is necessary. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) provides comprehensive guidance on when first aid rooms are required.

Key Considerations for First Aid Rooms

1. Central Location and Accessibility

Ensuring Convenience and Ease of Access

The first aid room should be centrally located and easily accessible to stretchers. It should be clearly sign-posted, and if feasible, reserved exclusively for providing first aid.

2. Room Size and Amenities

Creating a Suitable Environment

The HSE recommends that first aid rooms be spacious enough to accommodate an examination couch with ample space for personnel to work, as well as a chair and necessary equipment. The room should have washable surfaces, adequate heating, ventilation, and lighting. It must be kept clean, tidy, and accessible at all times during work hours.

3. Proximity to Emergency Transportation

Facilitating Prompt Access to Hospitals

The first aid room should be positioned as close as possible to the point of access for transportation to the hospital. This ensures swift medical response in case of emergencies.

4. Display of Information

Providing Essential Details

A notice should be displayed on the first aid room door, indicating the names, locations, and telephone extensions of first aiders, along with instructions on how to contact them in case of need.

5. Necessary Equipment and Supplies

Equipping the First Aid Room

Based on the risk assessment, the first aid room should be equipped with essential items, including a sink with hot and cold running water, soap, paper towels, and drinking water with disposable cups. It should also have a store of first aid materials, foot-operated refuse containers lined with disposable yellow clinical waste bags, an examination or medical couch with waterproof protection, clean pillows and blankets, a chair, a telephone or communication equipment, and a record book for documenting incidents attended by first aiders.

Alternative Arrangements for First Aid Facilities

Flexibility in Providing First Aid

In cases where a dedicated first aid room is not feasible, employers should plan and ensure that first aid facilities can be made available quickly when needed. Adequate arrangements must be in place to clear the room in an emergency and prepare it for first aid purposes.