13/08/2026
There's been an update to workplace first aid guidance. Has your practice reviewed its equipment? 👀
Recent updates to the British Standard for workplace first aid equipment introduce new recommendations around Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs), burns kits and eye wash provision, while placing even greater emphasis on a risk-based approach to workplace first aid.
That makes now an ideal time to review your first aid provision and ensure it still reflects the needs of your practice.
A compliant first aid box should include:
✅ Sterile dressings (including finger and eye dressings)
✅ Adhesive plasters
✅ Triangular and conforming bandages
✅ Sterile cleansing wipes
✅ Medical tape
✅ Disposable nitrile gloves
✅ Foil emergency blanket
✅ Burn dressings (where identified by your risk assessment)
✅ Clothing shears or scissors
✅ Resuscitation face shield
✅ First aid guidance leaflet
Alongside your first aid kit, it's also worth reviewing the latest recommendations:
⚡AEDs: The updated guidance recommends sites with five or more people regularly on site have an AED that can be accessed within two minutes of any location on the premises. While this isn't a legal requirement, it reflects the growing importance of AEDs in improving survival following sudden cardiac arrest.
👁️ Eye wash provision: Where your workplace risk assessment identifies a risk of eye contamination, dedicated sterile eye wash should be available to complement your standard first aid kit.
🔥 Burns kits: The updated guidance also introduces recommendations for dedicated burns kits. Where there's a foreseeable risk of burn injuries, your workplace risk assessment should consider whether a burns kit should form part of your emergency plan.
While you're reviewing your first aid provision, don't forget to check:
👉 Expiry dates
👉 Used items have been replaced
👉 Your first aid provision still reflects your current workplace risk assessment and considers everyone who may be on site, including staff, visitors and contractors.
For more information, check out our latest article: https://tinyurl.com/yj2zsj29
