Arrangements for First Aid
Arrangements for First Aid on University Premises
Introduction
This policy describes the arrangements departments and institutions of the University must put in place to give immediate help to those who may, for any reason, be taken ill or are injured at work. It covers the assessment of First Aid needs, the provision of First Aid personnel, equipment and training.
Assessment of First Aid needs
The Law (First Aid at Work Regulations 1981) requires the University to make adequate and appropriate First Aid provision. Because of the diversity of working environments in the University, departments and institutions must make their own needs assessment and determine what is adequate and appropriate for their circumstances. (See Appendix 1)
The minimum provision for any department is
a. Suitably stocked First Aid container
b. An appointed person to take charge of First Aid arrangements
c. Information for staff and students on First Aid arrangements
In low risk environments such as office based departments employing small numbers of people there is unlikely to be a need for more than minimum provision, but larger departments or those engaged in higher risk activities then further provision will be needed.
Appendix 2 Other factors that you may need to consider
A telephone should always be available to make emergency calls 9 999 calls.
First Aid Materials and Equipment
The assessment of First Aid needs should have identified suitable and sufficient materials and equipment. The minimum level is a suitably stocked and identified First Aid container, but sufficient numbers need to be provided to ensure First Aid materials are easily accessible to those who require them. Containers should protect their contents from dirt and damp and should be marked with a white cross on a green background.
a. Contents of First Aid containers
The minimum content is described in Appendix 3.Additional quantities or additional items may be required eg blue plasters in a kitchen environment, as identified in the assessment of First Aid needs. Only items useful for First Aid should be kept in the container and it should not be used for storing tablets or medicines.
A person, normally a First Aider or Appointed Person, should be nominated to regularly check and maintain the First Aid container.Individuals should inform this person if any items are taken from the container.
b. Tablets and medicines
Administering tablets and medicines is outside the scope of First Aid, except where the First Aiders have been taught to administer aspirin in treating suspected heart attacks.
Where individuals use prescription medicines (eg tablets or inhalers) First Aiders training limits them to helping individuals administer the medication themselves and summoning medical assistance where necessary.
First Aid Personnel
There are several categories of First Aid personnel and the needs assessment should identify which is appropriate to the department or institution circumstances.It should be identified how many are needed and where they are located.
a. Appointed Person
Where the assessment identifies that a First Aider is not necessary, then the legal requirement is for an Appointed Person.Their role is to take charge of the situation if illness or injury occurs, to call the emergency services if required, and to look after First Aid equipment.Although there is no legal requirement to train an Appointed Person basic First Aid training and refresher training is recommended (eg from St John Ambulance, Red Cross)
Note that Appointed Persons are not First Aiders – they should not give First Aid for which they have not been trained.
b. First Aiders
First Aid at Work (FAW) qualification where the needs assessment indicates a level of risk where it is appropriate to appoint First Aiders with Health and Safety Executive (HSE) recognised FAW. This involves at least 18 contact hours (a minimum of three days) of training including practical assessment throughout the course. This leads to the award of the FAW certificate. Qualifications are valid for three years. Annual refresher training is highly recommended in order to ensure First Aiders maintain basic skills and keep up to date with the latest procedures. Both the FAW qualification and refresher training are organised through the Safety Office.
Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW)
The needs assessment may indicate that it is sufficient for First Aiders to hold the EFAW qualification.This requires a minimum of 6 hours training but no practical assessment is needed for the award of the qualification.Qualifications are valid for 3 years although annual refresher training is highly recommended in order to ensure First Aiders maintain basic skills and keep up to date with the latest procedures.
For further information please contact the Safety Office.
Information for Employees and others
All employees need to know the location of First Aid equipment and personnel.Induction training for new staff and students should include this information and should be available on notices in prominent locations in the department or institution.Where work takes place out of hours when First Aiders would not normally be present, appropriate arrangements for dealing with ill health or injury at work must be put in place.
Action Required
Departmental Safety Officers should work with their Administrators to review their First Aid needs, record the findings and review at regular intervals.
Appendix 1 Assessment needs form