What is the BS 8599-1 standard?

The BS 8599-1 was introduced in 2011 and is the standard for Workplace First Aid Kits. The standard was introduced to meet the needs of the industry, users and stakeholders. From January 2019 the BS 8599-1:2019 Workplace First Aid Kit standard update came into effect.

Why was it updated?

As part of a constant improvement process, the British Safety Institute (BSI) has undertaken a review of the BS8599-1 Workplace and Vehicle standard along with the British Healthcare Trade Association (BHTA). Content revisions were required to ensure the standards kept up to date with advancements in first aid product and provision technology, and to ensure adherence to current workplace practices and potential risks.

The key updates for the standard can be summarised as follows:

  • A reduction of the Medium Dressings and increase of the Large Dressings changes to the Small, Medium and Large BS8599-1 compliant kits.
  • The removal of safety pins from the recommended contents and additional tapes included.
  • The new Travel and Motoring Kit has been completely overhauled to match the recommendations from the Medium BS8599-2 compliant Vehicle and Motoring First Aid Kit.
  • The BS8599-1:2019 guidelines have also been updated to include recommendations on two supplementary kits, a Personal Issue Kit and a Critical Injury Pack, as an extra resource to British Standard Compliant Small, Medium, Large and Travel & Motoring First Aid Kits.

Guidance on Workplace Fist Aid kits

The Health and Safety (First Aid) regulations 1981 states:

“ An employer shall provide or ensure that there are provided  such equipment and facilities as are adequate and appropriate in the circumstances for enabling first aid to be rendered to his employees if they are injured or become ill at work”

The quantities and sizes of first aid kits to be used in a workplace environment should be determined by the number of people on site and the category of hazard they are exposed to. There are two steps when selecting the correct Workplace First Aid Kit.

  1. Carry out a Workplace Risk Assessment

LOW RISK: (e.g. shops, offices, libraries etc.)

HIGH RISK: (e.g. light engineering and assembly work, food processing, warehousing, etc.)

2. Decide on the size and quantity of kits required to meet your risk needs assessment.

The following table categorises workplaces by level of risk, and then recommends an appropriate size of kit, depending on the number of employees and members of the public exposed to those risks.

Guidance on Supplementary First Aid Kits.

The following table provides recommendations for employers on quantities of supplementary first aid kits for the workplace as an extra resource British Standard Compliant Small, Medium, Large and Travel & Motoring First Aid Kits.

Type of Kit or Pack Quantity and size of first aid kit:

Make sure you are prepared and have the correct First Aid Kits for your employees. At Greenham, we have a range of First Aid Kits for your safety needs. Explore the range here>

Disclaimer: The information provided through Greenham Pulse is for general guidance only and is not legal advice. Greenham Pulse is not a substitute for Health and Safety consultancy. You should seek independent advice about any legal matter.