In order to determine what first aid equipment and facilities are required, an assessment of need must be carried out. The assessment should consider the following:
- Hazards currently present and extent of the risks
- Control measures in place to reduce risks
- Size of the practice, number of people employed and present at any one time
- Individual competencies of employees
- Accident history and statistics, any patterns and trends identified
- Systems in place to manage health and safety
- The need for additional facilities in the case of lone workers
- Exceptional circumstances which could increase, for example, if construction work is taking place.
First aid box
Minimum contents of a first aid box include the following:
- General guidance leaflet
- Twenty individually wrapped sterile adhesive dressings
- Two sterile eye pads
- Four individually wrapped sterile triangular bandages
- Six safety pins
- Six medium and two large-sized individually wrapped sterile un-medicated wound dressings
- One pair of disposable gloves
First aid boxes must not contain any medicinal products such as tablets, inhalers, ointments or creams. If the assessment of need identifies that eye wash is required then this should be located at a designated eye wash station. First aid boxes must be clearly identified by a green background with a white St. George’s cross, and the location communicated to employees. More than one box may be needed to ensure that adequate facilities are provided according to the number of people employed at any one time. Boxes must be checked regularly to ensure that contents are not out of date and are replaced after use.
Travelling first aid kits
For dental professionals who provide regular and routine domiciliary care for patients, there may be the need for such a kit. The minimum contents of the kit should be as described earlier.