Ensure compliance with the latest standards and meet your company's obligations by ordering today!

• Travel First Aid Kit fully compliant with the new BS8599-1:2019 standard for the contents of travel first aid kits
• Recommended for employees working off site, or for keeping in vehicles to ensure a first aid supply is always available while travelling
• Green pouch bag with white cross and clear ‘First Aid’ marking for ease of identification
• Manufactured from durable nylon
• Complete refills are also available for each kit

What is BS8599-1?

BS8599-1 is the new British Standard that specifies the contents that must be included in workplace first aid kits, and provides guidance as to the size of kit required for a given workplace environment, based on the number of employees and the level of risk present.

Why Has This Been Implemented?

The new list of recommended contents forms part of a modern approach to what is deemed to be a sensible range of products in the workplace of today. Factors such as new technologies in product development, different types of injury & risk, changes to training protocols as well as an increased awareness of infection control have resulted in the current kits no longer being ideal.

The HSE participated in proposing BS-8599-1, and are expected to change its current Code of Practice and Guidance to nominate the BSI standard rather than list suggested first aid products. This approach will bring first aid kits in line with other safety products such as hard hats and fire extinguishers.

What Happens To The Old Standards?

BS8599-1 specifically relates to adequate contents and provides guidance on the size of kit required. HSE Law still applies in terms of protocol:

• "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 their employees if they are injured or become ill at work”.
• "The contents of first-aid containers should be examined frequently and should be restocked as soon as possible after use. Sufficient stocks should be held in a back-up stock on site."

How Does It Affect Me?

Employers are still ultimately responsible for carrying out a formal assessment of the first aid provision required in the workplace, and that suitable items are available to treat injuries that may arise from any hazards on site.

What Happens If I Don’t Comply?

Whilst it is the employers responsibility to ensure their level of First Aid provisions are adequate for their premises, they become liable when correct first aid is not available to treat an injury caused by a hazard which they should have accounted for.

For example, does your workplace have a kettle? If it does, and employee scalds themselves, does your current first aid kit include a burns dressing?

If it doesn’t, you could run under cold water but this is not effective at reducing scarring or the potential for infection. As an employer you are therefore responsible for any ramifications arising from injuries which could have been treated had adequate first aid provision been available.

Old HSE kits were introduced in 1997 and were based on legislation from 1981 – the workplace has evolved, ensure your first aid supplies follow suit!