How to establish first aid provisions and equipment

Setting up your first aid arrangements

To comply with UK Health and Safety law, every business must provide "adequate and appropriate" first aid equipment, facilities, and personnel so that employees and customers can be given immediate help if they are injured or taken ill. At an absolute minimum, this means having a suitably stocked first aid box and a designated person to take charge of first aid arrangements.

Step 1: Determine your first aid needs

Before purchasing equipment, you need to decide what "adequate" looks like for your specific business. While you may have already identified general hazards, you must specifically consider first aid requirements based on:

• The nature of your work: High-risk activities (like using chemicals or sharp tools) require more robust kits.
• The size of your workforce: Larger teams require more kits or more highly trained staff.
• Public access: If clients are regularly on your premises (such as in a salon), you should account for their safety as well as your own.
• Your location: If you are mobile, your first aid provision must be portable.

Step 2: Purchase a compliant first aid kit

There is no mandatory list of items, but the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) provides a suggested minimum. Most UK small businesses choose kits that meet British Standard BS 8599-1, as these are pre-packed to meet workplace compliance standards.

For a low-to-medium risk environment, your kit should typically include:

Item	Minimum Recommended Quantity
Individually wrapped sterile plasters	20 (assorted sizes)
Sterile eye pads	2
Individually wrapped triangular bandages	2
Safety pins	6
Medium sterile unmedicated wound dressings	6
Large sterile unmedicated wound dressings	2
Disposable gloves	3 pairs

Step 3: Designate your first aid personnel

You must decide who will manage first aid. In the UK, there are two main roles:

1. Appointed Person: This is the minimum requirement. This person looks after the first aid equipment, restocks the kit, and takes charge in an emergency (e.g., calling 999). They do not necessarily need formal training, though it is encouraged.
2. Trained First Aider: This is someone who has completed a physical training course and holds a valid certificate in Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) or First Aid at Work (FAW).

Step 4: Visibility and accessibility

Your first aid kit is useless if no one can find it. It should be kept in a visible, easily accessible location—not locked away in a cupboard. You must display a standard first aid sign (a white cross on a green background) to indicate its location. You should also display a notice telling staff and clients who the designated first aider or appointed person is.

Tip: If you operate as a mobile hairdresser, your vehicle is effectively your workplace. Ensure you have a dedicated "Travel First Aid Kit" in your car at all times to remain compliant while on the road.

Step 5: Maintenance and restocking

First aid items have expiry dates, and sterile items lose their effectiveness once the seal is broken. You should check your kit at least every six months to:

• Replace any items that have been used.
• Check for expired products (especially sterile dressings and eye wash).
• Ensure the kit is still clean and the box is undamaged.