Workplace first aid kit checklist
Tell us your hazard level and headcount to see which British Standard (BS 8599-1) kit size you need and how many, then print a contents checklist and a monthly inspection log to keep with the kit.
HSE says your kit should match your first aid needs assessment, so use the checklist as a starting point and add anything your work calls for.
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Your kit
Answer questions 1 and 2 to see which size and how many workplace kits you need, with a printable checklist.
BS 8599-1:2019 workplace kit contents
| Item | Small | Medium | Large |
|---|---|---|---|
| Guidance leaflet | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Medium sterile dressings | 2 | 4 | 6 |
| Large sterile dressings | 2 | 3 | 4 |
| Triangular bandages | 2 | 3 | 4 |
| Eye pad dressings | 2 | 3 | 4 |
| Washproof plasters, assorted sizes | 40 | 60 | 100 |
| Alcohol-free cleansing wipes | 20 | 30 | 40 |
| Microporous tape | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| Nitrile gloves (pairs) | 6 | 9 | 12 |
| Finger dressings | 2 | 3 | 4 |
| Resuscitation face shield | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Foil blankets | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| Burn dressings | 1 | 2 | 2 |
| Clothing shears | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Conforming bandages | 1 | 2 | 2 |
Which kit size?
| Kit | Lower hazard | Higher hazard |
|---|---|---|
| Small | Fewer than 25 people | Fewer than 5 people |
| Medium | 25 to 100 people | 5 to 25 people |
| Large | 1 for every 100 people above that | 1 for every 25 people above that |
HSE's minimum for low-hazard work
HSE's guidance (L74, Appendix 2) suggests this as a minimum stock where work activities involve low hazards:
- A leaflet giving general guidance on first aid (for example, HSE's leaflet Basic advice on first aid at work)
- 20 individually wrapped sterile plasters (assorted sizes), appropriate to the type of work
- 2 sterile eye pads
- 2 individually wrapped triangular bandages, preferably sterile
- 6 safety pins
- 2 large, sterile, individually wrapped unmedicated wound dressings
- 6 medium-sized sterile individually wrapped unmedicated wound dressings
- At least 3 pairs of disposable gloves
Common questions
What should be in a workplace first aid kit?
There is no legal list: HSE says the contents should reflect your first aid needs assessment. A BS 8599-1 workplace kit contains a guidance leaflet, sterile dressings, triangular bandages, eye pad dressings, washproof plasters, alcohol-free cleansing wipes, microporous tape, nitrile gloves, finger dressings, a resuscitation face shield, foil blankets, burn dressings, clothing shears and conforming bandages, in quantities that depend on the kit size.
What size first aid kit do I need?
Guidance published with BS 8599-1 suggests that lower-hazard workplaces need 1 small kit for fewer than 25 people, 1 medium kit for 25 to 100, and 1 large kit for every 100 people above that. Higher-hazard workplaces need 1 small kit for fewer than 5 people, 1 medium kit for 5 to 25, and 1 large kit for every 25 people above that. Sites spread over several buildings or floors usually need more kits so each area has one within easy reach.
Is BS 8599-1 a legal requirement?
No. The Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981 require adequate and appropriate first aid equipment. HSE suggests looking for BS 8599 when buying a kit, but says your kit does not have to meet it by law, as long as it contains what your needs assessment identifies.
How often should a first aid kit be checked?
HSE says to check kits regularly and restock them soon after use. Many items, especially sterile ones, have expiry dates, so replace anything out of date and dispose of it safely. A monthly check, recorded in a simple log like the one this tool prints, is a common way to stay on top of it.
Can I keep paracetamol in a workplace first aid kit?
HSE recommends that tablets and medicines are not kept in the first aid container. First aid at work does not include giving tablets or medicines, apart from aspirin for a suspected heart attack in line with accepted first aid practice.
Sources
- HSE, First aid in work: what to put in a first aid kit
- HSE, L74 First aid at work (Appendix 2: first aid kits, paragraphs 36 to 46)
- BSI, BS 8599-1:2019 Workplace first aid kits: specification for the contents of workplace first aid kits
This tool gives general guidance based on the sources above. It is not legal advice, and your own assessment of your workplace decides what you need.
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