Safety Office Guides and Publications Provision of First Aid - Full

University Code of Practice on Provision of First Aid

Contents

Introduction

First Aid provision should be seen as part of the wider management of health and safety at work within Schools/Departments in the University. The requirements within any School/Department will be determined by the hazards associated with the work. These will then determine the type, quantity and location of first aid facilities and personnel that will best meet the risks associated with the nature of the work.

 

This document is intended to assist Schools/Departments in providing and maintaining adequate First Aid provision by interpreting the salient points of the Following Regulations:

  1. Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981
  2. First Aid at Work Approved Code of Practice and Guidance Revised 1990
  3. Consultative Document - proposals for a Revised Approved Code of Practice and Guidance on Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981. (Closing dates for comments was 28 February 1995).

Other references

  1. Safety Signs Regulations 1980
  2. Management of Health and Safety at Work 1999
  3. Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992

Interpretation

‘First Aid’

  1. In cases where a person will need help from a medical practitioner or nurse, treatment for the purpose of preserving life and minimising the consequences of injury and illness until such help is obtained.
  2. Treatment of minor injuries which would otherwise receive no treatment or which do not need treatment by a medical practitioner or nurse.

First Aid covers initial treatment of any injury or illness suffered at work, although the cause does not have to be work related. IT DOES NOT include giving tablets or medicines to treat illness.

Arrangements for the provision of First Aid at the University

The University, as an employer, is required to provide adequate and appropriate facilities and equipment to enable first aid to be rendered to INDIVIDUALS if they become injured or ill at work. Trainees, undertaking work experience, have the same status as employees. This statutory duty is discharged as a line management responsibility at departmental level.

 

The Regulations do not oblige employers to provide for first aid to the PUBLIC; but, if the public is an integral part of the environment the HSE strongly encourages employers to include them in the overall assessment and provision. This consideration would apply to students in relation to activities under the control of the University. Consequently, Schools/Departments should include an allowance for student occupancy which reflects the level of their work activities. Furthermore, Postgraduate students could be considered as 'employees' when assessing first aid requirements since the nature of their activities may be very similar to those of departmental staff.

 

The amount of first aid provision necessary depends on the circumstances in each workplace.

 

NO fixed level exists but each working environment needs to be assessed, taking into account the following factors and the guidance contained in Appendix 1.

  1. The nature of the work.
  2. Any special risks or working arrangements.
  3. The number of employees present at any one time.
    1. The level of first aid can vary to reflect changes in occupancy and work activity
    2. Individuals working alone or in small groups
    3. The ability and experience of the staff
    4. Individuals potentially at greater risk eg young workers, trainees and people with disabilities
  4. The distance from other appropriate help or emergency services.
  5. Whether individuals work away from the university premises, especially in remote locations.

Reassessment should be carried out from time to time. In particular, after any operational changes to ensure the cover remains adequate.

Deciding on First Aid Personnel

The choices

  1. The appointed person

    This minimal requirement would only be appropriate for small, low risk sections within reasonable proximity to other areas from which a First Aider could be summoned. This person must be able to take charge of:
    1. The First Aid arrangements
    2. Being responsible for the First Aid Box, and know how to use its content
    3. Calling for further assistance
      An appointed person must be readily available to undertake these duties at all times.
      Emergency or Essentials of First Aid Training for appointed persons is recommended.
  2. First Aiders holding a current first aid certificate

    At least one First Aider should always be available if the criteria at 1 above cannot be met. First Aiders must hold a certificate which is in date and issued by an organisation whose training and qualifications are approved by the Health and Safety Executive, for First Aid at Work. This training is provided by Occupational Health.

    3.  

  3. For the purpose of the present Approved Code of Practice, practising registered medical practitioners and practising nurses whose names are entered on Part 1, 2 or 7 of the Single Professional Register maintained by the UKCC for Nursing, Midwifery and Health Visiting MAY be regarded as first aiders.

How many Qualified First Aiders per School/Department

The level of first aid provision should be determined on the basis of the likelihood, at any particular workplace, of injuries arising which will require first aid treatment. The number of first aiders needed in any School/Department should therefore be determined on the basis of an overall appraisal of the School/Department's risks. Consequently there are no hard and fast rules or precise ratios for the number of first aiders which any School/Department should appoint.

 

Guideline figures to assist in determining local requirements are provided in Appendix 1. Small Schools/Departments in close proximity can overlap with first aid arrangements by agreement with each other.

 

Please remember if a department needs a first aider his/her approved absences from work must be covered by another first aider.

 

Occupational Health may be contacted for further guidance should any School/Department consider that existing first aid cover may no longer be appropriate.

Selection and Appointment of First Aiders

Appendix 2B outlines the criteria to be considered when selecting an individual for first aid training.

 

Occupational Health will notify the Safety Office of those individuals who have successfully completed the first aid training course. These individuals will then receive a formal letter of appointment as a first aider signed by the University Safety Officer on behalf of the University.

 

If Schools/Departments wish to nominate individuals who have obtained a first aid certificate from outside the University, for example during previous employment, then a copy of the individuals first aid certificate should be sent to Occupational Health. The Safety Office will be advised by Occupational Health as to whether the previous training is valid. If so the individual will receive the formal letter of appointment as above.

First Aid Cover During Out of Hours Working

When work is taking place outside normal hours, according to School/Departmental guidelines, first aid cover is likely to be reduced or absent, in which case Security will provide First Aid cover, although Halls of Residence should have their own arrangements in place.

 

It could also be possible for a first aider to highlight in the late working book that they are available for others in the building at the same time.

Presence of Specific Hazard First Aiders

If specific activities are to occur which require either the presence or availability of a first aider then this must be planned beforehand.

First Aid at Work Training Courses

  1. First Aid at Work to certification level = 4 full days
  2. To maintain the certificate a refresher course must be attended within 3 years of the certificate date being awarded =2 full days
  3. Appointed persons courses can be set up, if there are sufficient nominees = 4 hour session
  4. NOH run 'Essentials of First Aid' for departments on request. Groups of 5-10 are ideal.= 2 hour session

Appendix 2 contains the correspondence relating to the nomination of candidates for the full First Aid at Work course or refresher.The information will help in the selection of candidates.It is important that nominees appreciate the commitment to administer first aid in the workplace, once qualified.

Deciding on First Aid Equipment

The majority of School/s Departments at the University of Nottingham will require as minimum a first aid box as described in Appendix 4.

 

The box should be placed in a clearly identified and readily accessible location. It should NOT be locked.

 

In choosing a location, soap and water, and disposable drying materials should be close by. If this is not possible the first aid box should contain wrapped moist cleansing wipes which are NOT impregnated with alcohol.

 

Travelling First Aid Kits should be provided in all vehicles used for university activities.

First Aid Boxes

First Aid Boxes for the workplace must be the correct colour to comply with the Safety Signs Regulations 1980.

 

ie: A WHITE CROSS ON A GREEN BACKGROUND

 

The box and its contents must be purchased from a reputable supplier.

See Appendix 3 for the present purchasing arrangements.

 

The qualified first aider is taught to be responsible for maintaining the box and contents, having liaised with their manager regarding ordering arrangements.

Contents of the First Aid Box

The contents of a first aid box is specific within the Regulations and described within Appendix 4.

First Aid Boxes should contain a sufficient quantity of SUITABLE first aid materials and NOTHING else.

Scissors are not necessary.

The use of antiseptics is not necessary for the first aid treatment of wounds.

Provision of Information to Staff Concerning First Aid Arrangements

All local methods of conveying information to employees should be used to ensure staff are fully aware, understand and accept the first aid systems. The procedures should also identify who will provide relevant first aid information to new staff.

 

Strategically placed notices, stating the name, contact place and telephone extension of the nearest first aider/s or appointed person/s are invaluable. Such notices must be in green with white print, and are available from the appointed suppliers. It is also useful for this information to be incorporated into School/Departmental Safety Statements.

Action to Call Help in the Event of an Emergency

After initially assessing that emergency help is required dial 8888. Security will take details of the incident and they will arrange to meet and direct an ambulance to the appropriate area.

Appendix 1 - Table 1

A basic guide to number of first aid personnel for the University

Category of Risk

First Aid personnel

Lower risk

 

 

eg offices, libraries:

for small departments, an appointed person as a minimum subject to the criteria on page 4

 

one first aider at all times, with one additional first aider for every 200 occupants over and above 200

Higher risk

eg workshops, laboratories kitchens, the farm, halls of residence

 

less than 100 occupants

 

more than 100 occupants

 

High risk, including a risk of poisoning for which treatment with an antidote may be needed; eg hydrofluoric acid and cyanide

 

at least one first aider

 

one additional first aider for every 50-100 occupants

 

at least one first aider trained in the specific

 

emergency action

Appendix 2a

9514329

 

2 October 1995

 

LINDA ALLEN

 

Secretary

 

Dear

 

FIRST AID AT WORK COURSES AND

 

ESSENTIALS OF FIRST AID LECTURES

 

You have been allocated a place on the 'First Aid at Work' course which commences at 09.00 hrs on Thursday .......................................... It is required that candidates attain a 100% attendance at lectures before they can sit the examination. There will be the usual lunch and coffee breaks.

 

A non-refundable fee of £8.99 will be the charge to your department and an invoice will be sent for this amount. This charge covers the cost of the manual.

 

The Head of School/Department nominating a member of staff must agree to release the candidate for the four day duration of the course, and support him/her in the duties of a First Aider. This is a physically and mentally demanding course covering the first aid management of injury, major and minor illness at work. (Please see enclosed guidance on selection criteria).

 

The candidate must successfully complete an oral and practical examination. Sensible clothing is recommended as a large proportion of the course involves practical work.

 

Please refer to the enclosed form which should be completed by the Head of School/Department and the course nominee to secure your place on the course.

 

Please note that Cripps Health Centre car park is used by patients, and it would be appreciated if you could park elsewhere

 

Yours sincerely

 

Linda Allen,

 

Occupational Health Secretary

 

Please Note: There is no facility for the provision of food within this building. You are free to bring your own lunch, or to use the various facilities on campus.

Appendix 2b - Suitability to Train as a First Aider

Selection

The selection of first-aiders depends on a number of factors, including an individual's:

  1. Reliability, disposition and communication skills
  2. Aptitude and ability to absorb new knowledge and learn new skills
  3. Ability to cope with stressful and physically demanding emergency procedures
  4. Normal duties. These should be such that they may be left to go immediately and rapidly to an emergency.

First Aid competencies

The purpose of training is to equip candidates to deal effectively with injuries or illness which may occur at work. The key objective is that, on completion of training, successful candidates will be able to apply the following competencies in practice:

  1. The ability to act safely, promptly and effectively when an emergency situation occurs at work.
  2. The ability to administer cardio-pulmonary resuscitation promptly and effectively.
  3. The ability to administer first aid safely, promptly and effectively to a casualty who is unconscious.
  4. The ability to administer first aid safely, promptly and effectively to a casualty who is wounded or bleeding.
  5. The ability to administer first aid safely, promptly and effectively to a casualty who:
    1. has been burned or scalded
    2. is suffering from an injury to bones, muscles or joints
    3. is suffering from shock
    4. has an eye injury
    5. may be poisoned
    6. has been overcome by gas or fumes
  6. The ability to transport a casualty safely as required by the circumstances of the workplace.
  7. The ability to recognise common major illnesses and take appropriate action.
  8. The ability to recognise and give first aid treatment for minor illness.
  9. The ability to maintain simple factual records and provide written information to a doctor or hospital if required.
    They will also have demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the principles of first aid at work, and in particular of:
    1. The importance of personal hygiene in first aid procedures.
    2. The legal framework for first aid provision at work.
    3. The use of equipment provided.
    4. The role of the first aider in emergency procedures.

Reference: Health & Safety Commission 1994: Proposals for a revised Approved Code of Practice and Guidance on Health & Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981

Appendix 2c

Please sign and return this form to:

 

LINDA ALLEN - Occupational Health Unit, Cripps Health Centre

 

I have read and understand the requirements for Selection and First Aid Competencies for the proposed applicant, and confirm that the following nominee for First Aid training is suitable to be nominated for the course.

 

Signature (Manager):

 

 

CANDIDATES FULL NAME: (Dr/Mr/Mrs/Miss/Ms)

 

JOB:

 

DEPT:

 

Signature (Candidate):Date:

Appendix 3 - Obtaining First Aid Supplies

The First Aid Box and the contents are available from Selles Medical. Order forms are supplied to every department (see attached). Items are ordered direct from Selles, and departments will be invoiced individually. Further order forms are available from Nottingham Occupational Health at Cripps Health Centre.

Additional but NOT requisite items are:

  1. *Sterile eye irrigation bottles. Please note: these are only required in high risk of chemical splashes to the eye areas and in the absence of running tap water.
  2. Location of First Aider signs.
  3. General Guidance card for inclusion in First Aid Boxes (sample attached).
  4. Disposable plastic gloves and aprons.
  5. *Individually wrapped (non spirit based) moist cleansing wipes.
  6. Radiation areas - notice summarising decontaminaton procedures. (See Safety Circular RP8/94A).

*Please note:These are only required if there is no running tap water in the vicinity

 

Appendix 4 - First Aid Boxes and Kits

Nottingham Occupational Health Guidlelines concerning the contents of the the first aid box

All establishments will need at least one first aid box. Each first aid box should be placed in a clearly identified and readily accessible location. Each first aider should have access to first aid equipment. Soap, water and disposable drying materials should be provided for first aid purposes. Where soap and water are not available, individually wrapped moist cleansing wipes which are not impregnated with alcohol may be used. The use of antiseptics is not necessary for the first aid treatment of wounds.

 

First aid boxes and travelling first aid kits should contain a sufficient quantity of first aid materials and nothing else.

Contents should be replenished as soon as possible after use, the expiry date on dressings should be checked regularly.

 

THE BOX: Suitable material designed to protect the contents from damp and dust and should be clearly identified as first aid containers: the marking used should be a white cross on a green background in accordance with Safety Signs Regulations (1980).

 

Sufficient quantities of each item should be available in each first aid box.

  1. 1 x guidance card
  2. 20 x individually wrapped sterile adhesive dressings (assorted sizes appropriate to the work environment (which may be detectable for catering)
  3. 2 x sterile eye pads with attachment
  4. 6 x individually wrapped triangular bandages
  5. 6 x safety pins
  6. 6 x Medium sized individually wrapped sterile unmedicated wound dressings (approx 10cm x 8cm)
  7. 2 x Large sized individually wrapped sterile unmedicated wound dressings (approx 13cm x 9cm)
  8. 3 x Extra Large sized individually wrapped sterile unmedicated wound dressings (approx 28cm x 17.5cm)

Where mains tap water is not readily available for eye irrigation, sterile water or normal saline (0.9%) in sealed disposable containers should be provided. Each container should hold at least 300ml and should not be used once the sterile seal is broken. At least 900ml should be provided. Eye baths/eye cups/refillable containers should not be used for eye irrigation.

 

Sterile first aid dressings should be packaged in such a way as to allow the user to apply the dressing to a wound without touching that part which is to come into direct contact with the wound. There should be a bandage or fixture attached to the dressings. Consequently THERE IS NO REASON TO KEEP SCISSORS IN THE FIRST AID BOX.

Travelling first aid kits

The contents should be appropriate for the circumstances, but the minimum should be:

  1. 1 x guidance card
  2. 6 x individually wrapped sterile dressings
  3. 1 x large sterile unmedicated dressing
  4. 2 x triangular bandages
  5. 2 x safety pins
  6. individually wrapped moist cleansing wipes

Supplementary equipment

Disposable plastic gloves and aprons and suitable protective equipment should be provided near the first aid box.

First aid materials should be properly stored and checked to ensure they remain in good condition.

Blunt ended stainless steel scissors (min length 12.70cm) should be kept where there is a possibility that clothes might be cut away.

 

Soiled or used first aid dressings should be placed inside 2 sealed plastic bags for disposal. Contact the Occupational Health Unit or Safety Office for guidance on disposal of clinical waste, if in doubt.

Reference

First Aid at Work. Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981 and Guidance (updated 1990).