A first aid room should be established at the workplace if a risk assessment indicates that it would be difficult to administer appropriate first aid unless a first aid room is provided.
For example, workers who carry out work at workplaces where there is a higher risk of serious injury or illness occurring that would require immediate first aid and further treatment by an emergency service may benefit from having access to a dedicated first aid room.
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Below are important recommendations to help understand first aid room requirements at work.
A first aid room is recommended for:
- low-risk workplaces with 200 workers or more
- high-risk workplaces with 100 workers or more.
The contents of the room should suit the hazards that are specific to the workplace.
The location and size of the room should allow easy access and movement of injured people
who may need to be supported or moved by stretcher or wheelchair.
The following items should be provided in the first aid room:
- a first aid kit appropriate for the workplace
- hygienic hand cleanser and disposable paper towels
- an examination couch with waterproof surface and disposable sheets
- an examination lamp with magnifier
- a cupboard for storage
- a container with disposable lining for soiled waste
- a container for the safe disposal of sharps
- a bowl or bucket (minimum two litres capacity)
- electric power points
- a chair and a table or desk
- a telephone and/or emergency call system
- the names and contact details of first aiders and emergency organisations.
A first aid room should:
- be located within easy access to a sink with hot and cold water (where this is not provided
in the room) and toilet facilities - offer privacy via screening or a door
- be easily accessible to emergency services (minimum door width of 1 metre for stretcher access)
- be well lit and ventilated
- have an appropriate floor area (14 square metres as a guide)
- have an entrance that is clearly marked with first aid signage.
Maintaining a first aid room should be allocated to a trained occupational first aider, except where this room is part of a health centre or hospital.
At Recovery Partners, we are committed to helping companies navigate their workplace health and safety as smoothly as possible.
Our services are available nationwide. For more information about our services contact us.
Our consultants love to have a chat, so go ahead and give us a call on 1300 OHS RTW (647 789) or email enquiries@rrp.com.au
Disclaimer – these articles are provided to supply general safety information to people responsible for OHS in their organisation. They are general in nature and do not substitute for legal and/or professional advice. We always suggest that organisations obtain information specific to their needs. Additional information can be found at https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/