How to Select the Right First Aid Kit for Your Industry
In Dubai, every workplace needs to have a first aid kit – it’s the law. According to the Dubai Healthcare City Authority (DHCC), employers must make sure there’s a first aid kit that suits the size of the place and how many employees work there. Every workplace must have a first-aid box or cabinet that is always kept up-to-date and easily available. One more unit (full set) must be maintained on the premises if there are more than 150 but fewer than 250 employees. The rules also state that the things in the first aid kit should be good for dealing with all sorts of minor injuries or illnesses that might happen at work. From tiny cuts to bigger problems like burns or sprains – there should be appropriate medical supplies. Employers need to keep an eye on the first aid kit, making sure it’s checked, kept up, and filled up when things run out. Different jobs might need different things in their first aid kits. When you are working potentially risky jobs, you might need extra gear like gloves, safety glasses or other PPE items.
Items required in a first aid kit
Several items that help your personnel take charge of the situation in the event of an emergency or disaster should be included in a basic first aid kit. Here are some of them listed for you:
- Plasters: For bandaging and shielding minor wounds and scrapes.
- Sterile dressings: These can be used to press on more extensive wounds to stop bleeding.
- Eye pad dressing: To shield delicate and wounded eyes.
- Bandages: Used to compress wounds, keep dressings in place, reduce oedema, and support brittle joints.
- Wipes with and without alcohol: To clean the skin surrounding the incision.
- Adhesive tape: Prevents snagging by holding bandages and dressings in place.
- Safety pins: They can be used to secure bandages as well.
- Scissors: A useful instrument for slicing tape and bandages. If the wound is otherwise inaccessible, it can also be used to cut off the victim’s clothing.
- Disposable gloves: To lower the possibility of infection, particularly in cases where a wound is open.
Selecting First Aid Kits:
You can select a first aid kit based on the size of your workforce because they are available in various sizes. If you have several departments or buildings, it’s a good idea to have various First Aid kits so that they are always close at hand in case of emergency. Additional emergency equipment may be needed if there is a significant danger at work. Examples of this equipment include safety stations, temperature monitoring systems, defibrillators, emergency evacuation chairs, and emergency foil blankets.
Selecting the Appropriate Kit Size
When selecting the right first aid kit for your workplace, it’s crucial to consider the size and risk level of your workplace. The kit should be adequately stocked to cater to the number of employees and the types of injuries that may occur.
In the UAE, first aid kits can be categorized into three types depending on the risk level and the number of employees:
- Basic First Aid Kit: Suitable for low-risk workplaces with up to 25 employees.
- Standard First Aid Kit: Appropriate for medium-risk workplaces with up to 100 employees.
- Advanced First Aid Kit: Required for high-risk workplaces with more than 100 employees.
Low-risk workplaces include offices and shops, while medium-risk workplaces consist of warehouses and light industrial units. High-risk workplaces include construction sites, factories, and other environments with heavy machinery and hazards. The contents of these kits should vary depending on the risk factors and the size of your workplace. For instance, wound dressings and gauze pads should be available in different sizes.
When selecting a first aid kit, ensure that it is easy to access and conveniently placed to cater to emergencies. It’s also essential to regularly check and replenish the kit’s supplies to ensure prompt response during emergencies.
Regularly Updating and Maintaining the Kit
Maintaining and regularly updating the workplace first aid kit is crucial to ensuring its effectiveness in case of emergencies. This process includes checking for any damaged or expired items and re-stocking supplies as needed. One key aspect of kit maintenance is inspecting it periodically, at least four times a year. Employers should create a routine to evaluate the contents and replace any expired, discolored, or used items. Additionally, ensuring that the box or container is in good condition is important to protect the supplies inside.
Moreover, it is essential to keep the first aid kit up to date with the specific requirements of the workplace. This may involve adding new items or adjusting quantities based on the changing needs of the organization. Items to consider including in the kit are adhesive bandages, adhesive tape, antibiotic ointment, antiseptic, breathing barrier, burn cream and dressings, cold packs, eye and skin wash, hand sanitizer, gloves, roller bandages, scissors, splints, sterile pads, tourniquets, trauma pads, and triangular bandages.
Purchasing from a Reputable Supplier
When selecting a first aid kit for your workplace, it is crucial to purchase from a reputable supplier. Reliable suppliers will offer high-quality products that meet the necessary safety standards and regulations for first aid provision in UAE workplaces. One way to identify a trustworthy first aid supplier like PPE ONLINE (www.ppe-online.com) is by checking for reviews and testimonials from other customers. Such feedback can provide valuable insight into the supplier’s product quality, customer service, and expertise in workplace first aid kit requirements. PPE ONLINE sells reputed brands of first aid kits from Reliance Medical UK, ARASCA, St. John Ambulance. Get in touch with our sales experts to get more information about our product portfolio- info.ppe@ppe-online.com