6. First Aid Kits

When completing a COSHH Assessment, it is essential to list the first aid measures to be applied in case of emergency, usually because of some contact with the substance in question.

If specific first aid applications are mentioned e.g. keep the casualty warm, wash out the eye with copious amounts of water, the first aid provision must include the items required.  Foil blankets will keep people warm, eyewash in phials and bottles is advised but also items such as plastic gloves, burns gel and disinfectant wipes should be included.

The location of first aid kits/stations must be clearly signed, usually by a green symbol with a white cross.  The person responsible for first aid (this can be a trained first aider or a nominated person) is responsible for ensuring that all first aid provision is fully-stocked, out of date items have been removed and replaced and anything that is used in an emergency is replaced as soon as possible.  It is also a good idea to have extra stocks of commonly-used items.