First Aid Equipment

Health and Safety regulations state that all work environments should have an easily accessible and fully stocked first aid kit. In larger work places, this should be a separate room with a sink, sofa, telephone and basic medical supplies. To minimise the risk of injury or accident, all PPE should be worn at all times. The basic first aid kit should contain a number of items as required by the Health and Safety Officer. These should include disposable gloves, bandages, eye wash, sterilised water, tape, plasters, scissors, cleaning wipes, safety pins, a sling and sterile dressings. A spray can be used for chemical burns but gels, creams or tablets should be avoided as they may cause an allergic reaction. The disposable gloves are made of nitrile, latex or vinyl and protect against infection and/or contamination. Some laboratories also contain a safety shower in case of a chemical spill. It is usually installed as a separate cubicle with an overhead shower fitting and allows full immersion in water. First aid equipment is compulsory in any laboratory whether it is industrial, educational or research. All employees should know its location (prominently signposted) and there should be a designated first aider.