A quick guide to the First Aid facts you need to know... If you need help finding your feet when it comes to your First Aid responsibilities, take a few moments to read this handy guide – or print it out for future reference. Do I need a qualified first aider on my premises? It’s the employer’s responsibility to assess for the need of a first aider, so in order to determine this you’ll need to carry out a risk assessment that considers:
- The numbers employed
- The work
- Hazards
- The level of accidents
- The workplace
- Shift working
- The distance and duration from external medical services
From this, the decision of necessity can be made. How many first aiders should I have? The following indicates the number of first aiders required per industry type:
- Factories, construction sites, surface mines and quarries: <49 = 1 if risk assessment shows it necessary.
- Underground mines: 1 for every 10 employees or part thereof.
- Other workplaces: <99 = 1 if risk assessment shows it necessary.
What are the employer’s obligations when the first aider is absent? The employer may designate a person to take charge of an injured or ill person until medical assistance is obtained. How are the emergency services contacted? The names, addresses and telephone numbers of the local emergency services must be clearly displayed in the workplace. Emergency plans and procedures must be in place and people designated and trained to implement them. It must be clear who makes contact with the emergency services. What type of a certificate does a first aider receive? The QQI OFA Level 5 certificate in Occupational First Aid and the PHECC first aid response (FAR) certificate are recognised by the HSA. What happens if a first aider’s training lapses? If the lapse is less than 3 months, then a 1 day course is required – otherwise the full 3 day training must be carried out. How long is certification valid for? Occupational first aid certification is valid for 2 years, after which refresher training is required. What first aid records and documentation need to be kept?
- The names of occupational first aider
- Dates of all first aid training
- All cases where first aider treatment was required
Can a first aider give out painkillers/headache tablets? First aid does not cover the administration of drugs or medications. Are occupational first aiders trained in the use of AED (automatic external defibrillator)? Yes, AED is part of the Cardiac First Response (CFR) Unit of the QQI Level 5 OFA Standard, and first aiders are trained in its use. Are employers required to have an AED? No, but it would be good practice to have one! Should I have a first aid room at my workplace? A risk assessment will determine this necessity, depending on:
- Premises size
- Activities
- Hazards
- Distance from the nearest medical facility
If you need more information on your health and safety issues or First Aid responsibilities, please call the 24 Hour Advice Service on 01 855 50 50 and we’ll be happy to help.
