Where should first aid kits be positioned across a large workplace?
Short Answer: In large worksites, first aid kits should be positioned in areas that are highly visible and easily accessible. Since large workplaces need multiple first aid kits, the goal is to make sure that every employee, regardless of where they are in the workplace, is at most only a 3-minute walking distance away from a first aid kit. That being the case, first aid kits should be placed on every floor, near high-risk zones, and areas of heavy foot traffic.
If you want to learn more about first aid kit placement in large worksites, you must also look into the following:
● What is considered “reasonably accessible’ under Australian guidelines?
● Should each department have its own kit?
● How do multi-level buildings change placement strategy?
● Are wall-mounted cabinets better for visibility?
What is considered ‘reasonably accessible’ under Australian guidelines?
Under Australian WHS guidelines, a first aid kit can be considered ‘reasonably accessible’ when a worker, regardless of their location within the workplace, is at most only a few minutes away from a fully stocked first aid kit.
When we say that a worker should be a few minutes away from a kit, there is no hard-and-fast metre-by-metre rule. The idea is that, should an emergency occur, the travel time of the first aid supplies should be limited as much as possible. The sooner the first aid can be administered, the better.
For example, if the workplace is multi-storey, there should ideally be first-aid kits on every floor or every second floor. On the other hand, if there is a high-hazard zone within the workplace, there should be a dedicated first aid kit for that area.
At the same time, PCBUs need to make sure that the first aid kits are highly visible with proper signage. The kits must be marked with a white cross on a green background. If the kits are stored in a cupboard or room, the first aid sign should be placed on the exterior door. The workers must also have knowledge of exactly where the first-aid kits are located.
Should each department have its own kit?
Yes, in large workplaces, it is highly recommended that each department have its own dedicated first-aid kit. By having a dedicated kit for each department, you can make sure everyone has access to emergency supplies within 1-3 minutes of their location. It can significantly cut down on response time during emergencies.
Plus, when kits are established per department, you can have dedicated and specialised first aid kits for high-risk zones. For example, a chemical handling zone and loading zones will require dedicated first aid kits to treat specific injuries.
How do multi-level buildings change placement strategy?
When your workplace has multi-level buildings, it will compel you to tweak your first aid kit placement strategy. That’s because having a single, centrally located first aid kit may not be the most practical solution, especially when there can be emergencies where every minute counts.
Accessibility is one of the biggest considerations. If the building only has one first aid kit, workers may not be able to quickly reach it from another floor during medical emergencies and evacuations. Not having enough kits defeats the goal of trying to reduce response times to injuries. That’s why it's recommended that multi-storey buildings have at least one first aid kit per floor.
The supplies the kits contain will depend on the location and risk level. For example, a first aid kit dedicated to a commercial kitchen or lunchroom must have supplies to treat cuts and burns. Gyms and worksites where there is high manual labour will need cold packs and compression bandages.
Furthermore, the first aid kits need to be visible. The first aid kits must be clearly labelled, mounted in visible locations, and easy to access without any keys or barriers blocking the path. At the same time, the staff must have a keen understanding of where all the first-aid kits are located on the premises.
Are wall-mounted cabinets better for visibility?
If you want to make sure that the first aid kits are located in places that everyone can see, wall-mounted first aid kits are the best option. The biggest advantage of wall-mounted cabinets is that you can create a dedicated and recognisable first aid station with the cabinet at the centre.
You are not confined by the size of standalone kits, and you can make sure that the medical supplies aren’t easily misplaced. Plus, you can also easily see when stocks are running low and make the necessary arrangements to replenish your supplies.
Wall-mounted first aid kits are incredibly useful in warehouses, factories, and multi-level office buildings, as well as large retail and hospitality venues. However, you need to make sure that the wall-mounted kits are easy to access and free from any obstructions. At the same time, installing them close to high-risk areas is a bonus.
Related Question
Q: Are portable first aid kits useful in large worksites?
Yes. Portable first aid kits are very useful in large worksites, especially when the work involves outdoor tasks and travel to remote locations. Portable kits can be combined with wall-mounted kits to offer more comprehensive coverage in the workplace.
Conclusion
In Australia, the proper placement of first aid kits is a crucial part of ensuring workplace safety at large worksites. When placed correctly, no matter where in the worksite an injury occurs, a person is no more than 1-3 minutes away from a fully stocked first aid kit. When considering where to place your first-aid kits, don’t forget to combine visibility, accessibility, and practicality.
If you’re looking to improve the health and safety of a large worksite, SURVIVAL is here to help. Designed for Australian workplaces and conditions, our first aid kits have everything you need to help create a smarter and safer first aid set-up for your workplace. Shop at SURVIVAL and find the first aid kits and accessories you need.