Are there legal rules about how and where first aid kits must be stored?
Short Answer: In Australia, there are no specific legal rules on how and where first aid kits should be stored. However, the Safe Work Australia guidelines require a Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBU) to make sure that the workplace has at least one first-aid kit. At the same time, the kits must be reasonably accessible at all times, and the workers need to know where the kits are located. The first aid kits must be suitable for the workplace based on the risks and layout.
To understand more about first aid kit storage laws in Australia, you also need to look into the following:
● What does 'reasonably accessible’ mean under WHS?
● Should kits be locked or openly accessible?
● How do environmental conditions affect storage compliance?
● Are vehicle storage requirements different?
What does ‘reasonably accessible’ mean under WHS?
Under work health and safety laws in Australia, ‘reasonably accessible’ means that the first aid equipment and facilities should be readily accessible during an emergency. This can take shape in the following manner:
● Unobstructed access and retrieval- The first aid kits must be readily accessible to anyone who needs them. They should not be locked in cupboards or placed behind staff-only access areas or blocked by any furniture.
● Immediate proximity - When serious injuries occur, every second counts. As such, first aid kits should be placed close to places where there is a high risk of injury. (E.g., loading docks, kitchens, workshops, etc.)
● High visibility and signage- The first aid kit should be clearly visible to everyone and marked with the standard first aid signs (white cross on green background).
● Always available- Access to first aid kits must be guaranteed at all times. If your business has a night shift or people work overtime, kits should remain accessible.
In terms of mobile and remote workers, first aid kits need to be portable. At the same time, these kits need to carry extra supplies to focus on self-sufficiency. This is because it can take time for help to arrive in remote locations. If work vehicles are involved, Safe Work Australia calls for each vehicle to be equipped with a first aid kit.
Should kits be locked or openly accessible?
Under Australian WHS law, first aid kits need to be readily accessible at all times. Even though they can be kept in a protective cabinet or cupboard, they should not be locked away in a manner that prevents access and delays treatment.
First aid kits can be locked away if there are legitimate security risks, such as theft, tampering, and vandalism, close to or at the worksite. If the kit must be locked, all the workers must know who holds the key or passcode or have access to a keycard or passcode themselves.
The bottom line is that first aid kits should be readily accessible during work hours, regardless of whether the storage location is locked or not.
How do environmental conditions affect storage compliance?
The environmental conditions of your worksite have a direct impact on how you store your first aid kits. That is because environmental factors such as heat, moisture, and exposure to direct sunlight can hasten the loss of sterility and degradation of supplies. When that happens, the supplies lose their effectiveness, and they will not be suitable for use during emergencies.
As such, the WHS Code of Practice requires employers to regularly inspect and restock first aid kits. Under Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) principles, medical devices and supplies in first aid kits, such as syringes and sterile dressings, must remain compliant with the essential safety standards and performance principles. This means that they have to be unaffected by improper storage. Furthermore, the AS 2675-1983 Standards outline that first aid kits must be stored in containers that are robust, dust-proof, and water-resistant.
At the end of the day, there is no specified method of storage. However, whatever method is chosen must protect the medical supplies from environmental conditions and help the kit remain viable, no matter when an emergency occurs.
Are vehicle storage requirements different?
In Australia, no law requires first aid kits to be kept in private vehicles. It is entirely up to the prerogative of the vehicle owner. However, according to Safe Work Australia, when vehicles are used for commercial purposes, such as company cars or delivery vehicles, PCBUs must provide portable and easily accessible vehicle first aid kits.
The first aid kits should be stored in locations that are easily accessible, not buried among heavy cargo or luggage. Common storage locations include under the driver’s seat, a mounted cargo area, or the glove box.
The supplies must also be protected from contaminants, dust, moisture, heat, and direct sunlight. That being the case, where you park the vehicle will also play a role. It’s better to park the car in the shade. However, if that’s not possible, the first aid kits may need to be taken out of the vehicle and placed back in afterwards.
Related Question
Q: Where should first aid kits be placed in workplaces?
In workplaces, first aid kits should be placed near high-risk workplaces, in lunchrooms or common areas, near workshops and machinery, and across multiple floors and large worksites.
Conclusion
If you want to keep first aid kits safe and ready to deal with any emergency, proper storage is a must. Australian WHS rules emphasise accessibility, visibility, and suitability. That means that first aid kits must be easy to locate, easy to access, known to all, and have the supplies to match workplace emergencies.
If you’re looking to equip your business with the best first aid kits and accessories, SURVIVAL is here to help. Our first aid kits are known for their durability, practical layout, and high-quality supplies. Our mission is to make safety simple, powerful, and accessible to all.