Every UK employer is legally required to provide a first aid kit in the workplace, yet many offices, shops, and warehouses are still relying on a dusty green box that has not been checked in years. If you are responsible for health and safety at work, this guide gives you the complete contents checklist for a BS 8599-compliant workplace first aid kit, explains how to choose the right size, and tells you exactly when to restock.
In this article
- 1. What Does the Law Say About Workplace First Aid Kits?
- 2. What Is BS 8599 and Why Does It Matter?
- 3. The Complete BS 8599 Contents Checklist
- 4. Which Size Kit Does Your Workplace Need?
- 5. How Often Should You Check and Restock?
- 6. Common Mistakes That Fail an Inspection
- Frequently Asked Questions
1. What Does the Law Say About Workplace First Aid Kits?
The Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981 require every employer to provide "adequate and appropriate" first aid equipment for their employees. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) enforces this, and their guidance on first aid kit contents sets out the minimum you should stock: sterile plasters, eye pads, triangular bandages, wound dressings, safety pins, and disposable gloves.
What catches many employers off guard is the "needs assessment" requirement. The HSE expects you to assess your specific workplace risks and adjust your kit accordingly. A construction site needs more burn dressings and larger wound dressings than a call centre. A warehouse with heavy machinery needs foil blankets and face shields. The simplest way to get this right is to buy a kit that already meets the BS 8599 British Standard, which builds in extra items for different risk levels.
2. What Is BS 8599 and Why Does It Matter?
BS 8599-1 is the British Standard for workplace first aid kits, published by the British Standards Institution. While the HSE does not legally require your kit to meet this standard, they specifically recommend it as the benchmark. In practice, buying a BS 8599-compliant kit means you are covered for most workplace scenarios without needing to build your own kit item by item.
The standard defines three kit sizes (small, medium, and large) with specific contents and quantities for each. It also goes beyond the basic HSE minimum by including items like burn dressings, foil blankets, face shields, clothing shears, and conforming bandages. These additions reflect real-world workplace injuries more accurately than the older HSE minimum list.
BS 8599-1 compliant, durable case, fully stocked for offices, warehouses, and education sites.
3. The Complete BS 8599 Contents Checklist
Below is the full contents list for a BS 8599-1:2019 compliant workplace first aid kit. Use this as your restocking checklist. The quantities increase with each kit size to match larger or higher-risk workforces.
| Item | Small | Medium | Large |
|---|---|---|---|
| First aid guidance leaflet | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Adhesive plasters (assorted) | 40 | 60 | 100 |
| Sterile eye dressings | 2 | 3 | 4 |
| Triangular bandages | 2 | 3 | 4 |
| Medium sterile dressings | 2 | 4 | 6 |
| Large sterile dressings | 2 | 3 | 4 |
| Finger dressings | 2 | 3 | 4 |
| Burn dressings (10 x 10 cm) | 1 | 2 | 2 |
| Sterile wet wipes | 20 | 30 | 40 |
| Microporous tape | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| Nitrile gloves (pairs) | 6 | 9 | 12 |
| Face shields (for CPR) | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| Foil blankets | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| Conforming bandage | 1 | 2 | 2 |
| Clothing shears | 1 | 1 | 1 |
Tip: print this table and tape it inside the lid of your first aid box. It makes restocking much faster and helps your appointed first aider confirm everything is present at a glance.
4. Which Size Kit Does Your Workplace Need?
Choosing the right size depends on two factors: the number of people on site and the level of risk your work involves. As a general guide:
- Small kit suits low-risk workplaces with fewer than 25 employees: offices, shops, small salons, and service vehicles.
- Medium kit suits moderate-risk workplaces or those with 25 to 100 employees: schools, warehouses, light manufacturing, and larger offices.
- Large kit suits higher-risk environments or workplaces with 100+ employees: construction sites, factories, logistics hubs, and multi-floor buildings.
If your workplace has multiple floors or separate buildings, consider placing a kit on each level rather than relying on a single large kit. The HSE recommends that all employees can reach a first aid kit within a reasonable time.
BS 8599-1 compliant, compact case, ideal for offices, shops, and service vehicles with under 25 staff.
5. How Often Should You Check and Restock?
The HSE does not set a fixed restocking schedule, but best practice is to check your kit at least once a month and immediately after any incident where supplies were used. Here is what to look for during each check:
- Expiry dates. Sterile dressings, wipes, and plasters all carry expiry dates. Replace anything that has passed its date, as expired sterile items may no longer be sterile.
- Quantity. Compare what is in the box against the BS 8599 checklist above. Replace anything that has been used.
- Condition. Check that packaging is intact. Dressings with torn or damaged wrappers should be replaced even if they have not expired.
- Gloves. Nitrile gloves degrade over time, especially in warm or humid environments. If they feel sticky or discoloured, replace the entire pack.
Assign a named person (usually your appointed first aider) as the kit checker. Keep a simple log sheet inside the lid with the date and initials each time the kit is inspected. This creates a paper trail that demonstrates compliance during an HSE visit or insurance review.
6. Common Mistakes That Fail an Inspection
After years of supplying first aid kits to UK workplaces, we see the same avoidable errors again and again:
- Expired contents left in the kit. This is the single most common issue. A kit full of out-of-date dressings is not compliant, even if every item is present.
- Adding medicines. Workplace first aid kits should not contain painkillers, antihistamines, or any medication. The HSE is clear on this: first aiders are not authorised to administer medicine.
- Storing the kit somewhere inaccessible. A locked cupboard in the manager's office defeats the purpose. Kits should be in a visible, communal area that all staff can reach quickly.
- Relying on one kit for a large site. A single small kit cannot serve a three-storey building with 80 employees. Match your kit count and sizes to your floor plan and headcount.
- No needs assessment on file. The regulations require a documented assessment. Even a simple one-page form that records your workplace risks, employee count, and chosen kit size is sufficient.
BS 8599-1 compliant, high-capacity case for factories, construction sites, and 100+ employee workplaces.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a workplace first aid kit a legal requirement in the UK?
Yes. Under the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981, every UK employer must provide adequate first aid equipment for employees. The exact contents depend on your workplace risk assessment, but the HSE recommends following the BS 8599 British Standard as a practical benchmark. Failure to provide adequate first aid provision can result in enforcement action from the HSE.
What is the difference between an HSE first aid kit and a BS 8599 kit?
The HSE sets a basic minimum (plasters, eye pads, bandages, dressings, gloves), while BS 8599-1 is a more comprehensive British Standard that adds burn dressings, foil blankets, face shields, clothing shears, wet wipes, and microporous tape. A BS 8599 kit meets and exceeds the HSE minimum, so it is the simpler and safer choice for most workplaces.
Can I put painkillers in a workplace first aid kit?
No. The HSE advises against including any medication in workplace first aid kits. First aiders are not authorised to dispense or administer medicines. If employees need personal medication, they should carry it themselves. Employers can, however, provide a separate locked cabinet for personal medications if they choose to.
How many first aid kits do I need for my workplace?
That depends on your headcount, floor plan, and risk level. As a starting point: one kit per floor and one kit per separate building. A small office with 10 people on one floor needs a minimum of one small kit. A warehouse with 60 staff across two buildings needs at least two medium kits. Your first aid needs assessment should document the number, size, and location of each kit.
Do workplace first aid kit contents expire?
Yes. Sterile dressings, plasters, and wipes all carry expiry dates. Once expired, sterile items may no longer maintain their sterility and should be replaced. Check your kit at least monthly and after every incident where supplies are used. Keeping an inspection log inside the kit lid is a simple way to demonstrate you are maintaining it properly.
What should not go in a workplace first aid kit?
Medicines (including paracetamol, ibuprofen, and antihistamines), antiseptic creams, and any prescription medication should never be placed in a workplace first aid kit. The HSE is clear that first aiders are not qualified to administer drugs. You should also leave out personal items like sun cream, insect repellent, and hand sanitiser. These belong in a separate hygiene station, not in the regulated first aid box. Keeping your kit strictly to the BS 8599 contents list avoids confusion during an inspection.
Who is responsible for checking the first aid kit at work?
The employer is ultimately responsible, but in practice the task is usually delegated to the appointed person or a trained first aider. The HSE recommends naming a specific individual who checks the kit at least monthly, replaces used or expired items, and keeps a written log. Many workplaces tape a simple inspection sheet inside the kit lid with columns for date, initials, and any items replaced. This paper trail is exactly what an HSE inspector or insurer will ask for.
Do I need a first aid kit if I work from home?
If you are self-employed and work alone from home, there is no legal requirement to have a workplace first aid kit. However, if you employ anyone who works from your home, even part-time, the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981 apply. In that case you need to carry out a first aid needs assessment and provide appropriate equipment. For lone homeworkers employed by a larger company, the employer's risk assessment should cover whether a home first aid kit is necessary, and many employers provide a small BS 8599 kit as standard for remote staff.
Can I buy refills instead of replacing the whole first aid kit?
Yes, and it is the most cost-effective approach. Once you have a BS 8599-compliant case, you only need to replace the items that have been used or have expired. Most suppliers, including Vena Cava, sell individual refill items such as plaster packs, sterile dressings, nitrile gloves, and burn dressings. Keep your contents checklist inside the lid and reorder only what is missing. There is no need to buy an entirely new kit each time.
Does a workplace first aid kit need to be wall mounted?
There is no legal requirement to wall-mount a first aid kit, but it is strongly recommended for fixed workplaces such as offices, warehouses, and factories. Wall mounting keeps the kit visible, accessible, and in a known location so staff can find it quickly in an emergency. For mobile workforces, vehicles, and outdoor sites, a portable carry case is more practical. Whatever you choose, the HSE expects all employees to know where the nearest first aid kit is located.
What extra items should a construction site first aid kit contain?
A construction site is classed as a higher-risk environment, so the HSE expects you to go beyond the standard BS 8599 contents. Additional items to consider include extra burn dressings (for hot works), a tourniquet for severe limb injuries, eye wash pods for dust and debris exposure, additional large wound dressings, and a splint for suspected fractures. You should also have a foil blanket in every kit and consider keeping a separate burns kit near any welding or hot-cutting area. Your site-specific risk assessment determines exactly what is needed.
What colour should a workplace first aid kit be?
The Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996 require first aid equipment to be identified by a white cross on a green background. In practice, this means workplace first aid kits in the UK are almost always green with a white cross on the front. Using the correct colour ensures the kit is instantly recognisable in an emergency. Some industries also add high-visibility markings for sites with poor lighting. The green and white colour scheme is a legal requirement, not just a convention.
Stock Your Workplace First Aid Kit
Browse our full range of BS 8599-compliant first aid kits, refills, and individual supplies. Free UK delivery on orders over £35.
Browse First Aid Supplies →All kits meet BS 8599-1 and ship fully stocked, ready to mount or store.
The Vena Cava Team
Written by the clinical and product specialists at Vena Cava Ltd, a London-based medical supplies company. Our team combines hands-on healthcare experience with rigorous product testing to help you make informed choices about medical equipment for home, clinic and workplace use.
