GUIDELINES ON FIRST-AID

IN THE WORKPLACE
(2nd Edition)

DEPARTMENT OF OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH

MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCES
MALAYSIA
2004

JKKP : GP(I) 06 / 2004

ISBN : 983-2014-43-3
 PREFACE

“First-aid” is the assessment and interventions that can be performed by a first aider
during an emergency with minimal equipment until appropriate medical personnel arrive. The
life of an injured or ill worker or member of the public within the vicinity of the workplace may
depend on proper first-aid being given within the first few minutes of an accident or an illness.
Besides saving lives, first-aid treatment is important in preventing further complications from
injury and pain and in promoting recovery. It is also important for minor injuries such as burns,
sprains, cuts, etc.

This guidelines help employers, occupiers and Occupational Safety and Health personnel, to
plan and provide proper first-aid facilities in factories or other workplaces. It is presented in a
simple format for quick and easy reference. It is hoped that it will meet the needs of industry.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT.

Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) Malaysia is grateful for

the valued input and content recommendations from the following contributors for the
second edition of this guidelines:
Dr. Faridah Amin
Prof. Dr. Krishna Gopal Rampal
Occupational Health Physician
Senior Lecturer of Occupational Health
Industrial Health Division
Medical Faculty
DOSH, Headquarters.
University Kebangsaan Malaysia.
Dr. Norsayani Mohd. Yaacob.
Dr. Abu Hassan Samad
Occupational Health Physician
Medical Adviser
DOSH, Pahang.
Exonmobil Malaysia.
Mr. Haniff Yahaya
Dr. Nik Hisamuddin Nik Ab. Rahman.
Executive
Lecturer of Emergency Medicine
Occupational Health Division.
School of Medical Sciences
NIOSH
University Science Malaysia
Dr. Siah Chui Khim
Dr. Agus Salim Mohd. Banon
Master Student
Manager
Social Preventive Medicine
Occupational Health Division.
University Malaya.
NIOSH
Mr. Mohamad Husain Sajahan.
Dr. Jefferelli Shamsul Bahrin
Lead Paramedic
Occupational Health Physician,
BASF PETRONAS Chemicals Sdn. Bhd.
BASF PETRONAS Chemicals Sdn. Bhd.

DOSH also acknowledge and appreciate the prior hard work, dedication, and
foundation provided by the editors of the prior edition, Dr. Abed Onn, Dr. Ling Kin
Hong, Mr. D. Muniady, Major(R) Raja Harun Raja Ismail, Dr. Rosidah Ibrahim, Dr.
Sarfuddin Osman, Hjh. Maimunah Khalid, Dr. Sarojiji S, Ir. Hj. Abu Bakar Che Man, Ir.
Mohtar Musri, Mr. Anuar Mokhtar and Mdm. Muaziah Abd. Rahman, and the many
users of the Guides who submitted recommendations concerning the revision. Their
input was essential to creating this edition of Guides.

Ir. Hj. Abu Bakar Che Man Ir. Hj. Zainuddin Abdullah
Director General Deputy Director General
DOSH, Malaysia. DOSH, Malaysia.
 Table of Content
Page

1. DEFINITIONS 1
2. LEGAL PROVISION 2
3. COMPONENTS OF WORKPLACE FIRST-AID FACILITIES
3.1 Major Components 2
3.2 Factors to Consider 2
4. FIRST-AIDERS
4.1 Number Required 2
4.1.1 General Guide 2
4.1.2 Shift Work 3
4.1.3 Work-site With More Than One Employer 3
4.2 Provision of Information about First-Aiders 3
4.3 Selection 3
4.4 Training 3
4.4.1 Recognized Course 3
4.4.2 The Need for Further Training 4
4.4.3 Training Record 4
4.5 Responsibilities
4.5.1 Management Of Casualty 4
4.5.2 Maintenance Of Treatment Record 5
4.5.3 Responsibilities For Maintenance Of First-Aid Facilities 5
5. FIRST-AID BOX
5.1 Design 5
5.2 Location 5
5.3 Contents 6
6. FIRST-AID ROOM
6.1 Design 6
6.2 Location 6
6.3 Items In First-Aid Room 7
7. SPECIAL FIRST –AID REQUIREMENTS
7.1 Provision For Mass Casualties 7
7.2 Special Instructions 7
7.3 Protective Clothing And Equipment 7
7.4 Cleaning Up 7

8. REFERENCES
Appendix 1 – Institutions Recognized by the DOSH for
providing training on First-Aid in the Workplace 9
Appendix 2 – Course Content for First-Aider 10
Appendix 3 – Record of Casualty and Treatment given by First-Aider 12
Appendix 4 – Recommended Content of First-Aid Box 13
Appendix 5 – Checklist for Components of First-Aid requirements 14
Appendix 6– Checklist For First-Aid Box 15
Appendix 7– Typical Layout Of A First-Aid Room 16
Appendix 8 – Recommended Facilities For First-Aid Room 17
 Guidelines On First-Aid In Workplace

1. DEFINITIONS

1.1 First-aid in the workplace includes the provision of first-aid facilities, services
and personnel required for the initial treatment of persons suffering from injury
or illness at a workplace. It is the immediate treatment or care given to a victim of
an accident or sudden illness before qualified health personnel attend to provide
treatment.

The aims of first aid are to:

• Preserve life;
• Prevent illness or injury from becoming worse;
• Reduce pain;
• Promote recovery; and
• Care of unconscious.

1.2 First-aid facilities includes

• first-aid box;
• first-aid room; and
• first-aid equipment, e.g. oxygen tanks and stretchers.

1.3 First-aid requirement means the requirements for first aid facilities, services
and personnel at a workplace;

1.4 First-aid services means any procedure or method associated with the provision
of first-aid at the workplace;

1.5 First-aider means a person who has successfully completed a first-aid course
and has been awarded with a certificate of proficiency in first-aid by an
institution listed in Appendix 1.

1.6 Risk means the likelihood that a hazard will cause harm.

1.7 Universal Precautions means a set of precautions designed to prevent

transmission of blood-borne pathogens when providing first aid or health care.

2. LEGAL PROVISION

An employer has a duty to provide information, instruction, training and supervision

about first aid facilities and services for employees.

2.1 The Factories and Machinery Act 1967

Section 25 of the Factories and Machinery Act 1967 (Act 139) and Regulation 38
of the Factories and Machinery (Safety, Health and Welfare) Regulations 1970
state the scope of responsibility of an occupier with regards to first-aid provision.
The scope includes:

• providing and maintaining a first-aid box or cupboard of such standard as

may be prescribed and ensuring the box is readily accessible at all times;

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• assigning the responsibility to upkeep a first-aid box or cupboard to a

responsible person, and for a factory with more than 20 person employed,
specifying that the responsible person should be proficient in first-aid
treatment; and

• providing and maintaining a first-aid room in a factory where more than 150
person are employed.

2.2 The Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994

Section 15(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994 (Act 514) provides
that every employer and the self-employed person must ensure, so far as is
practicable, the safety, health and welfare at work of all his employees. The
provision of first-aid facilities and first-aiders is in compliance with the welfare
component of this general duty of employers and self-employed persons.

3. COMPONENTS OF WORKPLACE FIRST-AID.

3.1 Major Components

There are four major components of workplace first-aid, namely;

• first-aider
• first-aid box
• first-aid room
• first-aid equipment

3.2 Factors to Consider

When deciding on the number of first-aiders, first-aid box, first-aid room and
first-aid equipment for the workplace, the following factors should be considered:

• type of industry
• number of workers
• number of work shifts
• location of workplace and status of infrastructure in relation to the nearest
medical clinic or hospital

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4. FIRST-AIDERS

4.1 Number of first-aiders Required.

4.1.1 General Guide

Description No. Of Workers No. Of First-aiders

a. workplaces with low less than 20 one (1)

risk hazards (e.g. 21- 150 two (2)
office) more than 150 two (2) for every 150
workers or part thereof.

b. workplaces with high less than 20 one (1) per shift

risk hazards (e.g. 20 or more one (1) for every 20 workers
chemical plant, or part thereof.
shipyards, construction
sites)

c. Workplaces with more two (2) for every 150

than 400 workers workers or part thereof and in
addition a registered nurse or
medical assistant must be
employed on site.

d. Logging one for every “tree felling

gang”**

** a tree-felling gang is a group of workers involved in tree felling operation which normally consists of
a tree-feller, a tractor driver, a wireman and the supervisor.

4.1.2 Shift Work

If there is a shift work schedule, there should be a sufficient number of first-

aiders for each shift based on the guideline in paragraph 4.1.1.

4.1.3 Work-Site With More Than One Employer

In a work-site (e.g. a construction site) where employees of different

employers are working together, Act 514 requires the principal employer to
provide and maintain safe systems of work which include provisions for
adequate and appropriate first-aider, first-aid box, first-aid room and first-aid
equipment.

However, the relevant employers may make arrangement whereby one of

them agrees to provide adequate and appropriate first-aider, first-aid box,
first-aid room and first-aid equipment to comply with the above guidelines.
The agreement should be recorded in writing and a copy of the agreement
should be kept by each employer concerned.

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4.2 Provision of Information About First-Aiders

An employer should display a notice, in a prominent place in the work-site, of the

names and locations of first-aiders. First-aiders should also be provided with a
form of identification (e.g. badge, arm band) for easy recognition.

4.3 Selection

An employer shall, from time to time, recruit or select suitable persons to go for
first-aid training. The employer should consider persons with the following
qualities to be trained in first-aid:

• physically fit

• free from blood borne infectious diseases, e.g. Hepatitis B, HIV/AIDS

• free to leave their work immediately to respond to an emergency

4.4 Training

4.4.1 Recognised Course

A course on first-aid conducted by institutions listed in Appendix 1 are

recognized by DOSH as meeting the first-aid training requirement. The
course should have contents listed in Appendix 2.

4.4.2 The Need for Refresher Training

First-aiders need to undergo a recognized course (appendix 1) once every

three (3) years.

4.4.3 Training Record

The employers should keep a record of the dates on which first-aiders

obtained their training and the dates on which they received refresher
training.

4.5 Responsibilities

4.5.1 Management of Casualty

In the management of an injured worker or ill worker, first-aiders should:

• give immediate first-aid treatment, keeping in mind that a casualty may

have more serious injuries and illness; and

• arrange without delay for the injured worker(s) to be sent to a doctor,

hospital or home, according to the seriousness of this condition.

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• Apply the principle of Universal Precautions while delivering the

responsibility to protect the first-aiders from acquiring blood borne
pathogen e.g. Hepatitis B and HIV.

This first-aider’s responsibility ends when the casualties are handed over to
the care of health care personnel.

4.5.2 Maintenance of Treatment Record

A record of the casualty and treatment given by the first-aider should be made
as in Appendix 3. This record shall be kept by the employer for a period of
five years.

The record should include information on:

• the immediate treatment;

• details about the incident/accident including information about the work

process involved;

• details about injury or work-related illness;

• any referral arrangements made, e.g. usage of local ambulance service,

referral to local hospital; and

• subsequent casualty management.

4.5.3 Responsibilities for Maintenance of First-Aid Requirement.

This first-aider is responsible for maintaining the first-aid box. He/She

should ensure that only first-aid material is kept inside the box. He/She
should check them periodically and ensure that the contents of the box are
regularly replenished (as recommended in Appendix 4).

However, it must be remembered that the absolute responsibility for

maintaining first-aid facilities lies with the employer. Hence, the employer
must ensure that the first-aider carries out his/her assigned responsibility.

The employer should review annually the first-aid requirement (as in

Appendix 5) to ensure that the services are adequate at all times.

In places where a state registered nurse or medical assistant is employed, he

or she is responsible for the supervision of the first-aider and the
responsibility for maintenance of the first-aid facilities.

5. FIRST-AID BOX

5.1. Design

First-aid boxes should be made of sturdy material and be portable so that it can be
taken to the site of an incident. The boxes should also be clearly marked.

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5.2 Location

Each first-aid box should be placed in a clearly identifiable, well-illuminated and

accessible location. Where a workplace covers a large area, an adequate number
of first-aid boxes should be provided. The box should be kept locked and the key
thereto kept by responsible person available during all working hours [section 38
(iii) FMA (safety, Health and Welfare) Regulations].The employees should be
informed of the location of all first aid boxes.

5.3 Contents.

First-aid boxes should contain a sufficient quantity of suitable first-aid materials.

They should not contain oral medication of any kind other than those required
for first-aid treatment.

It is essential that first-aid boxes be checked frequently so as to make sure they

are fully equipped and all items are usable. Materials used should be replaced as
soon as possible. Appendix 4 recommended the contents of a first-aid box.
Appendix 6 is an example of a checklist which can be used for checking the
appropriateness of the contents of the first-aid box.

6. FIRST-AID ROOM

6.1 Design

A first-aid room should be provided where there are more than 150 employees in
the workplace..

The room should be large enough to hold a couch and still have space for people
to move about. There should be emergency lighting in the room.

The walls made of foldable or removable type to enable the room to be expend to
the requirement size, floor and ceiling should be of material which does not
collect dust and is easily cleaned. Floors should be of non-slip material.

Privacy must be ensured, by obscuring windows if necessary. Temperature and

humidity should be maintained at a comfortable level.

It should also be clearly identified as a first-aid room by means of a sign. A

typical layout of a first-aid room is shown in Appendix 7.

6.2 Location

When choosing a site for a first-aid room, bear in mind the following factors:

• proximity to shower for cleaning or decontamination purposes.

• proximity to lifts and main passageways which are wide enough to allow a
stretcher or wheelchair through

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• accessibility to work areas

• accessibility to car park, so as to facilitate transfer of the injured person to an

ambulance

6.3 Items in First-Aid Room

The items that should be provided in a first-aid room are as listed in Appendix 8.

7. SPECIAL FIRST-AID REQUIREMENTS

7.1 Provision for Mass Casualties

In a workplace where there is a potential risk of mass casualties, provisions

should be made for a safe place for evacuation and for the availability of adequate
equipment e.g. stretchers, wheelchairs, sheets, bandages, blankets, etc.

7.2 Special Instructions

In any place of work where a chemical hazardous to health is used, the current
Chemical Safety Data Sheet (CSDS) for that chemical or a copy thereof shall be
kept in a conspicuous place close to each location where that chemical is used
and shall be easily accessible to the employees (Chemicals hazardous to health
are as in USECHH Regulations 2000). First-aiders working for companies
dealing in chemicals should receive special training on how to provide early
management in cases of chemical poisoning (i.e decontamination).

7.3 Protective Clothing and Equipment

Protective clothing and equipment should be provided where there is a possibility

that the first-aider may need protection to avoid becoming a casualty himself
while administering first-aid. Protective clothing and equipment should always
be properly stored and checked regularly to ensure that they remain in good
condition.

The principle of Universal Precautions is encouraged when dealing with a

casualty. Extra precaution should be taken when there is possibility of coming in
contact with blood or body fluids. It is recommended that a first-aider be
immunized for Hepatitis B.

7.4 Cleaning Up

First-aiders should wash their hands or any other surfaces of their body splashed
with blood or other body fluids as soon as possible with soap and water.
Contaminated surfaces should be cleansed and disinfected.

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8. REFERENCES

1. The Factories and Machinery Act 1967

2. The Factories and Machinery (Safety, Health and Welfare) Regulations 1970
3. The Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994
4. Code of Practice for First-Aid in the Workplace, Department or Employment,
Vocational Education, Training and Industrial Relations, Victoria, Australia
5. Your Guide to First-Aid Facilities in Factories, Department of Industrial Health,
Ministry of Labour, Singapore
6. Guidance Notes on providing First-Aid Equipment, Facilities and Training,
Department of Labour, New Zealand
7. Laws of Malysia Act 162 – Malaysia Red Cross Society ( Change of Name) Act
– 1975.
8. Malaysian Trauma Life Support Course Manual , Dato Dr. Abu Hassan Asaari
Abdullah.

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Appendix 1

Institutions Recognized by the Department of Occupational Safety and Health, Ministry of

Human Resource, Malaysia, for providing training on First-Aid in the Workplace

Organizations

Institutions under Ministry of Health

Hospitals under Ministry Of Education

National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)

Malaysian Society for Traumatology and Emergency Medicine (MASTEM)

Malaysian Red Crescent Society

St. John’s Ambulance, Malaysia

Any organization with qualified first aid trainers who were trained by any of the above
institutions and approved by Director General of DOSH.

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Appendix 2

Course Content for First-Aider

First aid training shall be conducted using the conventional methods of training such as lecture,
demonstration, practical exercise and examination (both written and practical). The length of
training must be sufficient to ensure that trainees understand the concepts of first aid and can
demonstrate their ability to perform the various procedures contained in the outline below.

At a minimum, first-aid training shall consist of the following:

A. Part One – Basic Life Support

1. Chain of Survivals

2. Common cause of Death

3. Introduction to Cardiovascular System

4. Introduction to Respiratory System

5. Coronary Heart Diseases and Risk Factors

6. Cardiopulmonary (CPR Technique’s) – DR. ABC

7. Practical session :

Adult one rescuer CPR technique

Adult two rescuer CPR technique

Airway Obstruction – Conscious (Heimlich Manoeuvre)

Airway Obstruction – Become unconscious

Airway Obstruction – Found Unconscious Victim

Care of unconscious victim (Recovery Position)

8. Assessment on Theory and Practical

B. Part Two – First Aid / Basic Trauma Life Support

1. Introduction to First Aid – Definition and requirements

2. Introduction to basic anatomy

Musculosketal system

Central nervous system

3. Introduction to Basic Emergency Principles (DR. ABC)

4. Patient Assessment

Rapid victim assessment (head to toe)

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Identifying life treating conditions - shock, chest injury, internal injuries, chest
injury, etc.

Managing injuries based on priority

Communication to the health care provider

5. Management of Spinal Injury

Identifying spinal injuries

Care of the injured victim

Immobilisation and transportation

6. Management of Medical Shock

Type of shock

Identifying shock (sign and symptom)

Treating shock (first aid)

7. Management of Fracture (including amputation)

Identifying fracture (sign and symptom)

Type of fracture (closed and open)

Immobilisation of fracture (upper limb, lower limb and extremities)

8. Management of Wound

Type of wound

Treating the wound (first aid)

9. Practical Session :

Patient assessment

Spinal care and transportation

Immobilisation of fracture

Wound management ( bandaging ,etc)

Managing multiple injury (exercise/simulation drill)

10. Assessment on Theory and Practical

First-aid training may also contain the following (optional):

This should take into consideration the specific industrial needs ;

1. Other injuries :

Burn and scald – fire, hot water, chemical, etc.

Heat related disorder – heat stroke, hypothermia, etc.

Ear, nose and throat injuries – eye injury (chemical), bleeding from nose, etc.

Sports injuries - sprain/strain

Sting and bites – insect bites, allergic, etc.

Chemical contact – inhalation, absorption, ingestion, exposure, etc.

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Appendix 3

Record of Casualty and Treatment given by First-Aider

A. Particulars of Company: Date:

1. Name:
2. Address:

B. Particulars of Casualty:

1. Name :
2. Work unit

C. Brief History of Incident:

D. Briefly describe treatment given:

[please attach the CSDS if
incident involve chemical(s)]

………………………..
( )

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Name & Signiture of the First Aider

Appendix 4
Recommended Contents of a First-Aid Box

1. 5 Triangular bandages 130cm x 90cm x 90cm

2. Sterile eye pads

3. Non-sterile 4x4” gauze pads

4. Sterile 4x4” gauze pads

5. Sterile 10x10” gauze pads

6. Elastic bandage

7. 4 Roller bandages 7.5 cm

8. 4 Roller bandages 3 cm.

9. 4 Roller bandages 2.5 cm

10. Cold pack compress gel

11. Burn sheet/dressing

12. Pairs of gloves (disposable/ non sterile)

13. Stainless steel bandage scissors

14. Adhesive tape

15. Sterile multi-trauma dressing/gauze

16. Alcohol prep pads

17. Cetavlon

18. Cotton buds

19. Barrier device for CPR (pocket mask, face shield)

20. Elastoplasts/sterile adhesive dressing

21. Safety pin for triangular bandages

22. Thermometer

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23. First aid manual

24. Waterproof waste bag

25. Inventory of box contents (checklist)

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Appendix 5

Checklist for Components of First-Aid Requirement

Description of Workplace Number of First-Aider Required First-aid boxes First -aid room

Total No. of No. Of First-aiders Location Content Location Items

Workers available

a. workplaces with low risk

hazards
i.

b. workplaces with high risk

hazards
i.
ii.

c. Workplaces with more than

400 workers

d. Logging

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Appendix 6

Checklist for First-Aid Box

The purpose of this checklist is to check the appropriateness of the contents of a first-aid box.
Indicate by ticking (/) the relevant box. Where the answer to the question is “no”, further action
may be necessary.

Comments
(if any)
1. Location
a. Is the first-aid box located in a prominent and accessible position? Yes No

b. Are employees informed and aware of the location of the first-aid box? Yes No

c. Do all employees have access to the first-aid box during all work Yes No
shifts?

2. Identifiability
a. Can the first-aid box be clearly identified as a first-aid box? Yes No

3. Contents
a. Are the contents appropriate for the likely injuries and illnesses at your Yes No
workplace?

b. Does the first-aid box contain sufficient quantities of each item? Yes No

c. Is an employee trained in first-aid responsible for maintaining Yes No

the first-aid box?

d. Are the contents appropriately labeled? Yes No

e. Are the contents within their “use by” dates? Yes No

f. Are the contents adequately stored? Yes No

4. Relevant information
a. Is there a list of contents provided in the first-aid box? Yes No

b. Are emergency telephone numbers clearly displayed? Yes No

c. Are the name, location and extension number of the nearest Yes No
first-aider clearly indicated?

d. Is the CSDS readily available (if chemical hazardous to health is use Yes No
in the workplace)

5. Training
a. Have selected employees received training in the use and Yes No
maintenance of first-aid box?

6. Responsible Person
a. Is a person appointed to take charge of first aid arrangements (supervisor). Yes No

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Appendix 7

Typical Layout Of A Treatment Room At A Workplaces.

Major Incident Store

Toilet

Sink

Bed 1 Couch

Bed 2

Examination table

Observation or Sick Bay

Consultation Room

Emergency Room Treatment Room

Communication
room
Registration
counter

Waiting Area

Collapsible or Foldable partition

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Appendix 8

Recommended Facilities For A First-Aid Room

The following should be provided in a first-aid room:

1. First aid box

2. Sink with tap water

3. Antiseptic hand wash soap

4. Paper towels

5. An examination/treatment couch with pillow & blanket

6. Portable stretchers

7. Splints (upper & lower limbs)

8. Disposable plastic apron

9. Separate disposable waterproof waste bag/basket for hazardous & non-hazardous

materials

10. Spinal immobilization equipment (cervical collar, spinal board)

11. Torch light

12. Chairs for waiting room

13. Cupboard for storing first aid equipment (as in the first aid box) for top up purposes

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