ACT WorkCover MA

ACT First Aid in the Workplace

CODE OF PRACTICE

MAY
ACT WorkCover

2006

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CONTENTS
1 INTRODUCTION ........................................................................... 1 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 2 3 4 Title ................................................................................. 1 Authority........................................................................... 1 Purpose............................................................................. 1 ACT Occupational Health and Safety Act 1989 ............................ 1 Codes of Practice................................................................. 1

DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATIONS ................................................ 2 WHAT IS APPROPRIATE ................................................................. 3 TYPES OF WORKPLACES ................................................................ 4 4.2.1 Group A ................................................................... 4 4.2.2 Group B.................................................................... 4 4.2.3 Group C ................................................................... 4

FIRST AID KITS............................................................................ 5 5.5 5.6 5.7 5.8 5.9 Construction and labelling ..................................................... 5 Location ............................................................................ 5 Minimum Kit Numbers........................................................... 6 Contents Required Items ..................................................... 7 Contents Additions ............................................................. 8 5.9.2 Eye Injuries............................................................... 8 5.9.3 Burns....................................................................... 8 5.9.4 Remote Areas ............................................................ 8 5.9.5 High Risk Areas .......................................................... 8 5.9.6 Other Considerations................................................... 8 5.10 Maintenance and Replenishment ............................................. 8

EMPLOYEE AWARENESS................................................................. 9

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FIRST AID TRAINED PERSONNEL .....................................................10 7.1 7.2 7.3 7.4 Numbers ..........................................................................10 Training ...........................................................................10 Additional Training .............................................................10 Responsibilities ..................................................................11

FIRST AID ROOMS .......................................................................12 8.1 8.2 8.3 Requirement for First Aid Room .............................................12 Room Requirements ............................................................12 Equipment and Supplies .......................................................12

9 10

SUMMARY OF MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS ............................................14 CHECKLIST FOR ASSESSING REQUIREMENTS .......................................15

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ACT First Aid in the Workplace Code of Practice

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Title
This code of practice shall be cited as the ACT First Aid in the Workplace Code of Practice.

1.2 Authority
This code of practice, approved pursuant to Section 206 of the ACT Occupational Health and Safety Act 1989, shall have effect from 1 July 2006.

1.3 Purpose
The purpose of this code of practice is to provide practical guidance for the provision of first aid in the workplace.

1.4 ACT Occupational Health and Safety Act 1989

The ACT Occupational Health and Safety Act 1989 emphasises the development of safe work practices and provides the means of developing, administering and enforcing occupational health and safety standards in the ACT.

1.5 Codes of Practice

The ACT Occupational Health and Safety Act 1989 (the Act) provides for the making of codes of practice for the purpose of giving practical guidance on specific areas of work to employers and/or operators, employees and self-employed people. Codes of practice are designed to be used in conjunction with the Act and associated regulations. Codes of practice have evidentiary status during legal proceedings and can be called on to show that a person has failed to meet a standard specified in the Act or a regulation, unless that person can establish that their alternative method provides equivalent or better standards of safety. Where there is a breach of the Act an Inspector appointed under the Act may cite a relevant code of practice when issuing an Improvement or Prohibition Notice. Failure to comply with an Improvement or Prohibition Notice is an offence under the Act. This code of practice was reviewed by a Steering Committee chaired by Parasol EMT and comprising representatives from Parasol EMT, the Red Cross, St John Ambulance and ACT WorkCover. The revised code of practice was referred to the ACT OHS Council for advice. The OHS Council is established under the Act and provides advice to the Minister on the approval of codes of practice under the Act. The Council recommended to the Minister that the revised code of practice be approved.
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ACT First Aid in the Workplace Code of Practice

DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATIONS

In this Code of Practice: Construction site means a place at which construction work is undertaken, and any other area in the vicinity where plant or other material used or to be used in connection with the construction work is located or kept during the construction work. It does not include a place where elements are manufactured 'off site' or where construction material is stored as stock for sale or for hire. Employee means a person who is employed under a contract of service. Employer means a person who employs a person under a contract of service. First aid trained personnel means those holding current approved first aid qualifications from a nationally accredited course that has been delivered by a Registered Training Organisation (RTO). First aid service means a service that has as its main objectives the provision of first aid treatment for persons suffering illness or injury at work. Premises includes any place, and in particular includes: (a) any land, building or part of any building (b) any vehicle, vessel, aircraft, or mine (c) any installation on land (d) any installation on the bed of, or floating on or in any waters (e) any tent or moveable structure. Reasonably Practicable means reasonably practicable having regard to: (a) the severity of the hazard or risk in question (b) the state of knowledge about that hazard or risk and any ways of removing or mitigating that hazard or risk (c) the availability and suitability of ways to remove or mitigate that hazard or risk (d) the cost of removing or mitigating that hazard or risk. Should indicates that a course of action is recommended and, in accordance with clause 1.5, paragraph 2, that course of action is to be followed unless alternative action is taken which achieves an equivalent or better standard of care. Workplace means any premises or place where an employee, contractor, self employed person or volunteer is employed or engaged to perform duties on behalf of the employer. This includes workplaces that are business, trade, office (government or private) or industry based, and also includes mobile workplaces of aircraft, vehicles, vessels and mobile plant.

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ACT First Aid in the Workplace Code of Practice

3
3.1

WHAT IS APPROPRIATE
First aid facilities, appropriate to the particular hazards of each workplace, should be readily available and maintained. Facilities should be determined following reference to the Code of Practice, consultation with occupational health, safety and first aid trained personnel, employees and their Health and Safety Representative/s and, if desired, consultation with reputable providers of first aid services or providers of accredited first aid training. As a general rule consideration of the following can assist in determining the most appropriate arrangements or provisions for each workplace: (a) size and layout of the workplace (b) location of the workplace (c) number and distribution of employees, including shift work arrangements (d) nature and hazards of the work (e) statistical information on accidents or illnesses (f) distance from the workplace to the nearest available and appropriate medical service, occupational health service or ambulance service.

3.2

3.3

Having regard to each of the points outlined in 3.2, decisions can then be made to determine: (a) the contents of first aid kits (b) the number and location of first aid kits (c) suitable means of communication (d) suitable provision for movement of the sick or injured, e.g. wheelchair, portable stretcher (e) employee training and advice on availability of first aid assistance (f) the number and training of first aid personnel (g) first aid rooms and their contents (h) the languages in which information should be provided.

3.4

Appropriate white on green safety signs should be provided to identify the location of first aid facilities. Refer to Section 5.5.1(c).

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ACT First Aid in the Workplace Code of Practice

4
4.1

TYPES OF WORKPLACES
In this Code of Practice all workplaces should have a first aid kit with contents as provided in Section 5.8. There are 3 types of workplaces categorised in this Code of Practice. 4.2.1 Group A Construction sites with more than 25 employees. Other places of work at which 100 or more employees work. 4.2.2 Group B Construction sites with less than 25 employees. Other workplaces with more than 10, but less than 100 employees. 4.2.3 Group C Workplaces with 10 or less employees. Does not include construction sites.

4.2

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ACT First Aid in the Workplace Code of Practice

5
5.1

FIRST AID KITS

All workplaces should have at least one first aid kit meeting minimum contents as outlined in 5.8. As a general rule, first aid kits should not be locked. First aid kits should not contain paracetamol. All items contained in workplace first aid kits should be listed by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).

5.2 5.3 5.4

5.5 Construction and labelling

5.5.1 The first aid kit should: a) be constructed of impervious material, be dustproof and of sufficient size to adequately store the required contents b) be capable of being sealed and preferably be fitted with a carrying handle as well as have internal compartments c) be clearly labelled on the outside with a white on green sign with the words First Aid and/or a white cross on green background examples below

d) display emergency telephone numbers, the phone number and location of the nearest first aid trained personnel (including appropriate information for those employees who have mobile workplaces) e) display a photograph of the appointed first aid trained personnel along with contact details that would assist in the identification process.

5.6 Location
5.6.1 The first aid kit should be located to ensure that: a) it is in a prominent and accessible location identified with a suitable sign as described in 5.5.1

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ACT First Aid in the Workplace Code of Practice

b) for employees with a regular workplace, it is close to areas where there is a likely risk of injury or illness c) it is in a place that takes an employee no longer than two minutes to reach their nearest first aid kit, including time required to access secure areas d) for each workplace at least one kit is provided on each alternate level of a multi-storey building e) there is immediate access to appropriate facilities in remote areas, or areas of specific hazards, such as: - hazardous substances and dangerous goods (eg gas, corrosives, poisons, pesticides and other chemicals) - machinery or equipment (eg in construction, manufacturing, warehousing, logging, amusement rides).

5.7 Minimum Kit Numbers

5.7.1 Group A Construction Sites, at least one kit should be provided, with an additional kit for every 50 employees exceeding 25 employees. 5.7.2 Group A Other workplaces, at least one kit should be provided, with an additional kit for every 50 employees exceeding 100 employees. 5.7.3 For Group B and C workplaces, at least one kit should be provided. 5.7.4 Consideration should be given to the provision of Personal Kits where employees are required to travel by foot or by non-motorised transport. One per person should be considered in this circumstance. 5.7.5 A workplace may require additional first aid kits based on consideration of factors in 5.6.1. A summary of minimum requirements is set out in Section 9.1.

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ACT First Aid in the Workplace Code of Practice

5.8 Contents Required Items

At a minimum, each workplace first aid kit should contain the following items: Description Group A Kit (Qty/kit) 1 20 2 2 1 2 1 2 2 1 3 1 1 3 2 1 1 1 1 6 1 6 Group B Kit (Qty/Kit) 1 10 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 1 1 1 1 3 1 2 Group C Kit (Qty/kit) 1 10 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 3 1 1 Personal Kit (Qty/kit) 1 2 1 -* 1 (25) 1 (12.5mm) 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

Amputated Bag Set in Envelope Antiseptic Swabs Bandage Conforming 5cm Bandage Crepe 10cm Contaminated Waste Bag Dressing Strip Plastic (50) Dressing Tape (hypoallergenic) 25mm Dressing Wound No. 14P Dressing Wound No. 13P Emergency Blanket (Space) Eyepad Sterile Single First Aid Manual First Aid Pamphlet Insert Gloves Latex Large (pair) Non Adherent Dressing 7.5x7.5cm Protective Eyewear Resuscitation Face Shield/Mask Safety Pin 12 Pack Scissors Sharp/Blunt 125mm Sodium Chloride 30ml Splinter Forceps 125mm Triangular Bandage

* Amputated parts bag to be used for a contaminated waste bag in the Personal Kit.

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ACT First Aid in the Workplace Code of Practice

5.9 Contents Additions

5.9.1 Additional items may need to be added to the first aid kit depending on an assessment of risks and hazards in the workplace. 5.9.2 Eye Injuries Additional quantities of sterile eye wash ampoules/bottles or an emergency eye wash facility following reference to any Material Safety Data Sheets / Safety Data Sheets relevant to the workplace. 5.9.3 Burns Additional quantities of assorted sized non-adherent dressings and sterile normal saline solution. 5.9.4 Remote Areas Additional quantities of sterile eye wash ampoules, sterile eye pads, adhesive tape 1.25cm, spray or wipe on itch relief solution. 5.9.5 High Risk Areas Additional items may be added to the first aid kit based on risk assessment of particular hazards as well as estimated time for arrival of emergency services or other medical support. This may include chemical reversing agents required for immediate treatment. Such workplaces should ensure that, where appropriate, Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for hazardous substances are located near the first aid kit and are referred to in assessing risks and determining additional requirements. Staff should receive additional training in the use of any additional items in this circumstance. 5.9.6 Other Considerations Consideration should be given to preventative measures such as sunscreen protection and potable water if working outdoors.

5.10 Maintenance and Replenishment

5.10.1 The employer is responsible for the provision of first aid kits and for the maintenance of kit contents. 5.10.2 Items used from the first aid kit should be replaced at the earliest opportunity and it is the responsibility of a designated person within the workplace to do this except where the employer has made alternative arrangements such as arranging for on-site restocking of first aid kits.

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ACT First Aid in the Workplace Code of Practice

6
6.1

EMPLOYEE AWARENESS
All employees should be provided with practical instruction in: (a) the nature of first aid facilities in the workplace (b) the location of first aid kits (c) the names and work locations including work phone numbers, of person/s responsible for rendering first aid (d) the procedures to be followed when first aid is required. Specifically, employees should normally immediately contact the designated first aid officer or, in their absence, their immediate supervisor.

6.2

This instruction should occur when: (a) an employee first commences employment (b) there is a significant change in the personnel, workplace or nature or type of duties performed.

6.3

All employees should be advised and kept aware of first aid requirements in regard to specific hazards in the workplace.

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ACT First Aid in the Workplace Code of Practice

FIRST AID TRAINED PERSONNEL

7.1 Numbers
7.1.1 Employers should ensure that in any workplace at least one first aid trained person is immediately available at all times when employees are at work. 7.1.2 Section 9.1 sets out minimum numbers of first aid trained personnel. This may need to be increased depending on: a) the size and layout of the workplace b) the location of the workplace and its distance to the nearest available ambulance or medical services c) number and distribution of employees including shift work arrangements d) nature and specific hazards of the work e) previous occurrence of accidents, illness or near miss.

7.2 Training
7.2.1 Designated first aid trained personnel should hold a current first aid qualification as provided by an accredited Registered Training Organisation with first aid on their scope of training as per the following training levels. 7.2.2 The recommended levels of training are: a) Workplace Level II First Aid qualification or Senior First Aid (or equivalent) for persons designated as responsible for rendering first aid b) Occupational First Aid qualification where a person has responsibilities for a first aid room as well as first aid duties.

7.3 Additional Training

7.3.1 In any workplace where a specific hazard exists (eg hazardous substances, dangerous goods, machinery or equipment) first aid trained personnel should be made familiar with those particular hazards and trained in the specific use of any first aid/medical interventions that are provided to counter the effects of such hazards.

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ACT First Aid in the Workplace Code of Practice

7.4 Responsibilities
7.4.1 Under the direction of the employer, it is the responsibility of the designated first aid trained personnel to: a) familiarise themselves with the location and responsibility for first aid kits in their workplace b) using first aid kits provided, respond to requests for first aid assistance and to render assistance within their level of training and, where appropriate, arrange for additional ambulance/medical assistance c) maintain the first aid kit in a fully stocked, clean and tidy state, where other arrangements have not been made by the employer d) Dispose of contaminated clinical waste. Clinical waste Means waste that has the potential to cause disease, including for example the following: animal waste discarded sharps human tissue waste laboratory waste. When waste is not clinical waste Domestic premises In the home environment the only category of clinical and related wastes requiring special treatment is sharps or other devices used to penetrate the skin. All other wastes can be disposed of through the domestic waste stream. NH&MRC - National Guidelines for Waste Management in the Health Care Industry, March 1999. Emergency first-aid Waste generated when administering emergency first-aid at accident scenes should be disposed of by using all reasonable precautions commensurate with the nature and circumstances of the situation. This involves the first aid person using disposable gloves to administer treatment and washing their hands thoroughly before and after using the gloves. Dressings used in first aid that are contaminated with blood or other body fluids are to be disposed into a plastic bag (garbage bag type of plastic). This bag is then tied off, not using staples or pins, and disposed into the domestic garbage system. Sharps Normal workplace first aid should not use or generate contaminated sharps such as needles or syringes. If for any reason sharps are generated in the workplace they are to be disposed in an approved puncture proof container in accordance with AS 4031:1992 or AS 4261:1999. City Rangers or an approved contractor can arrange disposal. Unplanned sharps disposal is arranged via the Sharps Hotline on 132 281.

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ACT First Aid in the Workplace Code of Practice

FIRST AID ROOMS

8.1 Requirement for First Aid Room

8.1.1 A first aid room is required for: a) Group A Construction workplaces with more than 100 employees b) Group A Other Workplaces with more than 200 employees. 8.1.2 Wherever there is a specific hazard, such as described in 5.6.1(e), a first aid room may be required. 8.1.3 Each first aid room and its contents should be the responsibility of a first aid person who holds a current Occupational First Aid Certificate in accordance with 7.2.

8.2 Room Requirements

8.2.1 At a minimum, a first aid room should: a) be suitably located so as to be easily accessible b) provide for convenient access for transport of those who are ill/injured c) be well lit and ventilated d) be readily accessible to toilet and hand-washing facilities e) be of sufficient size to allow easy movement within the room and allow for stretcher access by ambulance/medical services f) have an entrance clearly marked FIRST AID (refer 5.5.1(c)).

8.3 Equipment and Supplies

8.3.1 The first aid room should contain the following items: a) first aid kit (refer Section 5) b) sink or wash basin with hot and cold water supply c) approved handwashing solution in a pump pack dispenser along with disposable paper towels d) work bench and or dressing trolley e) lockable cupboard j) sufficient storage for clean dressings, utensils and linen

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ACT First Aid in the Workplace Code of Practice

k) Contaminated Waste bag and holder l) couch or stretcher with blankets, sheets, and pillowcases (A wheelchair may also be appropriate) m) table/desk and chair n) telephone and/or emergency call system, with emergency numbers and procedures clearly displayed o) portable stretcher p) Injury Register and suitable storage facility to maintain privacy.

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ACT First Aid in the Workplace Code of Practice

9
9.1

SUMMARY OF MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

The following chart provides a quick reference guide to assist in determining the minimum requirements for the workplace. Type of Workplace (Section 4) Number and type of first aid kits required (Section 5) 1 (Type A) (1/50 employees) Number of first aid trained personnel (Section 7) 2 1 additional trained first aid person for every additional 50 employees 2 1 additional trained first aid person for every additional 100 employees 1 First aid room (Section 8) 1 if greater than 100 employees, plus occupational first aid trained person required 1 if greater than 200 employees, plus occupational first aid trained person required Not Required

Group A Construction site with more than 25 employees

Group A Other workplace with more than 100 employees

1 (Type A) 1 additional kit for every additional 50 employees

Group B Construction site with less than 25 employees Group B Other workplace with 10 100 employees Group C Other workplace (non-construction) with less than 10 employees

1 (Type B)

1 (Type B)

Not Required

1 (Type C)

Not Required

Minimum training for first aid personnel who are responsible for a first aid kit is Senior First Aid Certificate

Minimum training for first aid personnel who are responsible for a first aid room is Occupational First Aid Certificate

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ACT First Aid in the Workplace Code of Practice

10 CHECKLIST FOR ASSESSING REQUIREMENTS

10.1 To assist in determining requirements, consider the following questions QUESTION What is a workplace? What type of workplace is it? What is the distance from the workplace to the nearest available and appropriate medical service? What is the incidence of accidents or illness in the workplace? Is the workplace isolated? CODE REFERENCE Section: 2 Section: 4 Section: 3

Section: 3 Section: 3 Clause: 5.6 Section: 5 Section: 5

What specific hazards are in the workplace? Do you have Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for the particular hazardous substances or dangerous goods in your workplace? Do you have the first aid facilities listed on the Material Safety Data Sheets? How many first aid kits are needed, who is responsible for their maintenance? Are extra first aid kit items needed? How many first aid trained personnel are needed?

Section: 5

Sections: 5 & 9

Section: 5 Sections: 6, 7, & 9 Clause: 8.1 Section:7 Section: 8 & 9 Clause: 8.1.4

What training must first aid personnel undertake? Is a first aid room required? Who is responsible for the first aid room?

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ACT First Aid in the Workplace Code of Practice

Level 4, Eclipse House 197 London Circuit Canberra City ACT 2600 www.workcover.act.gov.au PO Box 224 Civic Square, ACT 2608 Email: [email protected] Telephone: 6205 0200 Facsimile: 6205 0336

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Australian Capital Territory Government

ACT WorkCover