Accessibility Page Navigation
Style sheets must be enabled to view this page as it was intended.
Print Header
01st August 10
First Aid Training Health & Safety Training Food & Hygiene Fire Training

First Aid at Work Regulations

Changes to The First Aid at Work Regulations

The Health & Safety Executive announced last year the biggest changes to the First Aid at Work regulations for some time. These commenced on 1st October 2009.

The Changes:

  • The four day First Aid at Work course can now be completed in a minimum of three days instead of four.
  • This course is held over 18hrs covered in a minimum of 3 days and a maximum of 10 weeks, each session must last at least 2hrs.
  • Following a First Aid at Work course the HSE STRONGLY RECOMMEND that you attend a 3hr refresher each year there after. Although it is not mandatory, this will help qualified first aiders maintain their basic skills and keep up to date with any changes.
  • A two-day refresher will still be necessary after a 3-year period.
  • The new Emergency First Aid at Work course is now regulated by the HSE and will mean that those who attend, will be first aiders in the workplace in regulatory terms. The Appointed Person will still exist in the workplace and employers may decide they should attend the Emergency First Aid at Work (HSE approved) alternatively they may attend a more basic first aid course depending on the business requirements. The Emergency First Aid at Work will be held over a minimum of 6hrs and a maximum of 4 weeks, each session must be a least 2hrs. Only approved First Aid Training Organisations may carry out this training.
  • Following a 1 day Emergency First Aid at Work course the HSE STRONGLY RECOMMEND that you attend a 3hr refresher each year there after. Although it is not mandatory, this will help first aiders maintain their basic skills and keep up to date with any changes.
  • An Emergency First Aid at Work course will need to be attended after a period of three years to keep your certificate valid.

FAQs

When did the changes come into effect?

The changes came into effect on 1st October 2009

Will my current certificate be invalid on 1st October?

Your current certificate will still be valid until its expiry date even if this is after 1st October.

What will be different about the syllabus now that it will be a day shorter?

Following the simplification of CPR a while ago along with reduced time on anatomy, the legal framework and the moving and handling of casualties will mean all other topics can be covered in the 3 days allowed.

Pulse's experienced and knowledgeable instructors will continue to train first aiders to the high standards the HSE demands.

Shall I wait to renew my certificate until October 1st?

If you require a First Aid at Work certificate and yours expires before October 1st you must attend a refresher course. This will still be valid for 3 years.

Will I have to attend annual refresher training if I did my course before 1st October?

From 1st October the HSE SRONGLY RECOMMEND that you attend a 3hr refresher course at the end of the first and second year after your initial course.

Will I have to do a two day refresher after 3 years?

You will still have to attend a two day refresher course after 3 years even with the annual updates.

How do I know how many first aiders I need?

Employers must carry out a Risk Assessment to determine how many first aiders are required in your workplace.

This will depend on the size and nature of your business.

The HSE will provide an update for employers on what is required on 1st October.

It remains the employers responsibility to maintain the Risk Assessment.

Useful links from the HSE website

Frequently asked questions regarding first aid

Legislation and employers duties