Q. Does an “appointed person” need to have First Aid Training?
A. There is no requirement to give an appointed person First Aid training. Their role is to know what to do and to take charge in an emergency, including calling the emergency services. They should also make sure that the first aid facilities (FA Boxes and Notices) are kept up to date if there is not a trained First-Aider. They should therefore be given training to carry this out properly and without panic in a serious situation.
Q. How often do my First-Aiders need refresher training?
A. The Health and Safety Executive strongly recommends that they be given a one day refresher course every year.
Q. Can I just have an appointed person?
A. You can if your assessment of your First Aid needs shows that it is acceptable. It is only likely to be acceptable if you have a low level of hazards such as in an office or shop, AND have a small number of employees.
Q. Do I need to provide cover for when my First-Aider is on leave?
A. You should provide qualified First Aid cover for when the First-Aider is away, however, unexpected absences can be covered by an appointed person.
Q. Do I need to make provision for First Aid cover for the general public who visit my premises?
A. Strictly speaking, the First Aid requirements only relate to employees, but most good employers take other people into consideration when deciding on their level of cover, which is what the Health and Safety Executive strongly recommends.
Q. What do I do about employees who are mobile and work away from their base?
A. If their work involves a risk of injury, e.g. mobile engineers, you should provide them with a personal First Aid key.
For more information on Park City’s First Aid Courses, call Kelly Halls on 0800 542 7550.
