Introduction to Health and Safety at Work

6.9.5 Appointed 
persons
An appointed person is someone that is appointed by 
management to:
➤
take charge when someone is injured or falls ill. This 
includes calling an ambulance if required
➤
look after the fi 
rst-aid equipment, for example, 
keeping the fi rst-aid box replenished
➤
keeping records of treatment given.
Appointed persons should never attempt to give fi rst aid 
for which they are not competent. Short emergency fi rst-
aid training courses are available. Remember that an 
appointed person should be available at all times when 
people are at work on site – this may mean appointing 
more than one. The training should be repeated every 
three years to keep up to date.
6.9.6 A 
fi rst aider
A fi rst aider is someone who has undergone an HSE 
approved training course in administering fi rst aid at 
work and holds a current fi rst aid at work certifi cate. 
Lists of local training organizations are available from the 
local environmental offi cer or HSE Offi ces. The training 
should be repeated every three years to maintain a valid 
certifi cate and keep the fi rst aider up to date.
Table 6.1
Contents of fi rst aid box – low risk
Stock for up to 50 persons:
A leafl et giving general guidance on fi rst aid, e.g. HSE leafl et 
Basic advice on fi rst aid at work
.
• Medical adhesive plasters 
40
• Sterile eye pads 
4
• Individually wrapped triangular bandages 
6
• Safety pins 
6
•
Individually wrapped: medium sterile unmedicated 
8
wound dressings
•
Individually wrapped: large sterile unmedicated 
4
wound dressings
• Individually wrapped wipes 
10
• Paramedic shears 
1
• Pairs of latex gloves 
2
• Sterile eyewash if no clean running water 
2

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