Reference number and Title: HSP11 First Aid Policy & Procedure Approval Date: February 2016 Uncontrolled if printed Author: Health and Safety Next Revision Date: February 2019 Approver: H&S Group Version Number: 2 Summary of change: First Aid Policy, First Aid Procedure and First Aid Operational Guidance are now combined into one document. Additional operational guidance will be available on the health and safety webpages. Removal of Emergency First Aid at Work training/responsibilities as these have not been in place/operational. 1. Introduction 1.1 The purpose of this Policy is to set out the University s approach in providing first aid. The Policy applies to all campuses and locations of the University. 1.2 The University has a duty to provide First-Aid cover for all employees in accordance with the following: The Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981 The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 The Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 2. Roles and Responsibilities It is University Policy across all its campus and locations that:- 2.1 Each Faculty/School/Department is to: 2.1.1 Ensure that first aid needs are considered as part of their risk assessment process; and 2.1.2 Provide staff, students and visitors with the relevant information on the University and local first aid arrangements. 2.2 Deans of Faculty and Pro Vice Chancellors are responsible for: 2.2.1 Ensuring that the University First Aid Policy is implemented effectively; and 2.2.2 Ensuring that suitable first aid arrangements are in place, maintained and communicated to staff and students. 2.3 Heads of School and Department are responsible for: 2.3.1 Ensuring that first aid needs are assessed and addressed as part of the risk assessments for work activities under their control (to include field trips and lone working), and consulting with relevant parties (trade union Health and Safety Representatives) where additional first aid provision has been identified in the risk assessment. Where additional first aid needs are identified outside of the scope of the basic first aid needs assessments, it the is the responsibility of the department to fund and implement this resource; and 2.3.2 Ensuring that all employees know the location of the first aid equipment and the arrangements for summoning first aid personnel. This information should be part of the induction training given to new staff and students, and provided as a refresher on a regular basis. Advice may be sought from the local School/Department Health and Safety Coordinator. 2.4 Managers and others with managerial responsibilities are responsible for: Page 1 of 8
2.4.1 Assisting the Head of School/Department in the completion of their responsibility; 2.4.2 Ensuring risk assessments are completed in line with the University Risk Assessment policy; and 2.4.3 Ensuring that all employees know the location of the first aid equipment and the arrangements for summoning first aid personnel. This information should be part of the induction training given to new staff and students, and provided as a refresher on a regular basis. Advice may be sought from the local School/Department Health and Safety Coordinator; 2.5 Building Wardens are responsible for; 2.5.1 Ensuring that signage indicating the number for summoning first aid personnel is visible and to request replacement signage if required via the Facilities Helpdesk. 2.6 All staff are responsible for; 2.6.1 Familiarising themselves with the University First Aid Policy and Procedure, and ensuring they refresh their knowledge on a regular basis; 2.6.2 Calling for first aid assistance using the emergency number provided on the signage in their locality in the event of first aid assistance being required; and 2.6.3 Summoning emergency services immediately where the circumstances suggest this is an appropriate course of action. 2.7 University First Aiders are responsible for; 2.7.1 Obtaining approval from their Head of Department/Head of School prior to becoming a First Aider. Approval is required as time away from the First Aider s substantive role will be necessary due to initial training, refresher training and the occasional call to administer First Aid; 2.7.2 Familiarising themselves with the University first aid policy and emergency procedures; 2.7.3 Responding promptly to calls for assistance, taking charge of the incident they are called to, providing immediate treatment within their competence and summoning further help if necessary; 2.7.4 Providing continuing care until the individual fully recovers or the emergency services arrive; 2.7.5 Promptly reporting the incident through the incident reporting form (available from the Health and Safety webpages) or via the security incident form; 2.7.6 Engaging in appropriate staff development activity to ensure qualification and competence is maintained in line with point 4.4 and notifying the Health and Safety department at least two months before the qualification expiry to allow sufficient time to arrange for re-qualification; 2.7.7 Inform the Health and Safety team if moving location or leaving the University (other than for annual leave unless for a period of 4 weeks or more. e.g. maternity leave, moving office location); 2.7.8 Ensuring they are aware of which first aid box is assigned to them and keep equipment up to date, including only the equipment outlined within Appendix 1 and in line with the guidance in point 4.6. Should the Regulations change, Health and Safety will notify all first aiders to advise them of this change; 2.7.9 Contacting the Facilities Helpdesk if replacement first aid signage is required to maintain standards in line with point 4.2; 2.7.10 Assisting with incident investigations as required; 2.7.11 Attendance at functions first aiders could expect to be called upon to provide first aid cover for University events, i.e. Children s Christmas Party, concerts at Augustine Hall. First aiders will not normally be expected to attend more than one such event in the course of an academic year but may volunteer for more if they wish. 2.7.12 Major Incidents in the event of a Major Incident occurring, first aiders will be required to wear a tabard to identify them as first aiders. The tabards to be worn by first aiders will be clearly marked FAW (First Aid at Work) and will be provided by the University Health and Safety Page 2 of 8
department. If time and circumstances permit, first aiders should wear their tabards when attending to routine first aid calls. 2.8 The University Health and Safety are responsible for; 2.8.1 Completing a basic first aid needs assessment in collaboration with the Building Responsible Person who reviews and approves the assessment; 2.8.2 Providing advice to departments/schools based on the outcome of the needs assessment; 2.8.3 Selecting a third party training and a first aid equipment provider; 2.8.4 Maintaining an up to date list of University first aiders; 2.8.5 Distributing first aid supplies on receipt of a first aid equipment re-order request form [Appendix 2]; 2.8.6 Keeping first aiders updated with changes in legislation that affect them via the First Aid webpage, and other means of communication; 2.8.7 Administration of the First Aid Policy including supporting the policy in its implementation through written guidance, advice for staff, students and visitors; and 2.8.8 Collating information on the application of first aid, and analysing the data as a basis for identifying the means of enhancing first aid provision, reporting annually to the Health and Safety Group on the operation of first aid arrangements. 3. First Aid Needs Assessment 3.1 The University Health and Safety team will undertake a first aid needs assessment for the University to consider workplace hazards and risks, the size of the campuses, together with other relevant factors, to determine what first aid equipment, facilities and personnel should be provided, and in which locations. 3.2 The assessment will be shared with the Building Responsible Person, Heads of School/Department, Health and Safety Union Representatives and Health and Safety Coordinators. The Building Responsible Person will review and approve the assessment. 3.3 The Head of School/Department is also responsible for assessing first aid needs as part of the risk assessments for work activities under their control. If the risk assessment indicates a need for additional first aid provision or above the provision set by the University first aid needs assessment, or equipment outside of the recommended list [Appendix 1], the Head of School/Department should consult with the University Health and Safety team. 3.4 The University will ensure there are adequate numbers of qualified first aid personnel, and adequate provision of first aid supplies, at all University locations. 3.5 The assessment will be reviewed every two years or in the event of significant change. 4. First Aid Arrangements 4.1 Record Keeping 4.1.1 The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations (MHSAW) and The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR) requires the University to report and keep records of certain types of accidents, dangerous occurrences and occupational diseases. Therefore, all accidents, incidents and near misses should be reported in line with the University Health and Safety policy, HSP4 Incident Reporting and Investigation. 4.2 First Aid Information and Signage 4.2.1 All first aid boxes should have a white cross on a green background, identifying them as such. Page 3 of 8
4.2.2 Signs indicating who to contact in the event of an emergency requiring first aid should be displayed in each office/location. 4.2.3 All University first aiders will be indicated as such on the University people search on StaffNET with a green symbol with a white cross. Further detail regarding first aid signage can be found in Appendix 3. 4.3 Appointment of First Aiders 4.3.1 Responsibility for the recruitment of first aiders rests with the Health and Safety team. The recruitment is completed in line with the first aid needs assessment (please refer to point 3). This responsibility is exercised in partnership with the Building Responsible Person. It is expected that all security staff will hold a first aid at work qualification from a University approved course provider. 4.3.2 Unless appointment is included as part of the contract of employment, first aiders should be volunteers. 4.3.3 First aiders should be appointed because the nature of their work is such that they have a general availability to respond to a request for assistance. In addition, appointment will take account of factors such as; 4.4 Training i. Reliability, disposition and communication skills of person ii. Aptitude and ability to absorb new knowledge iii. Ability to cope with stressful and physically demanding emergency situations iv. Normal duties. These should be such that they may be left to go immediately and rapidly to an emergency. 4.4.1 It is necessary for first aiders to attend an HSE approved 18 hour (3 day) first aid training course delivered by the University preferred supplier which is valid for 3 years. On or before the expiration date, it is necessary for first aiders to attend a 12 hours (2 day) re-qualification course. 4.4.2 It is recommended that qualified first aiders attend a 3 hour (half day) training update course at least once during the 3 year period of the qualification. 4.5 Insurance 4.5.1 The Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981 does not make provision for the treatment of members of the public, including visitors. However, the University has extended its public liability insurance to ensure that provision is made to cover suitably qualified employees administering first-aid (including to visitors and members of the public), if required, on Canterbury Christ Church University premises or whilst undertaking offsite work directly related to University activity (for example field trips or University events held offsite). 4.5.2 Qualified first aiders must ensure that their certificate is current and that they operate within the scope of their training. 4.6 First Aid Equipment 4.6.1 It is the responsibility of first aiders to ensure that suitably stocked and properly identified first aid boxes are easily accessible, and placed, if possible, near to hand washing facilities in each building. 4.6.2 All first-aid containers must be identified by a white cross on a green background and should be sealed with a tamper proof stud to ensure they are not used inappropriately. Tamper proof studs are provided by the University Health and Safety team. 4.6.3 No additional material such as tablets, lotions, sprays etc. will to be kept in any first aid box. Page 4 of 8
4.7 Defibrillators 4.7.1 The University has purchased defibrillators which are available across the Canterbury Christ Church University campus network. Details of locations can be found on the University Health and Safety webpages. Their maintenance is managed through the Facilities Helpdesk. 4.8 Honorariums 4.8.1 Where the first aider role is not part of their condition of employment, first aiders are paid an honorarium in monthly instalments during the period they undertake the responsibility, continue to be able and willing to respond to requests for assistance, and undertake the required refresher training. The allowance is pro rata for part time staff. 4.9 Summoning of first aid assistance 4.9.1 The general approach in the University is to provide an internal telephone number at each campus for summoning first aid assistance. The relevant internal telephone number will be published throughout the campus by means of first aid signage and the University emergency procedures webpages. 5. Implementation and Review 5.1 This Policy will be reviewed every three years, or earlier following a change in legislation, significant organisational change or an investigation into the operation of the procedures. 5.2 This Policy will be supported in its implementation by operational procedures and guidance which can be found on the University Health and Safety webpages and which are to be read as one with this Policy. 6. Sources of Information 6.1 Further information and guidance can be found on the University Health and Safety webpages, and with reference to the University HSP2 Risk Assessment Policy, and HSP4 Incident Reporting and Investigation Policy. 6.2 Further information can be found on the Health and Safety Executive webpages http://www.hse.gov.uk/firstaid/index.htm Page 5 of 8
Appendix 1: First Aid Box contents The contents of first-aid containers should be examined regularly and should be restocked as soon as possible after use. N.B. This list is for Guidance purposes and complies with the recommendations of BS 8599-1:2011. First Aiders should give due consideration to the activities in the vicinity of their immediate location and request any additional first aid equipment considered necessary. Product Small Medium Large Travel Catering (Medium) Burn Relief Dressing 1 2 2 1 2 Confirming Bandage 7.5cm x 4cm 1 2 2 1 2 Eye Pad Dressing with Bandage Sterile 2 3 4 1 3 Eye Wash 500ml - - - 1 - Finger Dressing with Adhesive Fixing 3.5cm 2 3 4-3 First Aid Guidance Leaflet 1 1 1 1 1 Foil Blanket Adult Size 1 2 3 1 2 Large Dressing 18cm/18cm Sterile Unboxed 1 2 2 1 2 Medium Dressing 12cm/12cm Sterile Unboxed 4 6 8 1 6 Micro porous Tape 2.5cm x 5cm 1 1 1 1 1 blue Mouth to Mouth Resuscitation Device with Valve 1 1 2 1 1 Nitrile Gloves Pair (Large) 6 9 12 1 9 Safety Pins Assorted (pack of 6) 1 2 4 1 2 Single Use Triangular Bandage 90cm x 127cm 2 3 4 1 3 Sterile Moist Wipes 20 30 40 10 30 Universal Shears Small 6 1 1 1 1 1 Wash proof Assorted Plasters 40 60 100 10 60 blue Page 6 of 8
Appendix 2: First Aid Equipment Re-Order Request Form Order Form First aid boxes will be supplied via the University Health and Safety Manager and the contents monitored by the first aider assigned. To replenish a first aid box, please complete the following First aid equipment re-order request form and email it to health.safety@canterbury.ac.uk Name Location of first aid box Room number for delivery Product Small Medium Large Travel Catering (Medium) Burn Relief Dressing 1 2 2 1 2 Confirming Bandage 7.5cm x 4cm 1 2 2 1 2 Eye Pad Dressing with Bandage Sterile 2 3 4 1 3 Eye Wash 500ml - - - 1 - Finger Dressing with Adhesive Fixing 3.5cm 2 3 4-3 First Aid Guidance Leaflet 1 1 1 1 1 Foil Blanket Adult Size 1 2 3 1 2 Large Dressing 18cm/18cm Sterile Unboxed 1 2 2 1 2 Medium Dressing 12cm/12cm Sterile Unboxed 4 6 8 1 6 Micro porous Tape 2.5cm x 5cm 1 1 1 1 1 blue Mouth to Mouth Resuscitation Device with Valve 1 1 2 1 1 Nitrile Gloves Pair (Large) 6 9 12 1 9 Safety Pins Assorted (pack of 6) 1 2 4 1 2 Single Use Triangular Bandage 90cm x 127cm 2 3 4 1 3 Sterile Moist Wipes 20 30 40 10 30 Universal Shears Small 6 1 1 1 1 1 Wash proof Assorted Plasters 40 60 100 10 60 blue No. required Notes Page 7 of 8
Appendix 3: Signage An example of First Aid signage can be seen below. The extension (EXT) number will be campus/site specific - please refer to the University Emergency Webpages. Replacement signage can be requested via the Facilities Helpdesk. FIRST AID FOR LOCAL FIRST AID (& OTHER EMERGENCIES) DIAL EXT. 2111 FOR EMERGENCY SERVICES DIAL 999 (USE PREFIX 9 ON INTERNAL PHONES AND INFORM SECURITY) Page 8 of 8