Hi guys, Quick first aid question,

We have a building (low risk environment, less than 100 permanent staff) with no first aider present (obviously I know this isn't correct) and am looking to address this. What the previous safety person did was prompt occupants to call our neighbouring building for assistance. The neighbouring building (where we have 19 first aiders)  is literally 15 seconds walk away, so someone could get behind the two in less than a minute.

Would you say that this is sufficient cover? if so would you apply the same logic to a building that is, no more than 2 minutes away.

I'm thinking that it would be preferable to have a least one first aider based permanently, your thoughts would be welcome.

Thanks.

Oops, I also meant to say:

You also need to consider absense, planned and otherwise of your first aiders. I would suggest that one a minimum of 2 FAW trained first aiders would be required, perhaps backed up by and small number of EFAW trained personel.

Also the guidance on regulation 3 (paragraph 11 L74) states that "You should consider the need for provision in each building or on each floor."

Paragraph 23 states: "An employer should consider how the size of the premises could affect quick access to first-aid facilities. For example, whether additional first-aid provision is needed on a site with more than one building, or whether the distance between buildings is such that additional provision would be unnecessary. Employers with a multi-floor building should consider how many first-aiders or appointed persons will be required to give adequate provision to employees on each floor. Consideration should also be given to employees who work in self-contained areas and how their needs are assessed and met."

Regards

John