Rank: Forum user 
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A client has a manufacturing business where he makes wood products. He uses general wookworking machines, saws, CNC machiens, edgebanders etc. They also dispense and spray hazardous and flammable liquids. Having done a FA assessment, I have recommended 2 full first aider, to cover for holidays and sickness. He want to have 4-7 emergency first aiders. There are 12 in the workshop and 4 in the office. What are your views
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Rank: Super forum user 
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Why would you ever need half your workforce to be emergency 1st Aiders? I can see the logic of more than one to account for holidays and so on, but I would have thought on that basis that two would be enough, three at most,
John
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Rank: Forum user
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John The director was having them trained on site so could do more at the same cost. Becasue the possible nature of the injuries I proposed 3day trained first aiders that could cover a larger range of injuries such as eye injuries and chemical injuries, which the EFAW course doesnt cover
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Rank: Super forum user
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I would have to agree with JWK, 3 first aiders would be my suggestion, in case first aider 1 is on leave and first aider 2 is ill. In my place of work we have 55 employees, we have 4 first aiders and 3 emergency first aiders, but this is too because we operate between 5 am to 6 pm and ensures that we are covered at all times. But I suppose you have to give your client credit for not shooting you down and accepting that first aid cover is needed Edited by user 12 March 2019 13:24:24(UTC)
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Rank: Forum user
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Its whether EFAW (1 day) or FAW (3 day) is more appropriate for the risks and possible injuries involved
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Rank: Super forum user 
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The one day emergency course is only suitable for low risk environments like offices. For the activities you describe, you need fully qualified first aiders. I don't have time to check just now, but I'm sure there is something to this effect on the HSE's first aid pages.
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Rank: Forum user
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Thanks Kate, exactly what I thought; I looked on the HSE and they say it should be determined by risk and the possible types of injury. The fact that the employees are operating machinery that if not used correctly could cause major injury, then we have a couple of employees with diabetes, and other ailments. So the full 3 day course. Again thanks everyone for your advice
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Rank: Super forum user
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On a minor tangent, if you are looking to do it on site to be cost effective, guessing your premises may be on an estate, would you consider sharing the course to some neighbours to cover 1 or more of your team? It may also provide a bit of resilience for leave etc
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Rank: Forum user
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Good idea, the factory is in an estate surrounded by several businesses, will suggest it
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Rank: Super forum user
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The assessment that you have completed will tell you about whether you need a FAW or EFAW...the legislation/guidance does not tell you that EFAW is only for office environments!
If you look at the table in Appendix 3 of L74 for less than 5 people even in high hazard environment you only need an appointed person...wrightly or wrongly that is the guidance. In you audit of the risks as part of the assessment you can recommend better...but it is just your recommendation not a requirement. Don't forget the chemical risks in you assessment as there are enhancement courses required for some chemicals...
I think it is a good idea that he wants to train more and not to be dismissed the more that are aware of first aid will help to change the overall culture of the organisation too...
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Rank: Forum user
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The table in appendix 3 helps, and with more than 5 employees recommends a FAW Oor EFAW, so with possible injuries being electrocution, amputations major injuries, the question I need to answer is whether 6 or more EFAW TRAINED OR 2 or 3 FAW trained. Advantage of EFAW trained would increase awareness and provide help for major injuries: abvantage of FAW trained would provide additional help for people with specific illnesses e.g. diabetes, severe burnes, scolds, asthma etc.
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Rank: Super forum user
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Another consideration would be location and accessibility of medical assistance. Is the local A&E just round the corner, or is the business in the middle of nowhere with distant facilities and an anticipated 20 - 30 minute wait / journey time.
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Rank: Super forum user
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The charity I worked for had a target of 100% compliance. All front line staff who dealt directly with clients were FAW, all others were EFAW. Nice earner for me. I had no input over the decision as to how many were trained. But it was comforting to know that almost everyone employed could help if needed
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