Workplace First Aid Kits for Schools & Nurseries: BS 8599-1 Guide

British Standard Workplace First Aid Kits: What Kit Do I Need & What Should It Contain?

Having the correct workplace first aid kit is a legal and practical requirement for schools, nurseries and early years settings. In the UK, first aid kits should meet British Standard BS 8599-1, which sets out what type of kit you need and what contents must be included.

This guide explains which first aid kit your school or nursery needs, what BS 8599-1 means, exactly what contents are required, and how to choose the right kit for education settings.

What Is the British Standard for Workplace First Aid Kits?

BS 8599-1 is the recognised British Standard for workplace first aid kits. It replaced the older HSE-recommended kits and provides clearer guidance based on:

• Number of employees or users
• Type of workplace
• Level of risk

While the law does not mandate a specific kit, HSE guidance states that first aid equipment must be adequate and appropriate. Using a BS 8599-1 compliant kit is the simplest way to demonstrate compliance.

Do Schools & Nurseries Need BS 8599-1 First Aid Kits?

Yes. Schools, nurseries and childcare settings are workplaces and must provide suitable first aid equipment for:

• Staff
• Pupils and children
• Visitors

Because education settings involve children, minor injuries, and high daily activity, first aid kits are used frequently and must be:

• Clearly stocked
• Easy to access
• Regularly checked

What Workplace First Aid Kit Do I Need?

BS 8599-1 kits are sized based on number of people on site.

BS 8599-1 First Aid Kit Contents (Full List)

Below is a standard BS 8599-1 compliant contents list. Exact quantities vary by kit size, but all items should be included.

Essential First Aid Items

• Guidance leaflet (first aid instructions)
• Medium sterile dressings
• Large sterile dressings
• Triangular bandages
• Safety pins

Wound Care

• Sterile adhesive plasters (assorted sizes)
• Sterile eye pads with bandage
• Sterile wound dressings

Hygiene & Protection

• Disposable gloves
• Moist cleansing wipes (alcohol-free)

Trauma & Injury Support

• Foil emergency blanket
• Finger dressings
• Burn dressings (recommended for kitchens & food areas)

Additional Items Common in Education Settings

While not mandatory, schools and nurseries often include:

• Scissors
• Resuscitation face shield
• Instant cold packs

First Aid Kits for Schools vs Nurseries

Nurseries & Early Years Settings

• Higher use for minor cuts and bumps
• Easy-open plasters
• Clearly organised compartments
• Multiple kits near play areas and nappy changing rooms

Schools

• Larger kits for higher pupil numbers
• Multiple wall-mounted kits
• Portable kits for playgrounds, PE and trips

Specialist Catering First Aid Kits

Where Should First Aid Kits Be Kept?

First aid kits should be:

• Easily accessible
• Clearly signed
• Kept away from children but accessible to staff
• Located near high-risk areas (kitchens, playgrounds, sports halls)

Kits must be checked regularly and restocked as items are used or expire.

Do I Need More Than One First Aid Kit?

In most schools and nurseries, yes.

You may need:

• Fixed wall-mounted kits
• Portable kits for outdoor play
• Travel kits for school trips
• Specialist kits for kitchens or sports

A first aid needs assessment helps determine the correct number and placement.

First Aid Kit Sizing Guide

Kit Size	Number of People	Best For
Small	Up to 25	Small nurseries, staff rooms, offices
Medium	25-100	Most nurseries, small primary schools
Large	100+	Primary schools, secondary schools, large nurseries

Frequently Asked Questions

Is BS 8599-1 Compliance Mandatory for Schools?

While not legally mandated, BS 8599-1 is the recognised standard for workplace first aid kits. HSE guidance requires first aid equipment to be "adequate and appropriate" - using BS 8599-1 kits is the simplest way to demonstrate compliance.

How Often Should First Aid Kits Be Checked?

First aid kits should be checked regularly (at least monthly) to ensure contents are in date and fully stocked. Assign a responsible person to maintain each kit and keep a check log.

What's the Difference Between a Standard Kit and a Catering Kit?

Catering first aid kits include blue detectable plasters (visible in food if lost) and additional burn dressings. They're essential for school kitchens and food preparation areas to meet food safety requirements.

Can I Refill My Existing First Aid Kit?

Yes. Individual items can be replaced as they're used or expire. We stock first aid kit refills for all common items.

Do I Need Trained First Aiders?

Yes. Schools and nurseries must have appropriately trained first aiders. The number required depends on your setting size and risk assessment. First aid kits complement trained staff but don't replace the need for proper training.

Where Can I Get First Aid Training?

Contact HSE-approved training providers for paediatric first aid courses (required for early years settings) and workplace first aid training (for schools).

Shop BS 8599-1 First Aid Kits Now

Need Help Choosing the Right First Aid Kit?

Our health and safety specialists are here to help.

Contact us for:

• First aid needs assessment guidance
• Advice on kit placement and quantities
• Custom quotes for multiple kits
• Bulk pricing for multi-academy trusts

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