How Long Does A First Aid Certificate Last?
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How Long Does A First Aid Certificate Last?
First aid training really should be mandatory for all - as these skills can quite literally save someone's life. In the workplace, however, first aid consideration is mandatory - and we’re going to dive deep into the certification process and how you can ensure that your workplace complies with the Health and Safety Executives (HSE UK) guidelines and most importantly, that your team is ready to deal with emergencies.
First things first, how long does a first-aid certificate last? Certificates for first aid at work last for three years. Before their certificates expire, first-aiders will need to undertake a requalification course as appropriate, to obtain another three-year certificate. Once certificates have expired the first aider is no longer considered to be competent to act as a workplace first aider.
Read on to learn more about first aid training and your responsibilities as an employer.
Appropriate planning for first aid at work is a legal requirement for every employer in the UK, regardless of the size of the business. It is the employer's responsibility to ensure that someone is always available to administer or arrange first aid. In addition, it is the employer's responsibility to ensure that any first aid providers possess the relevant certification. Although it is not mandatory for all employers to have a fully trained first aider, legally someone must be designated to oversee first aid at work and arrange appropriate emergency protocols. A first-aid certificate for use in the workplace lasts for a period of three years. Before a certificate expires, the first-aider will need to undergo requalification training, in order to renew the certificate for a further three years. It is critical to note that once certificates expire after the three-year window then the first aider ceases to be considered a competent first aider to act as the workplace first aider.
A first-aid plan must be 'adequate and appropriate according to the circumstances'. You should ensure that you have the necessary first aid equipment (first aid kit), facilities, and personnel on hand at all times. If you want to make sure you are making the right provisions for first-aid, you should conduct a needs assessment. In conducting this assessment, take into account your workplace, workforce, and any potential hazards or risks that may exist. Based on the findings, you will be able to devise a first-aid plan that meets your needs. You should consider the following factors when assessing your first-aid needs: the nature of the work you do workplace hazards and risks (including specific hazards requiring special arrangements) the nature and size of your workforce the work patterns of your staff holiday and other absences of those who will be first-aiders and appointed persons your organisation's history of accidents It may also be necessary to consider: the needs of traveling, remote and lone workers the distribution of your workforce the remoteness of any of your sites from emergency medical services whether your employees work on shared or multi-occupancy sites first-aid provision for non-employees (eg members of the public).
If an employer has identified that first-aiders are needed in their workplace, they must ensure that those identified to be first-aiders undertake training appropriate to the need. There are several types of first aid training at work: Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) training enables a first-aider to give emergency first aid to someone who is injured or becomes ill while at work. First Aid at Work training includes EFAW and also equips the first-aider to apply first aid to a range of specific injuries and illnesses. Online First Aid at Work training - HSE recently introduced blended learning allowing employees to take a mix of online and offline first aid courses. There is also mental health first aid training and many companies are starting to introduce mental health programs in the workplace with coaching providers such as Sanctus. This is a recognition of mental health issues employees may face at work and how mental health is as pertinent as physical wellness. Following your employers' first aid needs assessment, you may decide it would be helpful to have personnel trained to identify and understand symptoms, as well as be capable of supporting employees who may be suffering from mental health issues.
You must make appropriate first-aid arrangements for your workplace. In doing so you should consider the circumstances of your workplace, workforce and the health and safety risks that may be present. This will help you decide what arrangements you need to put in place. Some small low-risk workplaces need to have only a first-aid box and a person appointed to take charge of first-aid arrangements such as calling the emergency services and stocking the first-aid box. The appointed person does not need specific first-aid training. If your workplace has more significant health and safety risks, for example, you use machinery or hazardous materials then you are more likely to need a trained first-aider and you must provide all your employees with details of the first-aid arrangements.
In order to establish what provision for first-aid is required you should make an assessment of the first-aid needs appropriate to the circumstances of your business. This should include consideration of: the workplace, the workforce, and the hazards and risks present. Once you have carried out your risk assessment, you should then work out whether you should train a sub section of your employees in first aid, or whether a lighter touch such as video training may suffice.
You might decide that a first-aider is needed for your organisation, and it is common for companies to have at least one staff member fully trained in first aid. This is someone who has been trained by a competent first aid training provider in first aid at work and who is responsible for first response care and arranging further emergency services.
HSE strongly recommends that first-aiders undertake annual refresher training, over half a day, during any three-year certification period. Although not mandatory, this will help qualified first-aiders maintain their basic skills and keep up to date with any changes to first-aid procedures.
At HSE Docs, we are expert providers of online first aid training for work, and prices start from as little as £4.99 making it a cost-effective way of ensuring all of your employees are suitably trained and have the certification to prove it. Once you have completed the course, your employees will have instant access to your training certificate which is recognised by Environmental Health Officers and local authorities and is valid for three years. Our online first aid course provides the status of an appointed first aid person in the workplace allowing you to hold responsibility for first aid kits, equipment and facilities, take charge in an emergency and assess the needs for emergency services. Our online training course may suit your risk assessment needs. However, no online course will train you to become a fully qualified first aider as this requires classroom training with a minimum of 18 contact hours. If you have any questions regarding our online first aid at work training courses, please don’t hesitate to get in touch here. You can also give us a call on 0800 933 61 61.