1. New Zealand

The Factories and Commercial Premises (First Aid) Regulations 1985

1. Title and commencement - (1) These regulations may be cited as the Factories and Commercial Premises (First Aid) Regulations 1985.

(2) These regulations shall come into force on the 1st day of July 1985.

2. Interpretation - In these regulations, unless the context otherwise requires:

- “first-aid cabinet” means a box or cabinet in which first-aid supplies are kept;
- “first-aid supplies” means articles that are first-aid appliances or first-aid requisites;
- “the principal Act” means the Factories and Commercial Premises Act 1981.

3. First-aid supplies in undertakings - (1) The occupier of an undertaking shall:

(a) ensure that first-aid supplies are provided for persons who may be injured in that undertaking; and

(b) take all reasonable steps to ensure every person injured in that undertaking is, if first-aid treatment is necessary or desirable for that person, given adequate first-aid treatment without delay.

(2) Except as otherwise required by these regulations, the first-aid supplies required by subclause (1)(a) of this regulation to be provided in an undertaking shall be as specified in the Schedule to these regulations. [Editor’s Note: The Schedule is reproduced on p. 52 of this book.]

(3) Subclauses (1) and (2) of this regulation shall apply to any shop where first-aid supplies are kept for sale as if those supplies were provided for persons who may be injured in that shop.

4. First-aid supplies to be properly maintained - The occupier of an undertaking shall ensure that the first-aid supplies provided in that undertaking are:

(a) kept clean and tidy; and

(b) readily available for the treatment of injured persons at all times when workers are working in that undertaking.

5. First-aid cabinets - (1) Subject to subclauses (2) and (3) of this regulation, the occupier of an undertaking shall ensure that:

(a) the first-aid supplies required by regulation 3 of these regulations to be provided in that undertaking are kept in dustproof boxes or dustproof cabinets:

(i) in which nothing other than first-aid supplies is kept; and

(ii) each of which either is made of an easily cleaned material with a smooth impervious surface, or is painted or enamelled inside and outside with a gloss paint or enamel; and

(iii) the outside surface of the lid or door of each of which is marked clearly with the words “FIRST AID” and the name of the person for the time being appointed under regulation 7 of these regulations in respect of that cabinet;

(b) the number and positions of first-aid cabinets in that undertaking are, in the opinion of an Inspector, reached after having regard to the layout of that undertaking and the nature of the work carried on in it, likely to enable compliance with regulation 3 of these regulations in respect of that undertaking;

(c) every first-aid cabinet in that undertaking is kept clean and tidy, and is replenished at least once a month.

(2) Where there is provided in any undertaking a room that complies with the requirements of subclause (1) of regulation 9 of these regulations (whether or not the occupier of that undertaking is required by that subclause to ensure that such a room is provided), it shall, to the extent that any first-aid supplies required by regulation 3 of these regulations to be provided in that undertaking are kept in that room, be a sufficient compliance with subclause (1)(a) of this regulation if those supplies are kept in cupboards.

(3) Nothing in subclause (1) of this clause shall require the occupier of a shop where any first-aid supplies are kept for sale to keep any of those supplies in a cabinet.

6. Location of first-aid cabinets - (1) The occupier of an undertaking shall ensure that:

(a) subject to subclause (2) of this regulation, every first-aid cabinet in that undertaking is in a position that is well lit, and close to a wash-hand basin with hot and cold running water, soap, a nail brush, and clean towels;

(b) where any first-aid cabinet in that undertaking is not conspicuous, its location is clearly indicated by a sign with the words “FIRST AID” placed conspicuously near that location.

(2) An Inspector, having regard to the layout of any undertaking and the nature of the work carried on in it, may exempt its occupier from all or any of the requirements of sub-clause (1)(a) of this regulation, either unconditionally or subject to any conditions that the Inspector thinks fit; and until the exemption concerned is amended or revoked by any Inspector, these regulations shall apply accordingly.

7. Occupier to appoint person in charge - The occupier of an undertaking at which more than five workers are usually employed at any one time shall ensure that a person engaged at that undertaking is put in charge of all first-aid supplies, first-aid cabinets, and first-aid rooms in that undertaking; and where shifts are worked in that undertaking shall ensure that another such person is appointed that first-mentioned person’s deputy in respect of each shift on which that first-mentioned person is not engaged and that other person is engaged.

8. Undertakings employing more than 50 workers to have a trained person in charge of first aid - (1) Subject to subclause (2) of this regulation, the occupier of an undertaking at which more than 50 workers are usually employed at any one time shall ensure that at all times the person put in charge of first-aid supplies in that undertaking under regulation 7 of these regulations is:

(a) a registered nurse; or

(b) the holder of a certificate (being a certificate that was issued or renewed not more than three years ago) issued by the St. John Ambulance Association or the New Zealand Red Cross Society (Incorporated).

(2) The occupier of an undertaking is not failing to comply with subclause (1) of this clause if for the time being no person described in paragraph (a) or paragraph (b) of that subclause is in charge of first-aid supplies in that factory under regulation 7 of these regulations but:

(a) such a person was so in charge not more than six months ago;

(b) that occupier is taking all reasonable steps to:

(i) employ such a person; or

(ii) arrange for a person engaged at that undertaking to become such a person.

9. Undertakings employing more than 100 workers to have first-aid rooms - (1) The occupier of an undertaking at which more than 100 workers are usually employed at any one time shall ensure that there is provided in that undertaking, and used exclusively for the giving of first-aid treatment, a room:

(a) with a floor area of at least 10 m²;

(b) with walls and ceiling of a smooth impervious surface painted in light colours;

(c) with a floor surface of a durable and easily cleaned material;

(d) capable of being lit, heated, and ventilated, to the satisfaction of an Inspector;

(e) provided with a wash-hand basin with hot and cold running water, soap, a nail brush, and clean towels;

(f) fitted with cupboards for the storage of first-aid supplies;

(g) furnished with a chair, a couch, a pillow, and a blanket.

(2) The occupier of an undertaking required by subclause (1) of this regulation to ensure that a room is provided in that undertaking shall take all reasonable steps to ensure that that room and the first-aid supplies and other articles contained in it are properly maintained and kept clean and tidy.

10. Register of first-aid treatments - The occupier of an undertaking shall keep in that undertaking, together with or as part of the register of accidents required to be kept by section 53(1) of the principal Act, a record of:

(a) the nature of every first-aid treatment given in that undertaking; and
(b) the date on which it was given; and
(c) the name of the person to whom it was given; and
(d) the nature of the injury or illness in respect of which it was given.

11. Inspector may grant exemptions - An Inspector who is satisfied that, by reason of exceptional circumstances or the nature of the work carried on in an undertaking, all or any of the requirements of regulations 7 to 9 of these regulations need not apply in respect of that undertaking may by notice in writing served on the occupier of that undertaking exempt that occupier from all or any of those requirements in respect of that undertaking for two years or such lesser period as is specified in that notice, either unconditionally or subject to any conditions that the Inspector thinks fit; and until the exemption concerned expires, or is amended or revoked by any Inspector, these regulations shall apply to that undertaking accordingly.

12. No derogation from other provisions - These regulations are in addition to, and shall not derogate from, any award.

13. Appeals against decisions of Inspectors (...)

14. Offences (...)

15. Revocations - The following regulations are hereby consequentially revoked: (...)

SCHEDULE
Minimum scales of first-aid appliances and requisites.
[The Schedule is reproduced on p. 52 of this book.]

2. United Kingdom

The Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981

Citation and commencement

1. These regulations may be cited as the Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981 and shall come into operation on 1 July 1982.

Interpretation

2. (1) In these regulations, unless the context otherwise requires:

- “first aid” means:

(a) in cases where a person will need help from a medical practitioner or nurse, treatment for the purpose of preserving life and minimizing the consequences of injury and illness until such help is obtained, and

(b) treatment of minor injuries which would otherwise receive no treatment or which do not need treatment by a medical practitioner or nurse;

- “mine” means a mine within the meaning of section 180 of the Mines and Quarries Act 1954(a).

(2) In these regulations, unless the context otherwise requires, any reference to:

(a) a numbered Regulation or Schedule is a reference to the Regulation of, or Schedule to, these Regulations bearing that number;

(b) a numbered paragraph is a reference to the paragraph bearing that number in the Regulation in which the reference appears.

Duty of employer to make provision for first aid

3. (1) An employer shall provide, or ensure that there are provided, such equipment and facilities as are adequate and appropriate in the circumstances for enabling first aid to be rendered to his employees if they are injured or become ill at work.

(2) Subject to paragraphs (3) and (4), an employer shall provide, or ensure that there is provided, such number of suitable persons as is adequate and appropriate in the circumstances for rendering first aid to his employees if they are injured or become ill at work; and for this purpose a person shall not be suitable unless he has undergone:

(a) such training and has such qualifications as the Health and Safety Executive may approve for the time being in respect of that case or class of case, and

(b) such additional training, if any, as may be appropriate in the circumstances of that case.

(3) Where a person provided under paragraph (2) is absent in temporary and exceptional circumstances it shall be sufficient compliance with that paragraph if the employer appoints a person, or ensures that a person is appointed to take charge of:

(a) the situation relating to an injured or ill employee who will need help from a medical practitioner or nurse, and

(b) the equipment and facilities provided under paragraph (1) throughout the period of any such absence.

(4) Where having regard to:

(a) the nature of the undertaking,

(b) the number of employees at work, and

(c) the location of the establishment,

it would be adequate and appropriate if instead of a person for rendering first aid there was a person appointed to take charge as in paragraph (3)(a) and (b), then instead of complying with paragraph (2) the employer may appoint such a person, or ensure that such a person is appointed.

Duty of employer to inform his employees of the arrangements made in connection with first aid

4. An employer shall inform his employees of the arrangements that have been made in connection with the provision of first aid, including the location of equipment, facilities and personnel.

Duty of self-employed person to provide first-aid equipment

5. A self-employed person shall provide, or ensure that there is provided, such equipment, if any, as is adequate and appropriate in the circumstances to enable him to render first aid to himself while he is at work.

Power to grant exemptions

6. (1) Subject to paragraph (2), the Health and Safety Executive may, by a certificate in writing, exempt any person or class of persons, from any of the requirements imposed by these Regulations, and any such exemption may be granted subject to conditions and to a limit of time and may be revoked at any time.

(2) The Executive shall not grant any such exemption unless, having regard to the circumstances of the case, and in particular to:

(a) the conditions, if any, which it proposes to attach to the exemption, and

(b) any other requirements imposed by or under any enactment which apply to the case, it is satisfied that the health, safety and welfare of employees and self-employed persons and the health and safety of other persons who are likely to be affected by the exemption will not be prejudiced in consequence of it.

Cases where these regulations do not apply

7. (...)

Application to miscellaneous mines

8. (...)

Application offshore

9. (...)

Repeals, revocations and modification

10. (...)

3. Federal Republic of Germany

Federation of Occupational Insurance Associations
[Hauptverband der gewerblichen Berufsgenossenschaften]

Accident prevention regulations of the occupational insurance associations

First aid (VBG 109) of 1 April 1979

Scope

Article 1. These accident prevention regulations apply to first aid and to action to be taken in the event of occupational accidents.

Definitions

Article 2. 1. For the purpose of these accident prevention regulations, the term “facilities” means all the materials employed in member companies for first aid and for rescue from dangers to life and health.

2. Alarm facilities are communication installations by means of which a call for help can be made.

3. First-aid rooms are rooms in which first aid or initial medical care is given in the event of an accident or sickness occurring in the plant.

4. First-aid material refers to bandaging materials, all miscellaneous auxiliary materials and medical equipment, as well as medicaments used for first aid.

5. Rescue equipment covers all technical equipment for rescuing persons from a danger to life or health, such as fire-smothering blankets, rescue belts, respiratory protective equipment, cutting equipment.

6. Rescue transport equipment covers devices by which it is possible to correctly carry out any necessary transport of persons, such as stretchers, stretcher sledges, rescue nets.

7. First-aid workers are persons who have received training as a first-aid worker in a place recognized by the Berufsgenossenschaften for training in first aid.

8. A plant nursing aid is a person who has received specialist training in nursing aid in a place recognized by the Berufsgenossenschaften.

General obligations of the employer

Article 3. (1) The employer shall ensure:

1. the availability of the facilities necessary for first aid, and in particular alarm devices, first-aid rooms, first-aid material and rescue transport equipment;

2. the availability of the facilities required for rescue from situations endangering life and health, and in particular rescue equipment;

3. the availability of the personnel necessary for the implementation of first aid and for rescuing persons from situations endangering life and health (first-aid workers, plant nursing personnel); and

4. that in the event of an occupational accident, first aid is carried out immediately and that, in particular, any necessary medical treatment is initiated.

(2) The facilities that the employer is required to make available under article 3.(1) above shall be in line with the provisions of the accident prevention regulations and other generally recognized technical, medical and hygienic requirements.

Alarm equipment and measures

Article 4. The employer shall ensure, by means of alarm devices and organizational measures, that it is possible to call and bring in the necessary assistance to the site of an accident without delay, with due regard to the conditions at the premises, such as their extent and structure.

First-aid rooms

Article 5. (1) At least one first-aid room or a comparable facility shall be available if:

1. more than 1,000 insured persons are employed; or

2. a special accident hazard can be envisaged, and more than 100 insured persons are employed.

(2) Where more than 50 insured persons are employed on a building site, there shall be at least one first-aid room or a comparable facility.

(3) The rooms or facilities shall be readily accessible for a stretcher. They shall be equipped with the facilities required for first aid and initial medical care; the rooms and facilities must be of a suitable size.

First-aid material

Article 6. The first-aid material shall be at all times readily accessible and protected against deleterious factors and, in particular, against pollution, humidity and high temperatures; it shall be available in adequate quantities, and supplemented and renewed as necessary.

Rescue equipment

Article 7. To the extent that special knowledge is required for handling the rescue equipment, the employer is required to ensure that specially trained personnel are available.

First-aid workers

Article 8. (1) The employer shall ensure that the following minimum numbers of first-aid workers are available for first aid:

1. one first-aid worker for up to 20 insured persons present;
2. where there are more than 20 insured persons:

(a) in administrative and commercial premises, 5 per cent of them;
(b) in other premises, 10 per cent of them.

In the case of premises under section 2 above, it is possible, in agreement with the Berufsgenossenschaften - taking into account the organization of the in-plant rescue facilities and the hazards encountered - to diverge from the number of first-aid workers indicated.

(2) If, depending on the type of work being done - in particular when handling hazardous substances - it is estimated that special first-aid measures would be required that do not form part of the general training for first-aid workers under article 2, section 7, above, then the employer shall provide the necessary additional first-aid training. This also applies to work on live electrical installations and for other work in which, in the event of an occupational accident, it may be necessary to carry out cardiac and pulmonary resuscitation.

(3) The employer shall be required to ensure that first-aid workers undergo further training at suitable intervals.

Nursing aid

Article 9. The employer shall also ensure that in plants employing more than 500 insured persons, there are plant nursing aids, provided that the type, severity and number of occupational accidents require their action.

Instructions

Article 10. (1) The employer shall instruct the insured persons on the action to be taken in the event of occupational accidents. The instructions should be repeated at suitable intervals, but at least once per year.

(2) First-aid instructions, recognized by the Berufsgenossenschaften, should be displayed at suitable places depending on the nature of the hazard. The relevant posters should at least contain information about calling for help, first-aid facilities and personnel, physicians and hospitals. This information should be kept up to date. Every bandage box and bandage cupboard should be equipped with first-aid instructions approved by the Berufsgenossenschaften.

Labelling

Article 11. First-aid facilities and storage areas for first-aid material, rescue equipment and rescue transport devices shall be made clearly and permanently recognizable by a white cross marked on a square or rectangular green background with a white border.

Interruption of work

Article 12. The employer shall ensure that in the event of an accident, the insured casualty interrupts the work at least until first aid is administered.

Medical care and rescue transport

Article 13. (1) Any insured casualty shall be immediately presented to a physician, in cases when the nature and extent of the injury or the health impairment seem to indicate the need for medical care. The patient must be presented to a directing physician if the injury indicates a possibility of unfitness for work. In the event of severe injuries, the victim should be transported to an emergency hospital. If it is apparent that there is only an eye, throat, nose or ear injury, then the insured casualty should be transported to the nearest available physician specializing in the relevant discipline unless such presentation has been made unnecessary by appropriate first aid.

(2) The employer shall ensure the provision of suitable transport to the physician or the hospital.

Recording of first-aid administration

Article 14. The employer shall ensure that each case of first-aid administration be recorded and the record maintained for five years. The record shall contain data on the time, place (part of the enterprise) and the circumstances of the accident or of the injury to health, the type and nature of the injury or the disease, the time, type and nature of the first-aid measures as well as the name of the insured casualty, the witnesses and the persons who provided the first aid.

General obligations of insured persons

Article 15. Insured persons shall support the measures relating to first aid.

Article 16. The insured person shall accept to undergo training as a first-aid worker and to take part in further training at suitable intervals provided he/she has no personal reasons for refusing to do so. After the training, the insured person shall offer to provide first aid.

Reporting obligation

Article 17. The insured person shall be required to report immediately to the appropriate office in the enterprise any injury and any health damage resulting from an occupational accident; should he/she not be in a position to do so, then this obligation to report shall fall on the employee of the enterprise who first learns of the accident.

Violations of the regulations

Article 18. (...)

Transitory and closing provisions

Article 19. (...)

Annex II. Be ready for emergencies1

¹ J.E. Thurman, A.E. Louzine and K. Kogi: Higher productivity and a better place to work: Practical ideas for owners and managers of small and medium-sized industrial enterprises, Action manual (Geneva, ILO, 1988), pp. 74-75.

Accidents happen. Emergencies can include cuts and bruises, eye injuries, burns, poisoning and electric shocks. Even in enterprises which seem safe, many types of injury (such as falls) can occur. Every enterprise should therefore have a well-stocked first-aid box and at least one person present at all times of operation who knows what to do in emergencies.

First-aid boxes should be clearly marked and located so that they are readily accessible in an emergency. They should not be more than 100 m from any worksite. Ideally, such kits should be near a wash-basin and in good lighting conditions. Their supplies need to be regularly checked and replenished. The contents of a first-aid box are often regulated by law, with variations according to the size and likely industrial hazards of the enterprise. A typical basic kit may include the following items in a dustproof and waterproof box:

- sterile bandages, pressure bandages, dressings (gauze pads) and slings. These should be individually wrapped and placed in a dustproof box or bag. You will need small, medium and large sizes. Be sure to have sufficient quantities, especially of the commonly used sizes. Small cuts and burns should not go untreated. You will also need medical adhesive tape (strip plaster) for fixing bandages and dressings;

- cotton wool for cleaning wounds;

- scissors, tweezers (for splinters) and safety pins;

- an eye bath and eye wash bottle;

- ready-to-use antiseptic solution and cream;

- simple over-the-counter medicines such as aspirin and antacids; and

- a booklet or leaflet giving advice on first-aid treatment.

A portable first-aid kit may be useful when work is done outside the factory. It should contain cotton wool, adhesive dressing strips, sterile wound dressings, gauze bandages, triangular bandages, antiseptic cream, safety pins and small scissors.

First aid requires some training, but this is not difficult to arrange in most places. The names and location (including telephone number) of first-aiders should be put on a notice-board. Workers in remote or isolated areas should be given additional training in first aid to take account of the probable long delays in obtaining medical aid in the event of an emergency.

The procedure for obtaining medical assistance in an emergency should be known by all workers. Small establishments without their own facilities should keep contact with a nearby clinic or hospital so that the time between the occurrence of an accident and medical assistance is very short, preferably much less than 30 minutes. Transport to the clinic or hospital should also be prearranged. An outside ambulance may be called in, if necessary. It is always desirable to have a stretcher.

Annex III. Rescue equipment: An example

- Rescue nets to the requirements of DIN 14151, Part 1, “Firemen’s rescue net devices: General requirements and testing” and to the requirements of DIN 14151, Pan 2, “Firemen’s rescue equipment: Firemen’s rescue nets”.

- Fire extinguishing blankets to the requirements of DIN 14155, “Fire extinguishing blankets”.

- Elevator rescue vehicles to the requirements of DIN 14701, Part 1, “Elevator rescue vehicles: Purpose, definitions, safety equipment, requirements” and to the requirements of DIN 14701, Part 2, “Elevator rescue vehicles: Mechanically powered rotating ladders, DL 23-12 and DLK 23-12”.

- Spreaders to the requirements of DIN 14751, Part 1, “Hydraulically operated rescue devices for the fire brigade: Spreaders”.

- Cutting equipment to the requirements of DIN 14751, Part 2, “Hydraulically operated rescue devices for the fire brigade: Cutting devices”.

- Breaking tools to the requirements of DIN 14901, “Breaking devices, multi-part, with carrying holsters”.

- Rescue belts.

- Eye-douching devices to prevent corrosive injury by acids, alkalis, etc.

- Showers for extinguishing persons whose clothes have been set on fire.

- Self-rescuing respiratory protective equipment.

Equipment which can be used as rescue equipment such as, for example:

- halon fire extinguishers when used for extinguishing persons whose clothes have caught fire;

- one-man motor saws for freeing persons who have been jammed or locked in;

- portable angle grinders for releasing persons who have been jammed or locked in.

Source: Hauptverband der gewerblichen Berufsgennossenschaften: “Erste Hilfe (VBG 109) vom 1. April 1979”, section 2, No. 5; section 3, para. 1, No. 2; and section 7, quoted in Klaus J. Gatz: Erste Hilfe im Betrieb (Sankt Augustin, Germany, April 1985), pp. 31-32.

1. Belgium

(Royal Decree 25 October 1971, article 6) - Contents of medicine chests or first-aid kits as well as the individual kits prescribed by article 178 of the present section.

I. Minimum contents of medicine chests or first-aid kits

a. Articles in fixed numbers

1. Elastic tourniquet (width 5 cm): one.
2. Airway: one.
3. Stainless steel scissors (length 14 cm): one pair.
4. Instructions: “Emergency care before the doctor arrives”.

b. Articles in variable numbers

Depending on the nature of the work and the number of workers, per fraction or multiple of:

- ten industrial workers, with a maximum of three multiples;
- fifty non-industrial workers with a maximum of two multiples.

1. Packets of sterile bandage:

- two packets with bands of gauze measuring 2 m by 5 cm and pads measuring 10 cm by 7 cm;

- one packet with a gauze band measuring 2 m by 7 cm and a pad measuring 14 cm by 12 cm.

2. Triangular sterile bandage:

- one with dimensions of 90, 90 and 127 cm.

3. Strips of light cambric:

- two with a minimum length of 5 m and a width of 5 cm;
- two with a minimum length of 5 m and a width of 7 cm.

4. Compressed absorbent cotton:

- two packages with a net weight of 20 grams.

5. Silk adhesive bandage:

- one roll with a minimum length of 5 m and a width of 2.5 cm;
- one roll with a minimum length of 5 m and a width of 1.25 cm.

6. Sterile prepared bandage:

- either one strip with a minimum length of 1 m and a width of 6 cm or an assortment of various widths with a total length of 1 m.

7. Antiseptic solution:

- 1 per cent of iodine or at least 50 vol. per cent alcoholic chlorhexidine digluconate or any solution considered equivalent: 30 ml in one or more sealed bottles or ampoules (with file).

8. Stainless steel safety pins:

- ten (boxed or on a card).

II. Minimum contents of the individual first-aid kit

1. Packets of sterile dressing, with absorbent gauze strips at least 2 m long and 7 cm wide: two.

2. Triangular sterile dressing: one with dimensions of 90, 90 and 127 cm.

III. Remark

The articles enumerated under 1 and II above as well as their packaging shall satisfy the requirements of the Belgian Pharmacopoeia (5th edition).

2. India

First-aid appliance - The first-aid boxes or cupboards shall be distinctively marked with a red cross on a white background and shall contain the following equipment:

(A) For factories in which the number of persons employed does not exceed ten, or (in the case of factories in which mechanical power is not used) does not exceed 50 persons - each first-aid box or cupboard shall contain the following equipment:
(i)	six small size sterilized dressings;
(ii)	three medium size sterilized dressings;
(iii)	three large size sterilized dressings;
(iv)	three large size sterilized burn dressings;
(v)	one (60 ml) bottle of cetrimide solution (1 per cent) or a suitable antiseptic solution;
(vi)	one (60 ml) bottle of mercurochrome solution (2 per cent) in water;
(vii)	one (30 ml) bottle containing sal volatile having the doses and mode of administration indicated on the label;
(viii)	one pair of scissors;
(ix)	one roll of adhesive plaster (2 cm ' 1 m);
(x)	six pieces of sterilized eye-pads in separate sealed packets;
(xi)	a bottle containing 100 tablets (each of 5 grains) of aspirin or any other analgesic;
(xii)	ointment for burns;
(xiii)	polythene wash bottle (1 litre, i.e. 1,000 cc) for washing eyes;
(xiv)	a snake-bite lancet;
(xv)	one (30 ml) bottle containing potassium permanganate crystals;
(xvi)	one copy of the first-aid leaflet issued by the Directorate-General of Factory Advice Service and Labour Institutes, Government of India, Bombay.
(B) For factories in which mechanical power is used and in which the number of persons employed exceeds ten but does not exceed 50 - each first-aid box or cupboard shall contain the following equipment:
(i)	twelve small size sterilized dressings;
(ii)	six medium size sterilized dressings;
(iii)	six large size sterilized dressings;
(iv)	six large size sterilized burn dressings;
(v)	six (15 g) packets of sterilized cotton wool;
(vi)	one (120 ml) bottle of cetrimide solution (1 per cent) or a suitable antiseptic;
(vii)	one (120 ml) bottle of mercurochrome solution (2 per cent) in water;
(viii)	one (60 ml) bottle containing sal volatile having the doses and mode of administration indicated on the label;
(ix)	one pair of scissors;
(x)	two rolls of adhesive plaster (2 cm ' 1 m);
(xi)	eight pieces of sterilized eye-pads in separate sealed packets;
(xii)	one tourniquet;
(xiii)	one dozen safety pins;
(xiv)	a bottle containing 100 tablets (each of 5 grains) of aspirin or any other analgesic;
(xv)	ointment for burns;
(xvi)	one polythene wash bottle (½ litre, i.e. 500 cc) for washing eyes;
(xvii)	a snake-bite lancet;
(xviii)	one (30 ml) bottle containing potassium permanganate crystals;
(xix)	one copy of the first-aid leaflet issued by the Directorate-General of Factory Advice Service and Labour Institutes, Government of India, Bombay.
(C) For factories employing more than 50 persons - each first-aid box or cupboard shall contain the following equipment:
(i)	twenty-four small sterilized dressings;
(ii)	twelve medium size sterilized dressings;
(iii)	twelve large size sterilized dressings;
(iv)	twelve large size sterilized burn dressings;
(v)	twelve (15 g) packets of sterilized cotton wool;
(vi)	one (200 ml) bottle of cetrimide solution (1 per cent) or a suitable antiseptic;
(vii)	one (200 ml) bottle of mercurochrome solution (2 per cent) in water;
(viii)	one (120 ml) bottle containing sal volatile having the doses and mode of administration indicated on the label;
(ix)	one pair of scissors;
(x)	one roll of adhesive plaster (6 cm ' 1 m);
(xi)	two rolls of adhesive plaster (2 cm ' 1 m);
(xii)	twelve pieces of sterilized eye-pads in separate sealed packets;
(xiii)	a bottle containing 100 tablets, (each of 5 grains) of aspirin or any other analgesic;
(xiv)	one polythene wash bottle (500 cc) for washing eyes;
(xv)	twelve roller bandages 10 cm wide;
(xvi)	twelve roller bandages 5 cm wide;
(xvii)	six triangular bandages;
(xviii)	one tourniquet;
(xix)	a supply of suitable splints;
(xx)	two packets of safety pins;
(xxi)	a kidney tray;
(xxii)	a snake-bite lancet;
(xxiii)	one (30 ml) bottle containing potassium permanganate crystals;
(xxiv)	ointment for burns;
(xxv)	one copy of the first-aid leaflet issued by the Directorate-General of Factory Advice Service and Labour Institutes, Government of India, Bombay.
Provided that items (xiv) to (xxi) inclusive need not be included in the standard first-aid box or cupboard (a) where there is a properly equipped ambulance room, or (b) if at least one box containing such items and placed and maintained in accordance with the requirements of section 45 is separately provided. (D) In lieu of the dressings required under items (i) and (ii), there may be substituted adhesive wound dressings approved by the Chief Inspector of Factories and other equipment or medicines that may be considered essential and recommended by the Chief Inspector of Factories from time to time.

Source: Labour Law Agency: Rules prescribed under sub-section 1 of section 45 of the Factories Act, 1948, with the Maharashtra Factories Rules. 1963 (Bombay, Labour Law Agency, 1987).

3. New Zealand

Minimum scales of first-aid appliances and requisites

Factories	Number of persons usually engaged at any one time
	5 or fewer	6-25	26-50	51-75	76-100	101-250	251 or more
Other undertakings	25 or fewer	26-50	-
Triangular bandages	2	2	2	4	4	6	6
Roller bandages (including crepe bandages - 50 mm and 75 mm sizes)	3	5	7	9	12	16	24
Sterile dressings (75 mm x 75 mm packets)	2	5	5	10	10	15	15
Adhesive wound dressing strip (100 mm packets)	1	1	2	2	3	3	5
Waterproof adhesive plaster (50 mm wide reels)	1	1	1	1	1	2	2
Paraffin gauze (100 mm x 100 mm packets)	5	5	5	5	10	10	10
Sterile eye-pads	1	2	2	4	4	6	6
Container for use in pouring water over the eye (e.g., plastic squeeze bottle)	1	1	1	1	1	1	1
Receptacle for soiled dressings (e.g., bucket with foot-operated lid)	-	-	-	1	1	1	1
Antiseptic liquid approved by the Medical Officer of Health	125 ml	2 x 125 ml	2 x 250 ml	2 x 250 ml	2 x 250 ml	4 x 250 ml	4 x 250 ml
Antiseptic cream (25 g tube)	1	1	1	1	1	2	2
Safety pins	1 card	1 card	1 card	1 card	1 box	1 box	1 box
Scissors (surgical or equivalent - stainless steel)	1 pair	1 pair	1 pair	1 pair	1 pair	2 pairs	2 pairs
Splinter forceps, fine point (stainless steel)	1	1	1	1	1	1	1
Accident register and pen or pencil	1	1	1	1	1	1	1
First-aid booklet (issued by the Departments of Labour and Health or Red Cross/St. John)	1	1	1	1	1	1	1
Card listing local emergency numbers	1	1	1	1	1	1	1

Source: Schedule to the Factories and Commercial Premises (First Aid) Regulations, 1985.

4. United Kingdom

Item	Number of employees
	1-5	6-10	11-50	51-100	101-150
Guidance card	1	1	1	1	1
Individually wrapped sterile adhesive dressings	10	20	40	40	40
Sterile eye-pads, with attachment	1	2	4	6	8
Triangular bandages	1	2	4	6	8
Sterile coverings for serious wounds (where applicable)	1	2	4	6	8
Safety pins	6	6	12	12	12
Medium-sized sterile unmedicated dressings	3	6	8	10	12
Large sterile unmedicated dressings	1	2	4	6	10
Extra large sterile unmedicated dressings	1	2	4	6	8

Source: Health and Safety Executive: “Guidance notes for Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations, 1981”, in First aid at work (London, Her Majesty’s Stationery Office, 1981).

Annex V. Antidotes: Some useful examples

Antidote	Chemical
Ascorbic acid (vitamin C)	Chromium VI compounds (chromium trioxide, zinc chromate, alkaline chromates, etc.)
Atropine sulphate (1% solution)	Cholinesterase inhibitor (phosphoric acid esters, insecticides, alkyl phosphates)
BAL (dimercaptopropanol)	Antimony, arsenic, chromium, gold, cobalt, copper, manganese, nickel, mercury, bismuth
Calcium gluconate	Fluorine, hydrochloric acid and its salts, oxalic acid
Ca Na2 EDTA	Lead, chromium, iron, cobalt, copper, uranium, vanadium, zinc
Dexamethasone-spray	Irritant gases
4-dimethyl aminophenol (4-DMAP)	Cyanide, hydrogen cyanide, hydrogen sulphide
DMPS (sodium-dimercaptopropane sulphate, BAL sulphonic acid)	Organic and inorganic mercury compounds and other indications for BAL
DTPA (calcium trisodium pentetate, ditripentate)	Lead, cadmium, chromium, iron, manganese, zinc and in the event of the incorporation of radioactive isotopes
Ethanol (vodka, kirsch)	Methanol
Isotomic eye drops	Eye injuries, due in particular to acids and alkalis
Charcoal	Absorbent for ingested water-soluble poisons
N acetylcysteine	Acrylonitrile
Sodium bicarbonate	Methanol, aldehydes, chlorates, salicylic acid, alkyl phosphates
Sodium thiosulphate	Cyanides, hydrogen cyanide - immediately after 4-DMAP, chlorine, bromine, iodine, nitrogen oxides, aliphatic and aromatic nitro compounds, aromatic amines and alkylating agents
Paraffin oil	Absorbent for ingested oil-soluble substances
Pencillamine	Lead, gold, cobalt, copper, mercury, zinc
Polyethylene glycol 400	Cleansing skin of cutaneously absorbable poisons such as aniline, phenol
Toluidine blue	Aniline, chromates, nitrates, nitrites, nitro-benzene and in the event of overdoses of 4-DMAP

Antidotes should be stored in such a way that they are immediately available in the event of an emergency. They should be protected against misuse.

Source: Hauptverband der gewerblichen Berufsgenossenschaften: “Erste Hilfe (VBG 109) vom 1. April 1979”, section 6, quoted in Klaus J. Gatz: Erste Hilfe im Betrieb (Sankt Augustin, Germany, April 1985), pp. 28-29.