First aid

First aid in the workplace plays a key role in preventing occupational risks. Professional first aid kits, first aid equipment and other business first aid supplies are essential to respond quickly in the event of an accident. These devices are essential in industry, construction, logistics, food processing or public services, where team safety is a priority.

First aid

What standards govern first aid equipment?

Choosing first aid equipment relies on compliance with European and international standards, guaranteeing product safety and reliability:

  • EN 13157: lifting devices and stretchers for emergency evacuation.
  • EN 1865: requirements for ambulance equipment, including stretchers and transport accessories.
  • EN ISO 13485: quality management system for medical devices, including professional first aid kits.
  • Directive 93/42/EEC: regulation of medical devices in the European Union.

These standards make it easier to select suitable, reliable equipment for every professional environment.

What are the main types of first aid equipment?

Business first aid equipment comes in several categories according to trade needs:

  • Professional first aid kits: suited to workshops, offices or building sites, they enable an immediate response.
  • Automated external defibrillators: recommended in venues open to the public.
  • Stretchers and survival blankets: for transporting and protecting the injured.
  • Specialist rescue equipment: for environments with specific hazards.
  • Electrical protection: for safety during interventions on electrical installations.

Every type meets precise uses, from managing common accidents to handling situations involving particular hazards.

Maintenance advice for first aid equipment

Maintaining first aid equipment within a company is essential to ensure everyone's safety:

  • Carry out a regular check of the contents of professional first aid kits and replace expired or used items.
  • Thoroughly clean stretchers, defibrillators and accessories following the manufacturer's recommendations.
  • Store first aid equipment in a dry, clean, easily accessible and clearly identified place.
  • Check the expiry date of single-use devices.
  • Pay attention to general condition: frayed bandages, blunt scissors, low batteries or visible damage.

Regularly monitoring these elements helps maintain the reliability of equipment during an emergency intervention.

Specifics to consider when choosing first aid equipment

Choosing business first aid equipment should take into account:

  • Compatibility with other personal protective equipment present on site.
  • Suitability for the sector's specific hazards (cuts, burns, electrical hazards, etc.).
  • Ease of use for a rapid response, even by non-specialists.
  • The robustness and lifespan of devices, particularly in industrial environments.
  • Compliance with regulatory obligations regarding first aid equipment.

Properly targeting your needs helps optimise safety and responsiveness in the event of an incident.