INTRODUCTION First-aid is the assessment and interventions that can be performed by a first aider during an emergency with minimal

equipment until appropriate medical personnel arrive. The life of an injured or ill worker or member of the public within the vicinity of the workplace may depend on proper first-aid being given within the first few minutes of an accident or an illness. Besides saving lives, first-aid treatment is important in preventing further complications from injury and pain and in promoting recovery. It is also important for minor injuries such as burns, sprains, cuts, etc.

This guidelines help employers, occupiers and Occupational Safety and Health personnel, to plan and provide proper first-aid facilities in factories or other workplaces. It is presented in a simple format for quick and easy reference. It is hoped that it will meet the needs of industry.

DEFINITION First-aid in the workplace includes the provision of first-aid facilities, services and personnel required for the initial treatment of persons suffering from injury or illness at a workplace. It is the immediate treatment or care given to a victim of an accident or sudden illness before qualified health personnel attend to provide treatment. The aims of first aid are to: Preserve life; Prevent illness or injury from becoming worse; Reduce pain; Promote recovery; and Care of unconscious. First-aid facilities includes first-aid box; first-aid room; and first-aid equipment, e.g. oxygen tanks and stretchers. First-aid requirement means the requirements for first aid facilities, services and personnel at a workplace; First-aid services means any procedure or method associated with the provision of first-aid at the workplace;

First-aider means a person who has successfully completed a first-aid course and has been awarded with a certificate of proficiency in first-aid by an institution. Risk means the likelihood that a hazard will cause harm. Universal Precautions means a set of precautions designed to prevent transmission of blood-borne pathogens when providing first aid or health care.

Recommended Contents of a First-Aid Box 1. 5 Triangular bandages 130cm x 90cm x 90cm A lightweight, triangular bandage made of bleached white calico cotton that can be washed and re-used. Overlocked to reduce fraying, with sufficient strength to withstand pressure exerted by a resting arm, the bandages are individually wrapped and feature an open weave gauze, allowing air circulation. 2. Sterile eye pads Sterile eye pads provide protection for the healing of an eye injury.

3. Non-sterile gauze pads Ideal for absorption, wicking and wound release. Non-sterile pads may be used for cushioning, cleaning, and absorbing areas less at risk of infection. 4. Sterile gauze pads A gauze pad is a piece of gauze fabric used to guard and cushion a wound, to absorb blood or other fluids, to apply ointments, or to rub cleansing fluids, such as rubbing alcohol or iodine, to a wound or site of incision.
Sterile padsare used for many medical purposes, especially on open wounds.

5. Elastic bandage An elastic bandage, also known as a compression bandage or wrap, is a stretchable bandagethat comes in various sizes. These can be used to hold a splint securely on the body, or to limit blood flow to a wounded area. Elastic bandages are used by wrapping the length of thebandage multiple times around the wound or area to be compressed. Velcro or metal clips are then typically used to hold the bandage in place, preventing it from slipping off of the desired location. When using any type of elastic bandage, the key in application is to wrap it tightly enough to achieve the desired pressure, while avoiding cutting off of circulation altogether.

6. Roller sterile bandages A sterile bandage, also known as a sterile dressing, is any material that is free from infectious matter and that is used to cover an open wound or injury to help control bleeding and prevent additional contamination from the environment. One of the principle functions of the skin is to act as a guard against microorganisms, commonly called germs; debris; chemicals, and other substances from the environment, keeping the underlying tissues and organs shielded against such dangerous contact. 7. Burn sheet/dressing Used to cover the burn until emergency medical assistance can be sought.

8. Pairs of gloves (disposable/ non sterile) They contain no latex proteins and offer excellent resistance to wear and tears. Nitrile gloves are more puncture resistant than many other types of rubber gloves and can be used to offer superior resistance to many types of chemicals. They are often considered to be one of the the strongest types of disposable glove and are generally safe for people who are allergic to latex. 9. Stainless steel bandage scissors Bandage scissors are often found in first aid kits and in a variety of medical facilities. They are usually made of metal, typically stainless steel, and they often have serrated blades and an angled tip that is blunt at the edges. These scissors have numerous uses that can make them valuable. The three mains uses of bandage scissors are to trim bandages to custom size, to cut through clothing or gauze, and to help remove bandages that someone is wearing. For this last purpose, the angled blades are extremely important, since they angle away from anything beneath the cutting surface. They help keep the scissors away from the skin so that injury doesnt occur. The blunt tips also help, since there is less likelihood of piercing the skin, as might occur if sharp tipped scissors were used instead. 10. Adhesive tape Adhesive tape is one of many varieties of backing materials coated with an adhesive.

11. Sterile multi-trauma dressing/gauze Sterile Multi-Trauma Dressings are highly absorbent and intended for use as a specialized emergency room put-up. Apply superior padding and protection for a variety of major wounds found in emergency room situations. 12. Alcohol prep pads 13. Cetavlon 14. Cotton buds 15. Barrier device for CPR (pocket mask, face shield) 16. Elastoplasts/sterile adhesive dressing 17. Safety pin for triangular bandages