First aid: British Standard 2026 update
At the end of April 2026, the Britsh Standards Institution (BSI) published updated guidance on workplace first aid provision through BS 8599-1:2019+A1:2026. The revised standard expands beyond the contents of workplace first aid kits to include guidance on Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) in the workplace. The updated standard also introduces guidance on burns first aid kits and eyewash kits, providing employers with recommendations on their contents and how many kits should be available in both low-risk and high-risk environments.
How does this affect schools and education settings? Compliance with the British Standard is recommended by HSE guidance, meaning it should be your benchmark for best practice first aid provision.
Defibrillators (AEDs)
AEDs are recommended for workplaces of all types with 5 or more people on site during operating hours. The AED should be clearly displayed in a cabinet or wall-mounted unit, and accessible within 2 minutes from all areas. Where possible, it should also be made available to the public.
Whether you're looking for additional AEDs to cover larger or multi-floor premises or want to improve visibility and accessibility of an existing device, we cater for all needs with our range of AEDs, cabinets, and bundles.
Eyewash Kits
Your risk assessment will likely have identified the need for eye first aid provision, with increased risk in science labs where chemicals are handled, DT workshops where dust or debris may fly, and even in general outdoor sport and play areas.
The updated standard specifies that eyewash kits should include 2 eyewash bottles, 2 eyewash pods, and 2 eye dressings. Bottled eyewash or eyewash pods are the most convenient way to irrigate the eye, and are guaranteed to be sterile, while an eye dressing - if required - provides comfortable protection and a good fit.
Burns Kits
The updated British Standard introduces burns first aid kits where a higher risk of burn injuries has been identified. In an education setting, this could be kitchens and food tech rooms, or labs and workshops where specialist equipment is being used.
The requirements for compliance include large burn dressings and dedicated face burn dressings. The burn gel sachets and dressings in our range of burns first aid kits create a moist, wound-healing environment and gently re-hydrate damaged tissue.
