FirstAidSupplies.co.uk is committed to supplying workplace first aid products that meet current UK regulatory standards. This page summarises the key standards and regulations relevant to the products we supply.
Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981
The Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981 require employers to provide adequate and appropriate first aid equipment, facilities, and personnel for their employees. The regulations apply to all workplaces regardless of size. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) publishes guidance on compliance through its Approved Code of Practice (L74), which recommends the use of first aid kits conforming to BS 8599-1.
BS 8599-1:2019 — Workplace First Aid Kit Specification
BS 8599-1:2019 is the British Standard specifying the contents and format of workplace first aid kits. The standard defines kit sizes (small, medium, and large) based on workplace headcount and risk assessment, and specifies minimum quantities of each item including dressings, bandages, plasters, eye pads, gloves, and foil blankets. All BS 8599-1 workplace kits supplied by FirstAidSupplies.co.uk conform to the current published specification.
UKCA and CE Conformity Markings
The UK Conformity Assessed (UKCA) marking indicates that a product meets the requirements of UK regulations for placing it on the market in Great Britain. The CE marking indicates conformity with European Union health, safety, and environmental protection standards. All sterile medical products, wound dressings, eye wash solutions, and disposable medical devices listed on FirstAidSupplies.co.uk carry the appropriate UKCA and CE conformity markings as required under the Medical Devices Regulations 2002 (as amended).
Product Safety and Storage
First aid products should be stored in a clean, dry location away from direct sunlight and extremes of temperature. Sterile products have expiry dates printed on their packaging and should be replaced before expiry. Employers are responsible for regularly inspecting their first aid provision and restocking as required. We recommend a formal first aid kit audit at least every six months.
Employer Responsibilities
Under UK law, employers must carry out a first aid needs assessment to determine the level of provision appropriate to their workplace. This assessment should consider the nature of the work, the number of employees, the workplace layout, and access to emergency medical services. HSE guidance document L74 provides a framework for conducting this assessment.
Further Information
For guidance on workplace first aid compliance, refer to the Health and Safety Executive website at hse.gov.uk/firstaid. For product-specific regulatory queries, contact us at cs@firstaidsupplies.co.uk.
Last updated: August 2026. Webcom Limited. Company No. 17356286.