First Aid Kit Check: How to Complete This Monthly Safety Inspection

Why first aid kit checks matter

First aid kits are emergency equipment. When someone cuts themselves, burns their hand, or gets something in their eye, the kit needs to have what they need to treat the injury immediately.

But first aid kits deplete through normal use:

• Plasters used — The most common first aid item, often taken without recording
• Dressings applied — Each cut or wound uses sterile dressings that are not replaced
• Gloves depleted — Every first aid intervention should use gloves; stocks run down
• Wipes consumed — Cleaning wounds uses antiseptic wipes
• Eye wash used — Eye irrigation depletes supplies that need replacing

Beyond depletion, kits face other problems:

• Expiry — Sterile items have expiry dates; expired supplies may not be sterile and can cause infection
• Contamination — Kits left open or stored poorly can become contaminated
• Accessibility — Kits get moved, buried behind stock, or locked in cupboards
• Wrong contents — Generic kits may not suit your specific workplace risks

Monthly checks catch all these problems before someone needs the kit and finds it empty or inadequate.

Legal requirements

Workplace health and safety legislation worldwide requires employers to provide adequate first aid equipment. The specifics vary, but the principle is universal: workplaces must have appropriate first aid provision.

In the UK, the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981 require employers to provide adequate and appropriate equipment, facilities, and personnel to enable first aid to be given to employees. The regulations do not specify exact kit contents — this is determined by the risk assessment — but HSE guidance provides recommended contents for standard workplace kits.

In the US, OSHA requires employers to ensure medical personnel are available for advice and consultation on matters of plant health, and that adequate first aid supplies are readily available. ANSI Z308.1 provides the standard for minimum first aid kit contents.

Similar requirements exist throughout Europe, Australia, Canada, and elsewhere. Whatever your jurisdiction, regular inspection of first aid equipment is expected as part of demonstrating compliance.

Hospitality-specific considerations

Hospitality environments have specific first aid needs:

Blue detectable plasters — In food handling environments, plasters must be blue (easily visible if they fall into food) and ideally metal-detectable. Standard flesh-coloured plasters are not appropriate for kitchens.

Burn treatment — Kitchens and bars have high burn risk. Burn dressings and cooling gels should be readily available.

Multiple locations — Larger premises need multiple kits positioned throughout the building so staff can access first aid quickly wherever they are.

Heavy usage — Hospitality sees frequent minor injuries. First aid supplies deplete faster than in office environments.

Frequency and timing

Standard frequency

First aid kits should be inspected at least monthly. This is the minimum recommended frequency.

Higher-risk environments or heavy-use situations may need more frequent checks:

• Weekly — High-injury-risk environments like busy kitchens
• After significant use — Whenever multiple items have been used, check and restock
• After incidents — Any reportable injury should trigger a kit check

Best timing

Choose a consistent day each month. Many businesses combine first aid kit checks with other monthly safety inspections.

The beginning of the month is common — it creates a clear schedule and ensures kits start each month fully stocked.

Immediate restocking

Monthly checks are for verification. Restocking should happen immediately after significant use, not wait until the next scheduled check. If someone uses three large dressings and half the plasters dealing with an injury, restock that day.

How to complete the check

1. First aid kit location

Record which first aid kit you are inspecting. Most workplaces have multiple kits; this ensures each one is tracked.

Why it matters:

Tracking by location ensures every kit gets checked and creates a maintenance history for each one. If one kit is always depleted while another is untouched, the location record reveals patterns.

What good answers look like:

• "Kitchen — wall mounted by hand wash station"
• "Reception — behind desk in top drawer"
• "First floor office — on top of filing cabinet"
• "Vehicle kit — works van registration XY12 ABC"
• "FAK-01" (if using a numbering system)

How to answer this for yourself:

Use identification that would allow anyone to find the kit:

• Room or area name
• Specific location within that area
• Reference to fixtures (wall mounted, in cupboard, etc.)

Common mistakes (and how to avoid them):

• "Main first aid kit" — Which one is "main" if you have several?
• "Kitchen" — Specifies the room but not where in the kitchen
• Inconsistent naming — Use the same identifier each month

Best practices to follow:

• Create a list of all first aid kit locations
• Mark kit locations on a floor plan
• Number kits if you have many (FAK-01, FAK-02, etc.)
• Walk a consistent route to check them all
• Include vehicle kits and outdoor event kits if applicable

2. First aid kit contents

Systematically check that all required items are present and in usable condition.

Why it matters:

First aid kits need specific items to treat workplace injuries. Missing or expired items mean the kit cannot do its job when someone is injured.

What good answers look like:

Every item should be checked and ticked if present, in date, and in adequate quantity. Items you cannot tick need restocking.

How to answer this for yourself:

Work through each item:

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First aid guidance leaflet present

Every first aid kit should contain a leaflet explaining what to do in common first aid situations.

Why this matters: Not everyone is first aid trained. The leaflet provides guidance for untrained people who need to help. It also reminds trained first aiders of correct procedures.

What to look for: Leaflet present, legible, not damaged. Should be positioned so it is easy to find and read.

Common issues: Leaflet missing. Leaflet damaged or illegible. Old leaflet with outdated guidance.

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Sterile dressings (assorted sizes) stocked

Dressings cover and protect wounds. You need various sizes for different injuries.

Why this matters: Wounds need covering to prevent contamination and absorb blood. The dressing must be sterile to avoid introducing infection.

What to look for:

• Multiple sizes present (small, medium, large wound dressings)
• Adequate quantity of each size
• Sterile packaging intact
• Within expiry date

Common issues: Large dressings used and not replaced. All the medium dressings used. Sterile packaging torn (no longer sterile). Items expired.

Typical quantities: A standard workplace kit might include 2 large dressings, 6 medium dressings, and 2 eye pads. Your risk assessment may indicate more or fewer.

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Bandages (triangular and roller) present

Bandages secure dressings in place and can be used for support and immobilisation.

Why this matters: Dressings need holding in place. Triangular bandages are particularly versatile — they can be used as slings, for immobilisation, and for securing dressings.

What to look for:

• Triangular bandages present (typically 2-4)
• Conforming roller bandages present (typically 6)
• Clean and undamaged
• Packaging intact where applicable

Common issues: Bandages used and not replaced. Bandages dirty or contaminated. Insufficient quantity for workplace size.

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Adhesive plasters (blue for catering) stocked

Plasters are the most commonly used first aid item — every minor cut needs one.

Why this matters: Minor cuts are frequent in hospitality. Plasters protect small wounds and prevent contamination of food or surfaces.

What to look for:

• Adequate quantity of assorted sizes
• Blue colour for food handling environments
• Waterproof variety if hands will be wet
• Within expiry date (plasters do expire)

Critical for catering: Standard flesh-coloured plasters are not acceptable in food preparation areas. Blue plasters are visible if they fall into food. Metal-detectable plasters are better still.

Common issues: Plasters depleted (most common first aid item). Wrong colour for food environment. Stuck together from heat. Expired and no longer sterile.

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Sterile eye pads present

Eye injuries need specific treatment. Eye pads cover and protect an injured eye.

Why this matters: Chemical splashes, debris, and foreign objects can injure eyes. Eye pads protect the eye while seeking medical attention.

What to look for:

• Sterile eye pads present (typically 2-4)
• Sterile packaging intact
• Within expiry date

Common issues: Eye pads used and not replaced. Sterile packaging compromised. Items expired.

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Safety pins present

Safety pins secure bandages and slings.

Why this matters: Without a way to secure bandages, they come loose. Safety pins provide simple, effective fastening.

What to look for:

• Safety pins present (typically 6-12)
• Not rusted
• Functional (open and close properly)

Common issues: Safety pins missing (borrowed for other purposes). Pins rusted. All pins missing from pack.

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Disposable gloves (pairs) stocked

Anyone providing first aid should wear gloves to protect against blood-borne pathogens.

Why this matters: Blood and body fluids can transmit diseases. Gloves protect both the first aider and the injured person from cross-contamination.

What to look for:

• Multiple pairs of gloves (typically 6-10 pairs)
• Various sizes if possible
• Non-latex option available (latex allergy consideration)
• Packaging intact

Common issues: Gloves depleted. Only one size available. Latex gloves only (allergic reactions). Gloves perished from age or heat.

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Face shield/pocket mask present

If rescue breathing is needed, a face shield or pocket mask provides a barrier between the rescuer and casualty.

Why this matters: CPR may be needed in workplace emergencies. A barrier device protects against disease transmission during rescue breathing.

What to look for:

• Face shield or pocket mask present
• Undamaged and clean
• Clear instructions on use

Common issues: Face shield missing. Device damaged or contaminated. No one knows it is in the kit or how to use it.

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Burn gel/dressing available

Hospitality has high burn risk from hot surfaces, liquids, and equipment.

Why this matters: Burns are common kitchen injuries. Immediate cooling and appropriate dressings improve outcomes.

What to look for:

• Burn gel or hydrogel dressing present
• Appropriate quantity for workplace risk
• Within expiry date

Note: Burn treatment is not part of the standard HSE recommended contents but is typically included in hospitality first aid kits given the elevated burn risk.

Common issues: Burn treatment not included. Items used and not replaced. Expired product.

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All items within expiry date

Sterile items expire. Using expired sterile supplies may introduce infection.

Why this matters: Sterility degrades over time. Expired items cannot be guaranteed sterile and may not perform correctly.

What to look for:

• Check expiry dates on all sterile items (dressings, eye pads, wipes)
• Check expiry on burn gels and antiseptic items
• Check expiry on gloves and face shields

Common issues: Items expired because kit is rarely used. New items placed on top of old items. Expiry dates not checked at previous inspections.

Rotation: Use stock rotation — new items go to the back, older items stay at the front. Check dates rather than assuming position means freshness.

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Kit container clean and undamaged

The container itself must be in good condition to protect the contents.

Why this matters: A damaged container allows contamination. Dirt and moisture compromise sterile contents. A poorly maintained container suggests poorly maintained contents.

What to look for:

• Container clean inside and out
• Lid or clasp closes properly
• No damage allowing dirt or water in
• White or green with white cross (standard identification)

Common issues: Container dirty. Lid broken and will not close. Container damaged. Container not clearly identifiable as first aid kit.

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First aid signage visible

People need to be able to find the first aid kit quickly in an emergency.

Why this matters: In an emergency, people should not have to search. Clear signage allows anyone to locate first aid equipment immediately.

What to look for:

• White cross on green background sign near kit
• Sign visible from the area the kit serves
• Sign not obscured

Common issues: Sign missing. Sign fallen and not replaced. Sign obscured by posters or equipment.

Common mistakes (and how to avoid them):

• Counting items without checking dates — Always check expiry dates
• Only checking when kit looks depleted — Check monthly regardless of appearance
• Restocking with wrong items — Use appropriate items; do not improvise
• Adding non-approved items — First aid kits should contain first aid items; do not add medication

Best practices to follow:

• Work systematically through the contents
• Check expiry dates, not just presence
• Note which items need restocking
• Restock immediately after the check
• Record items used so restocking needs are tracked

3. Check result

Based on your inspection, record whether the kit passes or requires attention.

Why it matters:

This creates a clear record of kit status. A pass confirms the kit is ready. A fail triggers immediate restocking.

What good answers look like:

• Pass - fully stocked — All items present, adequate quantities, within expiry dates.
• Fail - items missing or expired — Contents depleted, items expired, or kit needs attention.

How to answer this for yourself:

Pass only if the kit is complete and ready for use:

• All required items present
• Adequate quantities of each item
• All items within expiry date
• Container and signage satisfactory

What triggers a fail:

• Any required item missing
• Quantities below adequate levels
• Expired sterile items
• Container damaged or contaminated
• Kit inaccessible or poorly signed

Common mistakes (and how to avoid them):

• Passing with "a few items missing" — A few missing items means the kit is not ready
• Ignoring near-expiry items — If items expire next month, flag them now
• Treating "nearly empty" as acceptable — Restock before items run out

Best practices to follow:

• A fail is not a problem — it is the check doing its job
• Record the specific deficiencies in the restocking notes
• Arrange immediate restocking for failed kits
• Do not put the kit back into service until it passes

4. Items to restock

List any items that need restocking or replacing.

Why it matters:

This creates a clear restocking list. It ensures nothing is forgotten and provides a record of what was needed.

What good answers look like:

• "6x medium wound dressings, 1 pack blue plasters, 2 pairs large gloves"
• "All items within date, no restocking needed" (for passing kit)
• "2x triangular bandages, burn gel (expired), 4x safety pins"
• "Eye wash expired 2025-11 — needs replacement. Rest of kit satisfactory."

How to answer this for yourself:

For each item that triggered a fail:

• Name the item specifically
• Note the quantity needed
• Note if expiry is the reason (so you do not restock with old stock)

Common mistakes (and how to avoid them):

• "Various items" — Be specific so restocking is accurate
• Not noting quantities — "Plasters" could mean 10 or 100
• Not noting expiry vs missing — Matters for restocking decisions

Best practices to follow:

• Create a shopping list format
• Include quantities
• Note urgency (immediate need vs can wait)
• Check this list against your first aid supplier's catalogue
• Order promptly after the check

What to do when items are missing

Immediate restocking

If your check reveals missing or expired items, restock as soon as possible. Do not wait until the next scheduled check.

Sources for restocking:

• First aid suppliers (online or local)
• Pharmacy for common items
• Your regular first aid equipment supplier
• Emergency restock from another kit (temporary measure only)

Tracking usage

If items are frequently missing, consider:

• Usage log — Ask staff to record when they use first aid items
• Incident records — Link first aid use to incident reporting
• More frequent checks — High-use kits may need weekly inspection

Budget considerations

First aid supplies are not optional. Budget should allow for:

• Routine restocking
• Emergency restocking after significant use
• Replacement of expired items
• Periodic kit replacement (containers wear out)

First aid kit contents by workplace

Standard contents suit most workplaces, but risk assessments may indicate additional needs:

Standard workplace kit

Guidance documents (like HSE's in the UK) suggest:

• First aid guidance leaflet
• 20 individually wrapped sterile plasters
• 2 sterile eye pads
• 2 individually wrapped triangular bandages
• 6 safety pins
• 2 large sterile individually wrapped unmedicated wound dressings
• 6 medium sterile individually wrapped unmedicated wound dressings
• 3 pairs of disposable gloves
• Face shield

Catering additions

• Blue detectable plasters (replacing standard plasters)
• Burn gel and burn dressings
• Additional sterile dressings
• Eye wash for chemical splashes

High-risk environment additions

Consider your risk assessment. You may need:

• Additional quantities of all items
• Specialised items for specific risks (eye wash stations, tourniquet for severe bleeding risk)
• Items in multiple locations

Common mistakes to avoid

Adding medication

First aid kits should not contain medication — no painkillers, no antihistamines, no creams. First aiders are not qualified to administer medication, and doing so could cause harm (allergies, interactions, incorrect dosing).

If your workplace provides medication (like painkillers in an office first aid room), this should be separately managed with appropriate controls.

Using expired items

"It is probably still okay" is not acceptable for sterile medical supplies. Expiry dates exist for reasons. Expired sterile items may harbour bacteria that cause infection.

Not restocking after use

If the Monday injury uses half the kit, do not wait until the Friday check to restock. Someone might need those supplies Tuesday.

Checking quantity but not quality

An adequate number of dressings means nothing if they are all expired. Check dates, not just counts.

Inaccessible kits

First aid kits locked in cupboards, buried behind stock, or requiring keys to access are not adequately accessible. In an emergency, you need the kit immediately.

Building good practice

Staff awareness

Everyone should know:

• Where first aid kits are located
• How to access them
• Who the first aiders are
• How to report when items are used

First aider involvement

If you have trained first aiders, involve them in kit checks. They know what is actually used and what is needed.

Supplier relationship

Establish a relationship with a first aid supplies vendor. Know how to order quickly, what is typically needed, and what lead times to expect.

Record keeping

Keep records of:

• All kit inspections
• What was restocked and when
• Usage patterns over time
• Expiry dates approaching

Summary

First aid kit checks ensure your emergency medical supplies are ready when someone is injured. Monthly inspections verify that:

• All required items are present
• Quantities are adequate
• Items are within expiry date
• Containers and signage are satisfactory

Remember:

• Check every kit, every month
• Record the location of each kit
• Work through contents systematically
• Note exactly what needs restocking
• Restock immediately, not at the next check
• Blue detectable plasters for food environments

First aid kits are quiet, unassuming pieces of safety equipment. When someone is bleeding, burned, or injured, they become essential. Regular checking ensures they are ready to do their job.