First aid room requirements outline what first aid facilities, equipment, and trained first aiders a workplace must provide to respond effectively to an injury or illness. These requirements come from the First Aid in the Workplace – Code of Practice and help employers ensure they can provide appropriate first aid, reduce the severity of injuries and illnesses, and meet their health and safety duties.
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Key Takeaways
- Every workplace must provide first aid equipment, trained first aiders, and appropriate first aid facilities based on a first aid risk assessment.
- Higher-risk workplaces may need at least one first aid room, eyewash facilities, spill stations, and dedicated first aid officers.
- A workplace must be able to access first aid treatment quickly; well-placed first aid kits and AEDs can mean the difference between life and death.
- Remote and isolated workers require specialised first aid arrangements to reduce the risk of fatality from cardiac arrest, injury or illness.
- Regular maintenance, inspections, and documentation are essential for workplace compliance with the code of practice for first aid room requirements.
Understanding Australian First Aid Room Requirements for Workplaces
What Safe Work Australia Requires for First Aid Facilities
The First Aid in the Workplace – Code of Practice provides guidance on how to comply with health and safety legislation. It outlines the minimum first aid equipment and facilities needed to provide first aid in the workplace based on:
- the nature of the workplace
- the nature of the work
- the types of injuries and illnesses that may require first aid
- the number of workers and members of the public onsite
- workplace size and location
- whether the workplace is higher risk
This risk management approach helps employers determine what first aid equipment is necessary.
When a Workplace Must Provide a Dedicated First Aid Room
A first aid room is usually required when:
- there are more than 200 workers at a low-risk workplace, or
- more than 100 workers at a higher-risk workplace
Some workplaces—such as factories, workshops, food-processing plants, distribution centres, and chemical facilities— often require first aid rooms regardless of worker numbers due to their higher risk of injury.
How Workplace Risk Assessments Determine First Aid Facilities
A first aid risk assessment must identify:
- the number of first aiders required
- the number of first aid kits
- whether a first aid room or first aid station is needed
- whether specialised equipment is needed (AEDs, eyewash units, spill kits)
- first aid arrangements for remote or isolated workers
A risk assessment must be reviewed regularly as the workplace changes.
First Aid Room Setup: Essential Equipment & Compliance Checklist
| Required Item | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Examination couch | Safe treatment surface |
| Hand basin with hot & cold water | Hygiene and wound cleaning |
| First aid kit (full workplace kit) | Immediate treatment |
| First aid signage | Clear identification |
| Sharps container | Safe disposal |
| Clinical waste bin | Biohazard disposal |
| Workbench & storage | Controlled storage of equipment |
| Chairs | Casualty seating |
| Privacy screen | Dignity and confidentiality |
| Emergency lighting | Use during power loss |
Workplaces may require additional first aid equipment depending on hazards identified in the first aid assessment.
First Aid Kit Location Guidelines for Australian Businesses
Optimal Placement of First Aid Kits
At least one first aid kit must be provided in every workplace. More kits may be needed based on:
- workplace size
- number of workers
- layout and distance between areas
- higher-risk zones
Kits must be placed close to areas where there is a higher risk of injury.
Workplace Accessibility Standards
Workers must be able to access first aid kits within minutes. Kits must be:
- fixed in accessible locations
- marked with compliant signage
- portable first aid kits provided where hazards are mobile (vehicles, outdoor teams)
Signage and Labelling Requirements
Signage must:
- feature a white cross on a green background
- be visible from a distance
- be displayed around the workplace
AED Placement in the Workplace
Where to Install a Defibrillator
Workplace defibrillator access must allow workers to reach an AED within 3 minutes. AEDs should be:
- centrally located
- close to high-traffic areas
- installed near first aid rooms or stations
- marked with standard AED signs
AEDs in High-Risk Industries
AEDs are strongly recommended where there is:
- higher risk of injury
- high physical demand
- exposure to heat
- large numbers of people
- a history of cardiac incidents
AED Cabinet and Maintenance Requirements
AEDs must be checked regularly:
- battery condition
- electrode pad expiry dates
- alarm and cabinet condition
Proper maintenance reduces the risk of fatality from cardiac arrest.
Setting Up a Workplace First Aid Station (When No Room Is Required)
First Aid Station Requirements
Low-risk workplaces with fewer staff may not need a room but must provide:
- first aid kit
- clean water access
- a fixed location for treatment
- first aid signage
- a trained first aider
Equipment That Must Be Available
A first aid station should contain:
- first aid kit
- infection control supplies
- gloves and PPE
- waste bins
- resuscitation mask
Compliance Requirements for Wall-Mounted Stations
Stations must remain clear and accessible at all times.
Eye Wash Station Installation Requirements
When an Eye Wash Station Is Required
Eye wash stations are required when workers are exposed to:
- hazardous chemicals
- corrosive substances
- dust or airborne contaminants
- welding operations
Types of Eye Wash Stations
- Plumbed units (continuous water supply)
- Portable units (for remote or mobile worksites)
Installation Requirements
- within 10 seconds of hazard areas
- unobstructed path
- regular testing
- minimum 15 minutes of continuous flow (plumbed units)
Chemical Spill Station Requirements
Spill Response Equipment Required
Workplaces handling chemicals need:
| Component | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Absorbent pads | Contain liquid spills |
| Neutralisers | For acid/alkali spills |
| PPE | Prevent exposure |
| Waste bags | Safe disposal |
| Signage | Area control |
Placement & Training
Spill stations must be:
- located near chemical storage
- clearly signed
- used only by trained staff
First Aid Facility Maintenance Requirements
Inspection Frequency
First aid rooms, kits, AEDs, and facilities must be inspected:
- monthly (recommended)
- after any incident
- after periods of high usage
- annually via formal audit
Recordkeeping Requirements
Records should include:
- maintenance checks
- expiry dates
- restocking logs
- incident reports
Remote Worksite First Aid Facilities
Additional Requirements for Remote Areas
Remote and isolated work environments require:
- portable first aid kits
- remote communication systems
- emergency transport planning
- higher numbers of trained first aiders
Mobile First Aid Rooms and Enhanced Kits
Workplaces may require:
- vehicle-based kits
- satellite communication
- specialised trauma equipment
CTA (Middle Section):
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Knowledge Quiz: First Aid in the Workplace
1. What determines the first aid equipment your workplace needs?
2. When is a first aid room required?
3. Which area must have fast access to first aid kits?
4. AEDs must be checked for:
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Ensuring Your Workplace Meets First Aid Room Requirements
Providing first aid in the workplace is a core responsibility under Australia’s health and safety legislation. By following the Code of Practice, conducting a thorough first aid risk assessment, and supplying the right first aid equipment and facilities, employers can reduce the severity of injuries and illnesses and create safer workplaces. Well-maintained first aid rooms, accessible first aid kits, AED placement, spill kits, and trained first aiders can mean the difference between life and death.
Equip your team to handle every emergency with skill and confidence. Enrol in a nationally accredited workplace first aid course with FirstAidPro today.
References
- Safe Work Australia – First Aid in the Workplace Code of Practice
- Safe Work Australia: First Aid
- Work Health and Safety Act 2011
- ABLIS Business: First aid in the workplace code of practice 2021 – Queensland
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my workplace needs a first aid room?
A first aid room is required based on worker numbers, workplace layout, and risk of injury. Higher-risk workplaces often require first aid rooms regardless of staff numbers.
How many first aid kits should a workplace have?
There must be at least one first aid kit per workplace, but larger or high-risk businesses may require multiple kits.
Do I need a trained first aider onsite at all times?
Yes. Workplaces must ensure a trained first aider is available whenever workers are present.
Does every workplace need an AED?
While not legally required, AEDs are strongly recommended. They significantly reduce the risk of fatality from cardiac arrest.
How often should first aid facilities be inspected?
Monthly inspections are recommended, with immediate checks after incidents or high usage.
