30 April 2026, BSI* published its latest standard, BS 8599‑1:2019+A1:2026.

Workplace First Aid Kits

Part 1: Contents of first aid kits and provision of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) in the workplace – BSI specification.

The Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981 require employers to provide adequate and appropriate equipment, facilities and personnel so employees receive immediate attention if they are injured or taken ill at work. These Regulations apply to all workplaces, including those with fewer than five employees, and to the self-employed.

The Latest BSI standards cover the provision of workplace first aid kits, including:

•    Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) provision
•    Burns first aid kits
•    Eye wash first aid kits
•    Workplace first aid kits
•    Travel and motoring kits
•    Critical injury kits
•    Personal issue kits

Key changes to the standards

1. Provision of Automatic External Defibrillators (AEDs) in the Workplace

“All businesses estimated to have five or more people on site during operating hours shall provide an AED. When judging whether their business meets these criteria, employers shall make a realistic estimate of the maximum regular occupancy associated with the intended use of their site.

An AED shall be clearly displayed within a cabinet or wall-mounted and be accessible within two minutes from any location on the premises. This includes public access defibrillators that may be on or off site and may require multiple AEDs so they remain accessible within two minutes.”

In practice, Crest Medical recommends that businesses with more than five employees, and those with customers or visitors on site, should provide an AED. Whilst employers could consider using a nearby publicly accessible AED,

this is not without risk. In a life-threatening situation, having an AED on site with quick access is the safer option. Having a device on the premises also helps ensure it is properly maintained and easy to locate when needed.

Further guidance on the unit for housing the AED, states that the cabinet should fit the device and prep kit, be well maintained and provide an appropriate level of protection from dust, moisture and extreme temperatures. The Resuscitation Council UK (RCUK) also recommends leaving cabinets unlocked to promote easy access to devices in the event of sudden cardiac arrest.

We offer a range of IP rated AED cabinets and wall mounts that meet the BS Standard’s recommendations.

2. Burns First Aid Kit

Following a risk assessment, employers shall provide Burns First Aid Kits where a high risk of burn injuries is identified.

Our current Burns Kits come in a choice of container types and were developed before the inclusion of burns in the BS standards. They contain sufficient contents to manage burns in workplaces of various sizes and levels of risk.

90850 Blue Dot Premium Burns Kit contents, quantities will be updated to match the exacting requirements of BS 8599‑1:2019+A1:2026.  This kits container will be marked as meeting the latest standard and will appeal to those employers that require the extra assurance of BS compliance. 

3. Eye Wash First Aid Kit

Following a suitable and sufficient risk assessment, employers should provide Eye Wash First Aid Kits wherever a risk of eye injury has been identified. This provision should complement Workplace First Aid Kits supplied in accordance with current BSI guidance (including BS 8599‑1 for Workplace First Aid Kits).

Eye wash kits should be readily accessible in areas where hazardous substances, chemicals, dust, or flying particles present a risk to eye health. The type and quantity of eye wash provision should reflect the level of risk, the working environment, and the number of personnel on site.

Our Eye Wash First Aid Kits are designed to provide effective immediate treatment for eye contamination and irritation across a range of workplace environments and risk levels. Product ranges are being reviewed and updated to align with current standards and best practice guidance.

The Blue Dot Eye Wash Bottles and Pods First Aid Kit in PGB Box has been developed in line with current UK best practice and supports compliance with modern workplace requirements. Similarly, our Blue Dot Eye Wash First Aid Kits and Stations are being updated, with contents and revised labelling to reflect the latest standards.

Wallace Cameron branded Eye Wash First Aid Kits, including Adulto and Mezzo box formats, will be updated in line with current guidance to ensure continued suitability for workplace use.

For workplaces where there is a risk of hydrofluoric acid (HF) exposure, it is recognised best practice to provide calcium gluconate gel (HF antidote gel) as a specific first aid measure. This should be made readily available and supported by appropriate training due to the severe nature of HF burns. We offer a comprehensive H-F Gel offering.

What hasn’t changed?

 1. Workplace First Aid Kits  

BS 8599‑1:2019 Small, Medium and Large contents meet the latest standards. This includes our most sustainable first aid kit range that comes in both BS and HSE versions. It offers complete peace of mind for those seeking enhanced compliance whilst meeting their environmental and social governance (ESG) objectives.

2. Travel and Motoring Kit

A Medium First Aid kit designed to be transportable and used by an employee when working away from the business, intended to be stored in the company vehicle. Contents will only need to cover one-person. Crest Medical offers a range of Motoring Kits that meet the latest standards.

3. Critical Injury Pack

Designed for workplaces where there is a heightened risk of severe bleeding or traumatic injury, such as those involving dangerous machinery, sharp instruments, cutting equipment, power tools, construction, agriculture, and forestry operations.

In accordance with current BSI guidance (including BS 8599‑1 for workplace first aid provision), the number and type of critical injury packs should be determined through a suitable and sufficient risk assessment. Employers should consider the nature of hazards, the severity of potential injuries, and the maximum number of persons on site at any one time.

Critical Injury Packs should be strategically located and readily accessible to enable a rapid response to life-threatening injuries, particularly catastrophic bleeding.

Our C1 Blue Dot Critical Injury Pack has been developed to support best practice in line with current UK standards and guidance, helping organisations enhance their preparedness for high-risk incidents.

4. Personal Issue Kit

A small first aid kit, containing basic first aid components for one person. Designed to be issued to individual employees and first aid trained personnel, as a supplementary resource to small, medium and large first aid kits being available in the workplace, as required. Blue Dot Personal Issue Kits meet these latest standards.

How is Crest Medical supporting compliance with the latest standards?

Contents and labelling of kits where changes are required, will be updated in line with the 2026 amendments. This process will be gradual, our current workplace kits are and will, remain appropriate for a range of workplace sizes and risks.

Key takeaway

It is important to remember BS Standards are a guideline for best practice and do not supersede any legal obligations of employers regarding workplace health and safety.

We will support you with communicating these changes to your customers.

*BSI is the national body responsible for preparing British Standards and other standards‑related publications, information and services.

Important notice

"This document is intended as general guidance to support distributors and end users and should be read in conjunction with the relevant BSI Standards and current HSE guidance.”