Location and access

A first aid facility should:

• Be as near the work area as possible.

• Allow for an injured worker to enter and exit easily by stretcher.

• Be a room within a building. If this is not possible, a tent, vehicle, trailer, or similar structure will do.

• Have a way to immediately open it during all working hours, even if it is typically locked.

Signage

First aid facilities should be clearly marked. A notice should be displayed outside the door that indicates how to call the first aid attendant and, if necessary, how to unlock the facility.

A “No Smoking” sign should be conspicuously posted.

Flooring

Flooring should be non-porous and easily cleaned with soap and water. This includes tents and or other structures used as first aid facilities.

Utilities, water, and heating

A first aid facility should:

• Be comfortable for patient care. This includes adequate venting, lighting, and temperature control.

• Have a shower if you may be treating chemical exposure, either in the first aid facility or nearby.

• Have a sink with hot and cold running water. If this isn’t possible, it must have another way to get fresh, potable water of a reasonable temperature. Some options for this include:

  • An internal tank able to hold 45 litres of fresh potable water that can be pumped into a sink. This water must be changed daily, or weekly if it’s treated to prevent contamination.

  • An insulated container able to hold 20 litres of fresh potable water that can be pumped into a sink. This water must be changed daily.

  • A connection to a hose or water line that provides fresh potable water that can be pumped into a sink.

  • A water supply company that provides fresh water in a bottle or jug attached to a hot and cold dispenser.

A dressing station should be at least 4.2 square metres (48 square feet). It should have the equipment and supplies identified in OHS Guidelines G3.16(1).

A first aid room should be at least 9.3 square metres (100 square feet). It should have storage cupboards, counter space, and a toilet in the room or nearby. It should also have the equipment and supplies identified in OHS Guidelines G3.161(1).

A first aid facility may be used for purposes other than first aid if:

• It will be immediately available for first aid treatment.

• The workplace is less than two hours away from a hospital, by ground transportation.

• The minimum floor area needed for first aid treatment is maintained.

• Using it for other purposes does not interfere with the treatment of an injured worker.

A mobile treatment centre (MTC) may be used in place of a dressing station or first aid room if it meets the requirements for those facilities. If your workplace provides overnight accommodation, a mobile treatment centre should not be your only first aid facility.

Learn more about requirements for mobile treatment centres.