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Q. Do I have to change all my First Aid Kits to the new BSi Kit by 31 December 2011?
A. The simple answer is NO! The transition period is a brilliant marketing tool for the suppliers of these kits. The HSE have been involved in the development of the kits but state that having them on site is purely as a result of the Employers Risk Assessment and they will NOT be enforcing this issue. Current kits can have individual items added at a fraction of the cost of a New complete BSi Kit to bring them up to the same standard. Don't fall for "You have to comply" line. Below is the exact statement from the HSE!
"There is a British Standard BS 8599 for first aid kits, it is not a regulatory requirement under the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981 to purchase kits that comply with this standard. Instead the contents of a first aid box is dependent on an employers first aid needs assessment. "
Q. Does my Medical Provider need to be registered with the Care Quality Commission?
A. Registration with the CQC is for companies who regularly provide Health Care Professionals who are going to be engaged in "licensed activities". This will generally be Paramedics, Nurses and Doctors, although other professions do fall into this. If basic First Aid Cover is required then there is no need to register. Most First Aid or other skills would not come under the heading of licensed activities. Emergency Training UK Ltd will ensure all criteria of the CQC are met when booking relevant staff levels. If one company is advertising a service that requires registration and then uses a "sub contractor" or "partner organisation" BOTH companies are considered separate legal entities and BOTH MUST be registered.Basic Patient Transport and Repatriation not requiring the use of licensed activities does not require CQC Registration at this moment. For more information visit the CQC Website. Don't be forced into extra expense that you may not require. Call or email us for FREE ADVICE.
Q. There are many Training Providers to choose from, how do I make sure my provider is legitimate?
A. All companies that teach First Aid at Work must be approved by the HSE or QCA/SCA and be able to provide you with their direct Approval number. Some companies "franchise" by using someone elses number and some just advertise approval when they don't have it. In the two latter cases there is potential for much less policing and quality control and lower standards. Use this HSE Database link to help you decide on your provider.
Q. After the changes to First Aid at Work Training in October 2009 does my certificate now only last twelve months?
A. Some confusion has arisen with this one but the answer is quite simple. The half day annual updates are only recommended by the HSE and do not effect any certificate dates. The basic certificate issued after successful completion of a First Aid at Work Course will still be valid for three years.
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