Health and Safety Executive Regulations

Guidance for employers on HSE approved First Aid training

On 1 October 2009 the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) made changes to the requirements for First Aid training in the workplace. Employers need to ensure that they continue to comply with Health & Safety Regulations by providing the proper level of First Aid cover in the workplace.

A short summary of the changes is as follows:

1. The First Aid at Work (FAW) course will now take place over three days (this is reduced from four).
2. A three-hour Annual Update course will be available to qualified First Aiders to prevent 'skills fade' during the 3 year lifespan of their FAW or EFAW certificate.
3. A one-day, HSE approved Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) course will be available where the employer's risk assessment indicates that a First Aider is not required.

Requirements for requalification are unchanged - FAW certificates remain valid for three years and a two-day Requalification course can be taken before the expiry date in order to renew the certificate for a further three years.

Full details of the changes and the reasons behind them can be found on the HSE website or download our Guidance for HSE First Aid Regulations.