First Aid Rooms: UK Requirements and Best Practice Layouts

  • 4 min reading time

For some workplaces, having a first aid kit isn’t enough - a dedicated first aid room may be required. This guide explains when a first aid room is needed under UK law, what facilities it must include, and how to design one to meet HSE (Health and Safety Executive) best practice standards.

Based on HSE guidance INDG214 and the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981.

When Is a First Aid Room Required?

Not every workplace needs one. A first aid room is typically required when:

  • The workplace is large (e.g. factories, warehouses, schools, distribution centres).
  • There are significant health or safety risks — such as chemicals, machinery, or manual handling.
  • There is a higher number of employees or visitors (e.g. 100+ people on site).
  • The site operates multiple shifts or remote areas where ambulance access may be delayed.

Learn more about assessing your site’s needs in our Workplace First Aid Risk Assessment Guide.

Minimum UK Requirements for a First Aid Room

According to the HSE’s Approved Code of Practice, a compliant first aid room should meet these requirements:

Requirement Details Purpose
Accessible Location Ground level if possible, clearly signposted and close to toilets and exits. Ensures quick access during emergencies.
Sink with Hot and Cold Water For hand washing and cleaning minor wounds or equipment. Maintains hygiene and infection control.
Examination / Treatment Couch Adjustable height, with waterproof cover and disposable paper roll. Provides a safe and hygienic space for assessment.
First Aid Supplies Fully stocked BS 8599-1 compliant first aid kit and refills. Ready access to essential treatment items.
Telephone or Communication Device Direct line to emergency services or site control room. Speeds up emergency response.
Seating and Desk Space Chair and table for writing accident reports or resting. Allows proper documentation and comfort.
Clinical Waste Bin Foot-operated, clearly marked for used dressings and disposables. Supports safe waste management and hygiene.
Privacy Lockable door or partition for dignity and security. Protects patient privacy during treatment.

Best Practice Layout for First Aid Rooms

A well-designed first aid room should be clean, organised, and easy to move around in. Here’s what to consider when planning your layout:

  • ⚙️ Keep the treatment couch central with 1m space on each side for access.
  • 🚪 Place the sink and work surface near the entrance for hygiene.
  • 🧰 Store refill supplies in labelled cupboards or wall units.
  • 📋 Mount HSE posters, first aider contact lists, and signage visibly.
  • 🪑 Provide seating for recovery or observation when needed.
  • 💡 Use wipeable flooring and good ventilation to maintain cleanliness.

Who Can Use the First Aid Room?

Access should be limited to trained first aiders and appointed persons, except during emergencies. Rooms must always remain unlocked during working hours but secure from unauthorised use or storage of unrelated items.

For staff responsibilities, read our Appointed First Aiders Guide.

Cleaning & Maintenance Standards

  • 🧽 Clean daily using disinfectants suitable for medical environments.
  • 📅 Schedule regular inspections and record them in a logbook.
  • 🚮 Dispose of clinical waste using licensed contractors if required.
  • 🧴 Replenish supplies after every use or incident.

First Aid Room Requirements — FAQ

Is a first aid room a legal requirement in every workplace?
No. Only medium to large or higher-risk workplaces are required to provide one. Smaller offices can meet HSE standards with well-stocked first aid kits and trained personnel.
Who decides if a first aid room is needed?
Employers must assess this need as part of their first aid risk assessment.
Can the first aid room be used for other purposes?
No. The HSE states that the room must be kept exclusively for first aid and emergency use, not as a general storage or break room.
Do schools need a first aid room?
Most UK schools should provide one due to pupil numbers and activity types. It must meet the same hygiene and accessibility standards as workplaces.
What’s the ideal size for a first aid room?
At least 12–15 square metres is recommended — enough for a treatment couch, sink, desk, and circulation space for two people.
How often should the room be inspected?
At least once a month, with results recorded in the health and safety log or audit file.

 

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