First-aid

Legal requirement

The Health & Safety (First-aid) Regulations 1981 require that an employer makes an assessment of the first-aid needs that are appropriate to the circumstances of their workplace. Having carried out the assessment and determined the need, the employer is then required to provide adequate and appropriate equipment and facilities and an appropriate number of suitably qualified first-aiders. Within the University each management unit is responsible for performing this risk assessment for its own activities and for providing the equipment and personnel which it identifies as being necessary.

Training

Persons appointed to act as first-aiders should be given appropriate training which may range from emergency first-aid training to certificated first-aid at work training. Departments in which there are particular hazards may require to have some staff undergo additional specialist training (e.g. for those dealing with hydrofluoric acid). Safety & Environmental Protection Services (SEPS) advise on and co-ordinate the provision of first-aid training for the University.

Types of courses (trainer lead)

First-aid at Work Courses

This is the type of training required by individuals who are to become nominated first-aiders within the University. The course is of three days duration and culminates in a short examination of competence in practical and theoretical aspects of first-aid at work. The syllabus for this course is designed to meet first-aid competencies laid down by the Health & Safety Executive.

First-aid at Work refresher Courses

This two day course should be undertaken by individuals who already hold a first-aid at work certificate and who wish to renew it prior to its expiry date.

Emergency First-aid Courses

Departments in which only low risk activities are undertaken (e.g. office based work) may consider the level of training available from this course to be sufficient. The course is of one day duration, there is no concluding examination. Note - individuals completing this course cannot become nominated first-aiders and will not be eligible for the £100 per annum payment.

Specific Hazard Courses

Specialist courses can be arranged for small groups who have to deal with the first-aid needs which may arise from their potential exposure to specific hazards (e.g. cyanide or hydrofluoric acid). Such courses are typically of four hours duration.
In addition, courses can be arranged for groups who may undertake fieldwork.

Booking a training place

Courses are run at periodic intervals throughout the year to meet demand. Further information on current availability of courses can be obtained by emailing safety@gla.ac.uk

A charge is made on the basis of recovery of costs for places on each of these courses and varies accoring to the type of course and number of people being trained. Indicative costs are £130 per person for courses of 3 days duration and £85 per person for 2 days.