First-aid equipment stock and expiry checklist

Inspect each first-aid box and other first-aid equipment provided by the school, including equipment in areas where mains tap water is not readily available for eye irrigation.

Confirm that at least one suitably stocked first-aid box is provided, with its contents determined by the first-aid needs assessment.

Confirm that each first-aid box and other first-aid equipment can be accessed when needed and is not blocked or otherwise inaccessible.

Confirm that each first-aid box has a white cross on a green background and that the sign is visible, unobstructed and easily identified.

If the school has a first-aid room, confirm that it is easily identifiable by white lettering or a white cross on a green background and that the sign is visible and unobstructed.

Check the contents against the first-aid needs assessment and confirm that the required supplies are present, usable and fit for purpose.

Check sterile first-aid items for marked expiry dates and confirm that items have not passed those dates.

Remove expired first-aid items from available stock and arrange for them to be disposed of safely.

Where a sterile item has no expiry date, check with the manufacturer how long it can be kept and record any action required.

For non-sterile items without expiry dates, assess whether each item remains fit for purpose and remove any item that is not.

Apply the following eye-irrigation checks only in areas or during activities where mains tap water is not readily available for eye irrigation.

Confirm that at least one litre of sterile water or sterile normal saline (0.9%) is provided in sealed, disposable containers.

Check that eye-irrigation containers are sealed and confirm that any container with a broken seal has not been retained for reuse.

Check the expiry dates of eye-irrigation containers and confirm that no container is used beyond its expiry date.

Record any missing, inaccessible, incorrectly identified, expired, opened, damaged or otherwise unsuitable item, together with the action required.