When do the changes to occupational first aid commence?
The occupational first aid assessment agent (OFAAA) will commence assessing first aid training providers on the 1st June 2008. The new FETAC Level 5 occupational first aid standard will commence on the 1st September 2008. |
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Do I need a qualified first aider in my workplace?
The best indicator will arise when carrying out a risk assessment in the context of the Safety Statement. Consider the numbers employed, the nature of the work, the degree of hazard, the level of accidents arising, the size and location of the workplace, the distribution of the employees, shift working, availability of an occupational health service with the workplace and the distance and duration from external medical services etc. The Table below is useful in determining the number required. |
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How many first aiders should be present in a workplace?
This Table gives an indicative number of first aiders required for different types of workplaces. |
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| Type of Workplace | Maximum No. of Employees
at any one time | No. of Occupational First Aiders | | Factories, Construction Sites, Surface Mines and Quarries | up to 49 | 1, if safety statement risk assessment shows it necessary | | | 50 - 149 | Minimum 1 | | | 150 - 299 | Minimum 2 | | | > 300 | 1 extra for every 150 employees or part thereof | | Underground Mines | | 1 for every 10 employees or part thereof | | Other workplaces | up to 99 | 1, if safety statement risk assessment shows it necessary | | | 100 - 399 | 1 | | | 400 - 699 | 2 | | | more than 700 | 1 extra for every 300 employees or part thereof. |
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Where do I find an occupational first aid training provider?
Employer should only use occupational first aid providers registered with the occupational first aid assessment agent (OFAAA) to deliver training. Details of registered organizations and individual instructors can be found at www.ofaaa.ie or by phoning 1890 223 223. |
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| First Aid Training |
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How long is an occupational first aid training course?
A training course is run over a minimum of 3 days or 24 hours with a 2 hour assessment/exam. Courses can be delivered over a number of weeks. |
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What is the retraining requirement?
Occupational first aiders must do a 1 day refresher and assessment to be recertified. |
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When do occupational first aiders need additional training?
Occupational first aiders may need additional specialized training if a work place has employees exposed to any special hazards such as: |
 | risk of poisoning by toxic substances, e.g. certain cyanides and related compounds |
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| risk of burns from corrosive or oxidising substances, e.g. hydrofluoric acid |
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| risk of accidental exposure to hazardous substances, e.g. toxic, irritant or asphyxiant gases, requiring oxygen for resuscitation |
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| Other specific risks identified in the Safety Statement |
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| Additional provisions in other regulations such as administration of oxygen |
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