HSE update advice on first aid training and certifications

Limited availability of training and assessment has led the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to allow first aid at work (FAW) and emergency first aid at work (EFAW) certificates which expired after 16th March 2020 to remain valid until 31st October 2020 or 6 months from the date of expiry, whichever is later.

All requalification training for these certificates should be completed by 31st March 2021.

To qualify for the extension, employers must be able to demonstrate that:

• they have made every effort to arrange requalification training as soon as possible and can explain in detail why they have not been able to do so. For example, they must show evidence that staff with expired certificates are booked on to EFAW or FAW requalification courses, if requested by an inspector
• they have adequate and appropriate equipment and facilities to give first aid to any employee who is injured or becomes ill at work
• the level of first aid cover provided remains appropriate for their specific work environment
• the level of first aid provision necessary in high-risk settings is fully maintained, e.g. in construction, agriculture, engineering, and chemicals

This guidance now applies to employers in England, Scotland, and Wales.

Further reading:

Health and Safety Executive guidance