First Aid – validity extension

First Aid Certificate validity extension

The HSE and HSENI have published an update concerning first aid at work certificate validity.  FAW or EFAW certificates that expired after 16 March 2020 can remain valid until 31 October 2020 or 6 months from the date of expiry, whichever is later.  All requalification training for these certificates should be completed by 31 March 2021.  This will be applied to England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
The date of 31 March 2021 has been introduced in order to provide a single date to focus employers and also help with enforcement.

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 the 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 particular work environment.

The level of first aid provision necessary in high-risk settings is fully maintained, e.g. in construction, agriculture, engineering and chemicals.

For the full announcement, please refer to the HSE website. Read more

To sign up to KNW’s online Emergency First Aid at Work refresher click here.

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