Every Australian workplace must maintain a first aid kit that meets the requirements set out in the Safe Work Australia Model Code of Practice: First Aid in the Workplace. This checklist is designed to help WHS officers, business owners, and safety managers audit their kits and confirm compliance with national WHS obligations.
Australia does not mandate a single fixed list of items. Instead, the Code of Practice requires that every kit is capable of treating the injuries and illnesses likely to occur at that specific workplace. Use this checklist as a foundation and adapt it to your workplace’s risk profile.
| Legal Reminder: Under the WHS Act 2011 and state/territory WHS Regulations, every PCBU must ensure workers have access to first aid equipment at all times including during night shifts, overtime, and when working away from the usual workplace. |
Part A Low Risk Workplace Checklist
Suitable for offices, libraries, retail stores, art galleries, and similar low-hazard environments. Tick each item to confirm it is present, in date, and in serviceable condition.
| ✓ | Item | Quantity | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|
| ☐ | Adhesive dressings / plasters (assorted sizes) | At least 20 | |
| ☐ | Sterile gauze swabs | At least 10 | |
| ☐ | Conforming bandages (5 cm and 7.5 cm) | 2 of each | |
| ☐ | Triangular bandages | At least 2 | |
| ☐ | Combine dressings / non-adhesive wound pads (various sizes) | At least 4 | |
| ☐ | Wound closure strips / butterfly closures | At least 6 strips | |
| ☐ | Antiseptic solution or wipes | At least 10 wipes | |
| ☐ | Disposable nitrile / latex-free gloves (pairs) | At least 4 pairs | |
| ☐ | CPR face shield / pocket mask with one-way valve | 1 | |
| ☐ | Resuscitation mask | 1 | |
| ☐ | Saline solution or sterile water (eye/wound wash) | At least 2 x 15ml pods | |
| ☐ | Eye pads (sterile) | At least 2 | |
| ☐ | Tweezers (stainless steel) | 1 pair | |
| ☐ | Scissors (blunt-ended, stainless steel) | 1 pair | |
| ☐ | Safety pins | At least 6 | |
| ☐ | Emergency thermal / space blanket | 1 | |
| ☐ | Instant cold pack | At least 1 | |
| ☐ | Burn gel sachets or dressings (minor burns) | At least 2 | |
| ☐ | First aid instruction guide / reference card | 1 | |
| ☐ | Contents list (current and complete) | 1 | |
| ☐ | Notepad and pen for incident recording | 1 |
Part B High Risk / Industrial Workplace Additions
In addition to all items in Part A, high risk workplaces including construction, manufacturing, warehousing, trades, and industrial sites must include the following items. Quantity should be scaled to the number of workers and the severity of potential hazards.
| ✓ | Item | Quantity | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|
| ☐ | Large trauma/combine wound dressings | At least 4 | |
| ☐ | Pressure immobilisation bandages (crepe bandages) | At least 4 | |
| ☐ | Haemostatic dressing / tourniquet (for severe bleeding) | At least 1 | |
| ☐ | Eye wash station or 500ml eye wash bottle | 1 (per hazard zone) | |
| ☐ | Burn dressings (large, hydrogel) | At least 2 | |
| ☐ | SAM splints or improvised limb splints | At least 2 | |
| ☐ | Disposable apron / body fluid protection | At least 2 | |
| ☐ | Snake bite / pressure immobilisation bandages | At least 2 (if outdoors) | |
| ☐ | Additional nitrile gloves (pairs) | At least 8 additional | |
| ☐ | Heavy-duty scissors (to cut through clothing) | 1 pair | |
| ☐ | Biohazard / clinical waste disposal bags | At least 4 | |
| ☐ | Pocket resuscitation mask with O2 inlet | 1 |
Part C Kit Compliance Checklist
Beyond individual item contents, WHS compliance requires the kit itself to meet the following standards. Check all boxes to confirm full compliance.
| ✓ | Compliance Requirement |
|---|---|
| ☐ | Kit container is clean, intact, and protects contents from dust, moisture, and contamination |
| ☐ | Kit is clearly labelled with white cross on green background (AS 1319-1994) |
| ☐ | Kit location is signposted if it is not in direct line of sight of all workers |
| ☐ | Kit is accessible to all workers not locked or obstructed (unless security risk is documented and key holders are communicated) |
| ☐ | A current contents list is stored inside the kit |
| ☐ | Inspection log is kept in or near the kit with the most recent inspection date |
| ☐ | All items are within their expiry date |
| ☐ | Resuscitation equipment is in place and in working order |
| ☐ | At least one trained first aider is accessible during all work hours |
| ☐ | Workers know the location of the kit and the name and contact of the first aider |
| ☐ | Kit contents are appropriate to the workplace’s specific hazard profile |
| ☐ | Mobile workers or vehicle operators have a portable kit in their vehicle |
Inspection and Audit Frequency
- Full audit: At least every 12 months check every item against the contents list
- Post-incident restock: Immediately after any use of kit items
- Spot check: At the start of each new project or when the workforce changes significantly
- Expiry check: At each audit, check saline pods, antiseptic products, and burn gel for use-by dates
First Aider Qualification Requirements
Your workplace must also maintain records showing:
- Name of each trained first aider
- Qualification held (HLTAID011 or HLTAID014 for advanced)
- Date of qualification and next renewal date
- Date of most recent CPR refresher (HLTAID009 annual requirement)
| Pro Tip: Set a calendar reminder for 11 months after each kit audit. This gives you time to reorder any expiring consumables and book refresher training for first aiders whose qualifications are due for renewal. Never let first aider qualifications lapse this is a direct WHS breach. |
Relevant Standards & References
- Safe Work Australia Model Code of Practice: First Aid in the Workplace: www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au
- AS 1319-1994 Safety Signs for the Occupational Environment (kit signage)
- WHS Act 2011 and WHS Regulations (state/territory specific)
- Australian Resuscitation Council (ARC) CPR and Resuscitation Guidelines 2025