Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 2:29 AM AWST

Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.

Manage first aid in the workplace

Manage first aid in the workplace

Unit of competency
National Code
HLTFA403A
State Code
C9256
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
24/09/2008
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
23/04/2013
Field of Education
069907 - First Aid
Original Release Date
23/04/2013
Nominal Hours
10
Description
This unit addresses the establishment and maintenance of facilities to enable or facilitate the provision of appropriate first aid in the workplace
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1 Establish a workplace first aid facility
  • 1.1 Plan a first aid facility in the workplace to address workplace and legislative requirements
  • 1.2 Identify potential workplace hazards and assess associated risks as a basis for determining first aid resource requirements
  • 1.3 Identify and prepare first aid equipment and resources required to address identified workplace requirements
  • 1.4 Identify personnel requirements in line with legislative and workplace requirements
  • 1.5 Establish and maintain links with relevant first aid bodies and professional organisations to maintain currency in the field and for referral purposes
  • 1.6 Access and provide information in the workplace to encourage risk minimisation and facilitate access to first aid facilities as appropriate
2 Manage a workplace first aid facility
  • 2.1 Monitor and maintain availability of adequate resources to support workplace first aid response
  • 2.2 Conduct regular inspections of stock and equipment to ensure currency and operational readiness in line with workplace requirements
  • 2.3 Ensure equipment is recovered and reprocessed and that waste is disposed of safely according to legislative and workplace procedures
  • 2.4 Ensure equipment and resources are stored and maintained in line with relevant legislation and manufacturer's/supplier's instructions
  • 2.5 Contribute to the review of risks in the workplace and validation of organisation policies and procedures relating to the provision of first aid
  • 2.6 Contribute to planning for response to major workplace incidents
  • 2.7 Deploy appropriate equipment, resources and personnel to ensure timely and effective first aid response in line with workplace requirements
  • 2.8 Use safe manual handling techniques
3 Manage workplace first aid records
  • 3.1 Ensure documentation is completed as required according to legislation and workplace procedures
  • 3.2 Maintain first aid records in line with legislative requirements and workplace security practices
  • 3.3 Send relevant documents to appropriate bodies in line with workplace and legislative requirements
  • 3.4 Maintain confidentiality of records and information in line with privacy principles and statutory and/or organisation policies
4 Evaluate the provision of first aid in the workplace
  • 4.1 Evaluate management of workplace incidents and develop an action plan in consultation with relevant parties to improve first aid response in the workplace if required
  • 4.2 Participate in debriefing/evaluation in order to improve future operations and address individual needs
  • 4.3 Ensure first aid response is provided in a culturally aware, sensitive and respectful manner
  • 4.4 Implement and evaluate workplace management procedures in accordance with risk assessment
  • 4.5 Formulate and review contingency planning to identify and select alternative management principles and procedures as required
RANGE STATEMENT

The Range Statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Add any essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts.


Workplace first aid facility may involve:
First aid room/clinic
First aid kits suited to specific workplace needs
First aid equipment and resources
Availability of personnel trained to provide first aid


Workplace first aid management must take into account:
Workplace policies and procedures
Industry/site specific regulations, codes
Workplace OHS requirements
State and territory workplace health and safety legislative requirements


Workplace and legislative requirements for a first aid facility include:
State/territory regulations, legislation and policies
Specific industry requirements, regulations and/or OHS issues
Specific hazards present in the workplace
Number of employees in the workplace
Number of different workplace sites/locations
Proximity to local services, including doctors, hospital, ambulance and other emergency services


First aid resources may include but are not limited to:
Non-consumables:
Equipment, such as:
oxygen resuscitation/cylinders
AED
thermometers
auto-injectors
back boards
stretchers
soft bag resuscitator
first aid kit
casualty's medication
analgesic inhalers
analgesic gas equipment
resuscitation mask or barrier
spacer device
cervical collars
Personal Protective Equipment

Relevant texts and documentation, such as:
Australian Resuscitation Council Guidelines
first aid principles, policies and procedures
reference materials including MSDSs, relevant Occupational Health and Safety Act and Regulations
first aid code of practice/compliance codes
workplace records and blanks

Communication systems and equipment


First aid resources may include but are not limited to:
Consumables:
First aid kits, including bandages, tape, scissors, splinter removers, antiseptic, eye management, disinfectants, resuscitation masks, emergency numbers and contacts, etc
Dressings
Ointments
Cold packs
Analgesics
Splints
Sharps disposal
Bio-hazardous waste bags/bins
Medical grade oxygen
Bandages
Medication
Personal protective equipment
Eye wash
Disinfectants
Bronchodilators


Workplace hazards and risks may include:
Hazards associated with workplace equipment, machinery, substances and processes
Environmental risks
Risks associated with first aid response involving:
first aid equipment (oxygen cylinders, AED)
exposure to blood and other body substances
risk of further injury to the casualty
risks associated with the proximity of other workers and bystanders


First aid bodies and professional organisations may include:
Australian Resuscitation Council (ARC)
Support Groups
Registered Providers/Authorities
Emergency services


First aid management skills must include:
Administration of analgesic gases in accordance with ARC Guidelines, state/territory regulations, legislation and policies and industry requirements
CPR
Infection control
AED (where available)


First aid management must account for:
Location and nature of the workplace
Environmental conditions e.g. electricity, biological risks, weather, motor vehicle accidents
Location of emergency services personnel
Number of casualties and potential casualties
Use and availability of first aid equipment, resources and pharmaceuticals
Types of dangers/risks to the casualty and any others in the vicinity of the situation
Confined spaces, subject to industry need


Documentation may include:
Incident/injury reports
Casualty history forms
Disease notification
Workcover forms
Medication registers
Workers' compensation
Day book
Pre-participation records (sport)
Medical histories
Management records
Stock records
Infection control records
Training records
First aid risk assessment
The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria, Required Skills and Knowledge, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package.

Critical aspects of assessment:
Assessment must include demonstrated evidence of specified Essential Knowledge and Essential Skills identified in this competency unit
Consistency of performance should be demonstrated over the required range of situations relevant to the workplace
Currency of first aid knowledge and skills is to be demonstrated in line with state/territory regulations, legislation and policies, ARC and industry guidelines


Interdependence of units:
Competence in this unit may be assessed individually or with other related competency units, such as:
Occupational health and safety
Risk assessment
Emergency procedures


Access and equity considerations:
All workers in the health industry should be aware of access and equity issues in relation to their own area of work
All workers should develop their ability to work in a culturally diverse environment
In recognition of particular health issues facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, workers should be aware of cultural, historical and current issues impacting on health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
Assessors and trainers must take into account relevant access and equity issues, in particular relating to factors impacting on health of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander clients and communities
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
C5008 HLTFA3A Maintain First Aid equipment and resources Unit of competency
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
D8250 HLTFA403B Manage first aid in the workplace Unit of competency