The Health Protection Agency details are changing from 1st February 2012.
Please click here for more information
I have received several questions regarding the new British Standard for the contents of first aid boxes, the contents of which is far more than we would require in most of our workplace settings. However as our procedures state http://www.sccpolicies.info/download.php?list.79 you must undertake an assessment of your needs based on the risks and type of service you provide, as usual it is all about assessment, so as long as you can evidence your assessment and have contents to meet those needs you are compliant. You do not need to purchase expensive purpose produced first aid boxes which comply with British Standard 8599. Please see below a link and extract from the Health and Safety Executive.
Frequently asked questions on first aid - First aid at work
Nov 25, 2011 ... There is a British Standard BS 8599 for first aid kits, it is not a regulatory requirement under the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981 ...
www.hse.gov.uk
www.hse.gov.uk/firstaid/faqs.htm
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-coventry-warwickshire-15815864
This might be a good reminder to your housekeeping staff and handypersons not to mix chemicals and to ensure their COSHH data is up to date and that they have a safe system of use for all chemicals.
Many of us will have a potentially lethal mix of chemicals in our own homes too, as this case was a private individual in his own home.
Please see the new information sheet from the HSE on hoisting people
http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/hsis3.pdf
Please see the link below which refers to a spate of towel fires following tumble drying. If towels are impregnated with oils / moisturisers such as aromatherapy, massage and other therapies or treatments, and they are not washed as high enough temperatures the oil does not break down and then during or following tumble drying they can spontaneously combust – even once folded and put in the linen cupboard.
http://www.workplacelaw.net/news/display/id/35127
Fire Risk Assessment.
All homes must have an up to date First Risk Assessment in place.
Please see the link below for useful guidance and First Risk Assessment Forms
www.sccpolicies.info/download.php?list.77
Health and Safety
Please see the link below regarding the unfortunate death of a 40 year lady who died as a result of being trapped between her bedrail and the mattress. There were no suitable risk assessments in place and the bedrail was the wrong type for the bed.
http://www.hse.gov.uk/press/2011/coi-nw-10sueryder.htm?ebul=hsegen&cr=8/4-jul-11
Please ensure you have the bedrail risk assessments in place and that they are reviewed according to the procedures in place.