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COVID-19 Update On First Aid Training

Posted on 25th January 2021

Following confirmation from the Health & Safety Executive (HSE), COVID-secure first-aid training and assessments can continue during the current coronavirus restrictions, where it’s sensibly and realistically needed to support an employer’s demand for meeting health and safety provision in a workplace.

The policy position of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is that first aid training required to comply with health and safety or other legislation can continue to take place under relevant coronavirus restrictions in England. All possible measures must be taken to ensure that both training activities and environment are COVID-19 secure.

Under current restrictions, some premises are closed to the public or are prohibited from carrying out their normal business. These premises can be considered for use as training venues, providing the conditions outlined above are adhered to.

If the training and assessment involves the use of a swimming pool, the employer and / or training provider should seek guidance from the local Environmental Health Officer (EHO) in order to gain permission.

All businesses and individuals should adhere to current regulations and follow relevant Government guidance.

HSE’s current guidance on first aid certificate extensions covers all of GB and remains unaltered, see here for further information.

The Scottish Government has informed HSE that first aid training can be permitted under the current coronavirus restrictions, given the following considerations:

  • The training is a required part of the work or operation of the business commissioning the training (e.g., is necessary for compliance with health and safety or other legislation)
  • Other requirements for businesses and individuals under the current restrictions are met
  • All controls necessary are in place to comply with relevant regulations and guidance published by the Scottish Government and any additional measures necessary to ensure the training activities and environment are COVID-19 secure are taken.

Under current restrictions, some premises are closed to the public or are prohibited from carrying out their normal business. These premises can be considered for use as training venues, providing the conditions outlined above are adhered to.

If the training and assessment involves the use of a swimming pool, the employer and / or training provider should seek guidance from the local Environmental Health Officer (EHO) in order to gain permission.

HSE’s current guidance on first aid certificate extensions covers all of GB and remains unaltered, see here for further information.

The Welsh Government has informed HSE that first aid training can be permitted under the current coronavirus restrictions, given the following considerations:

  • The training is a required part of the work or operation of the business commissioning the training (e.g., is necessary for compliance with health and safety or other legislation)
  • Other requirements for businesses and individuals under the current restrictions are met
  • All controls necessary are in place to comply with relevant regulations and guidance published by the Welsh Government and any additional measures necessary to ensure the training activities and environment are COVID-19 secure are taken.

Premises required to close for normal business under coronavirus restrictions may be considered for use as training venues, providing the conditions outlined above are adhered to. Authority to open premises, including swimming pools, for first aid training can be obtained from the relevant local authority or appropriate department of the Welsh Government.

HSE’s current guidance on first aid certificate extensions covers all of GB and remains unaltered, see here for further information.

What is Deemed “Necessary”?

For ATC’s to determine if the delivery of training courses is necessary in order for an employer to maintain mandatory first aid provision for a first aid employee (on furlough or not) please refer to the chart, downloadable below.

Download Chart

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