How to self-service your workplace first aid kit

A well-maintained, risk-appropriate first aid kit is a requirement in every Australian workplace and a critical part of keeping your workers safe.

While many businesses rely on external providers to service their kits, self-servicing your workplace first aid kit is a practical, cost-effective alternative.

Done correctly, it ensures compliance with Safe Work Australia guidelines and state regulatory requirements as well as promoting a proactive safety culture.

Understand your workplace’s first aid requirements

It’s essential to assess and address your workplace’s specific first aid needs.

In Australia, the contents of your first aid kit must match the hazards, risks, nature and size of your workplace.

To ascertain the specific needs of your workplace, ask these key questions:

• How many workers are on site?
• Is the nature of your workplace low-risk such as an office, or high-risk such as a construction site?
• Are any workers located remotely or in isolated areas?

Understanding these factors will ensure your first aid kit is most appropriately stocked.

Depending on your workplace, you may also need additional supplies like burn modules or eye-wash stations.

Check your workplace first aid kit

Once you’ve selected the right first aid kit for your workplace, it’s your responsibility to keep it properly maintained and serviced.

To self-service your workplace first aid kit, follow these simple steps:

1. Set a regular schedule for kit servicing

2. Check signage is clear and the kit is accessible for use and servicing

3. Clean and check the kit for damage

4. Identify and remove expired or used items

5. Replenish items based on usage and risk

If you don’t have the resources to regularly self-service your workplace first aid kit, Brenniston is happy to help.

Brenniston Service Representatives attend workplaces in Melbourne and most regional Victorian LGAs to audit and service kits.

They check for compliance and expired supplies, and design a program to manage the first aid stock levels in your high-turnover kits and first aid stations.

1. Set a regular schedule for kit servicing

First aid kits aren’t set and forget.

Apart from general use, first aid items may need replacing due to expiry, reduced efficiency from adverse storage conditions and, occasionally, theft. A self-service system should include a regularly scheduled service depending on your workplace hazards, workplace kit and usage.

How often should first aid kits be serviced? Here are some general guidelines:

• 6-to-12 Months - A low-risk workplace with low usage should service its workplace first aid kit every 6-to-12 months.
• 3-to-6 Months - A medium-risk workplace with medium usage service its workplace first aid kit every 3-to-6 months.
• Monthly/Weekly - A high-risk workplace with high usage should service its workplace first aid kit monthly or even weekly.

Servicing your first aid kit should be part of your regular workplace health and safety activities.

Set reminders or add kit servicing to your Work Health and Safety (WHS) calendar. You should also check the kit immediately after any significant incident or first aid response.

Keep records of each audit and servicing as this protects your business in the event of a workplace injury or regulatory inspection.

2. Check signage is clear and the kit is accessible for use and servicing

It’s easy to focus only on your workplace first aid kit contents and overlook where and how it’s stored.

Australian WHS regulations require that:

• Kits are clearly marked with a white cross on a green background
• Kits are easily accessible to all workers
• Locations are known to everyone

Check that signage is visible and up to date. Wall-mounted kits should be at eye level, not blocked by furniture or equipment.

Portable kits - including those for vehicles and remote workers - must be securely stored and regularly returned for servicing.

3. Clean and check the kit for damage

Keeping your workplace first aid kit clean and in good condition is just as important as keeping it fully stocked.

A dirty, damaged or disorganised kit can slow down a first aid response — or worse, cause infection or further harm.

A poorly maintained kit can also lead to non-compliance with WHS regulations and penalties during workplace safety inspections.

As part of your regular inspection schedule, make time to thoroughly clean the kit and check for physical damage.

Start by removing all items from the kit and laying them out on a clean, dry surface. Then:

• For soft-case kits, inspect the zip, fabric and pockets for mould, stains, or tears and replace if compromised
• For metal and hard plastic kits, wipe down the exterior and interior with a disinfectant wipe or mild detergent and warm water
• Pay attention to corners, hinges, and compartments where dust, moisture or contaminants may collect
• Allow the container to dry completely before replacing any items

Regular cleaning helps prevent cross-contamination and ensures an optimal environment for first aid supplies.

Keeping your first aid kit clean and damage-free is a simple but crucial part of workplace safety — and it only takes a few extra minutes when self-servicing.

4. Identify and remove expired or used items

Every Brenniston workplace first aid kit comes with a contents list that doubles as a re-order form, so you can easily audit and replenish your kit.

During your self-service, check for:

• Missing items
• Used or partly used items
• Damaged packaging
• Items affected by dust, moisture or heat
• Expired products

The most common items that tend to need replacing are adhesive dressings, antiseptic sprays, eye washes, bandages, and wound dressings.

Some items have a small hourglass symbol with the expiry date printed next to it.

If there’s no hourglass expiry date on the item, there will be a manufacture date. If that date is five years ago or more, the item needs to be replaced.

Even unused items may need replacing if the packaging is compromised or the labels are unreadable.

Remove all non-compliant items from the kit. This prevents confusion or improper treatment during emergencies.

If your kit is missing its content lists, simply find the kit on the Brenniston website and download the list from the product page.

In some cases it may be easier to order a complete first aid kit refill to refresh and update all the contents in one go.

Ordering a workplace first aid kit refill ensures your kit stays compliant with WHS regulations, fully stocked and ready for emergencies. It helps replace used or expired items, reduces response time to injuries and supports a strong safety culture.

Regular first aid kit refills also minimise downtime, improve employee wellbeing and demonstrate a proactive approach to workplace health and safety.

To view the complete range and order online, visit Brenniston First Aid Kit Refills

5. Replenish items based on usage and risk

After you’ve removed expired or used contents and checked for any missing items, you can replenish your kit.

Don’t simply order one-for-one. Use your contents list alongside real usage patterns and risk assessments to guide replenishment.

If you’ve had multiple cuts or eye injuries recently, increase supplies like bandages or eye pads. For high-risk environments, consider:

• Burn modules
• Antiseptic sprays
• Eye care modules

Make sure all items are clearly labelled, easily accessible, and organised within the kit. It’s helpful to keep similar items together for instant access, such as dressings with dressings, bandages with bandages, and tapes with tapes.

A messy, cluttered kit can be just as unhelpful as an empty one.

Train someone to be responsible for kit maintenance

Assign a staff member or first aider to be responsible for self-servicing and replenishing kits.

This should be part of their role, not an afterthought. Provide them with basic training on:

• WHS first aid requirements
• Using kit contents list as checklist
• Reordering supplies

Having someone responsible for self-servicing avoids confusion and helps maintain accountability in your WHS system.

Maintain detailed records for compliance

Documenting each self-service audit is essential for WHS compliance.

It’s important to keep records of:

• Self-service dates
• Missing or expired items
• Replenished contents
• Name of person who serviced the kit

This documentation can prove that your business meets its duty of care under Work Health and Safety regulations. It also protects you during insurance claims or safety inspections and investigations by regulators.

Digital record-keeping such as a shared spreadsheet or Work Health and Safety (WHS) software can streamline the process across multiple locations.

Don’t forget remote and vehicle kits

If you have staff who travel, work alone or operate from vehicles, they are legally required to have access to a first aid kit.

These kits should:

• Be suitable for the specific risks involved such as roadside injuries
• Be regularly returned for servicing
• Be stored securely to prevent damage or theft

Vehicle kits often need sturdier, compact and weather-resistant packaging.

Be prepared for emergencies between services

Even with regular checks, unexpected incidents can deplete your kit.

That’s why it’s wise to keep:

• Spare supplies in a central location
• Secondary emergency kit for major incidents
• System for reporting first aid usage promptly

Encourage workers to notify a supervisor whenever the first aid kit is used, so items can be replaced before the next scheduled servicing.

Actively managing workplace health and safety

Self-servicing your workplace first aid kit is about actively managing your responsibility for workplace health and safety.

A well-serviced first aid kit won’t just protect your workers—it can also protect your business from fines, liability and reputational damage.

By understanding your obligations, using structured processes and maintaining clear records, you can ensure your kits are always ready when they’re needed most.