How often should workplace first aid equipment be inspected and replaced?

Workplace first aid equipment is only useful if it’s well maintained, regularly inspected and promptly replaced when damaged or expired.

Under Australian work health and safety (WHS) laws, employers must ensure their workplace first aid resources are adequate and accessible. This includes not just consumables like bandages and antiseptics, but also the small tools and accessories that are often overlooked.

The following guide outlines when to check and replace workplace first aid equipment to help your business stay compliant and fully equipped for emergencies.

Understanding why regular inspections are essential

Having the right first aid equipment in your workplace first aid kit is a legal requirement under Australia’s WHS laws.

But compliance isn’t the only reason for regular inspections. In a real emergency, the difference between life and death can hinge on whether the right equipment is available and in working order. A fully stocked kit ensures injuries can be treated quickly, effectively, and without delay.

Unfortunately, many businesses assume that a kit left untouched is always ready. In practice, first aid equipment can expire, deteriorate or go missing. Adhesive bandages lose their stickiness, antiseptic solutions expire.

That’s why systematic first aid kit servicing and inspections are essential.

What WHS legislation requires in Australia

Safe Work Australia’s Model Code of Practice: First aid in the workplace outlines that employers must ensure first aid equipment is maintained, accessible and fit for purpose.

While the legislation does not specify exact timeframes for inspections and replacement, it requires that systems are in place to ensure ongoing adequacy.

In practice, this means businesses should:

• Nominate a responsible first aider to check equipment
• Conduct regular inspections of all first aid kits and related equipment
• Keep records of inspections and any restocking or replacements

States and territories, including NSW, Victoria, and Queensland, adopt these requirements within their own WHS regulations,

Workplace first aid kit servicing

Australian safety regulators recommend that workplace first aid kits be serviced at least once every 12 months, but best practice is every three to six months.

The frequency depends on the workplace risk profile, size of workforce and incident history.

Workplace first aid kit equipment should be checked after each incident.

Scissors

Scissors are a standard component of workplace first aid kits, typically used for cutting dressings, tape, or clothing.

Because they are made of stainless steel, scissors rarely expire, but they do lose effectiveness if the blades become blunt or rusted.

• Inspection frequency - Every 6–12 months. Check sharpness, alignment and cleanliness.
• Replacement indicators - Replace if scissors are blunt, corroded or difficult to clean. If dropped on a dirty floor during an incident and cannot be adequately disinfected, replacement is recommended.

Brenniston Workplace First Aid Scissors Sharp Blunt

Universal shears

Universal shears are designed to cut through thick materials like denim, wool or seatbelts during an emergency.

Their functionality can be lifesaving in motor vehicle or workplace accidents.

• Inspection frequency - Every 6 months. Test their ability to cut materials easily.
• Replacement indicators - Replace immediately if bent, rusted or if cutting action becomes stiff. Shears used in outdoor, dusty or marine environments may require more frequent replacement due to corrosion risk.

Brenniston Workplace First Aid Universal Shears

Splinter probes

Splinter probes are small, blister-packed instruments used to remove splinters and other embedded objects from the skin.

Since they’re supplied in sealed packaging, their main limitation is shelf life.

• Inspection frequency - At each kit servicing every 3–6 months. Confirm packaging is sealed and expiry dates are valid.
• Replacement indicators - Replace immediately if packaging is torn or compromised, or five years past the date of manufacture.

Brenniston Workplace First Aid Splinter Probes

Forceps

Forceps are used to grasp small objects, such as glass fragments or splinters, when a sterile probe isn’t sufficient.

Unlike disposable splinter probes, most forceps are reusable.

• Inspection frequency - Every 6–12 months. Check for cleanliness, alignment of tips and signs of deterioration.
• Replacement indicators - Replace if forceps lose grip, rust or cannot be cleaned effectively. If reusable, they should be cleaned and disinfected after every use.

Brenniston Workplace First Aid Forceps

Safety pins

Safety pins are often overlooked but are useful for securing bandages or slings.

Their longevity depends on quality and storage conditions.

• Inspection frequency - Every 12 months. Look for rust, dull points, or bent pins.
• Replacement indicators - Replace if rusted, bent or if pins fail to close securely. In humid or marine workplaces, check and replace more frequently due to rust risk.

Brenniston Workplace First Aid Safety Pins

Splints

Splints are critical for immobilising limbs during fractures or severe sprains.

They may be rigid, inflatable, or foldable. While they do not typically expire, they can degrade over time.

• Inspection frequency - Every 12 months. Check for cracks, wear or loss of rigidity. For inflatable splints, check for air leaks and material integrity.
• Replacement indicators - Replace immediately if splints are damaged, contaminated or no longer provide proper support.

Brenniston Workplace First Aid Splints

Press-seal bags

Press-seal bags are used to store amputated body parts and contaminated items, and to prevent cross-contamination.

Their integrity is critical to maintaining hygiene.

• Inspection frequency - Every 6–12 months. Inspect for brittleness, holes or faulty seals.
• Replacement indicators - Replace after single use, if bags become brittle or don’t seal properly. Heat and sunlight exposure can shorten lifespan.

Brenniston Workplace First Aid Press Seal Bags

Thermal shock blankets

Thermal shock blankets help prevent hypothermia and treat shock by retaining body heat.

They are usually made of metallic polyester film.

• Inspection frequency - Every 12 months. Check packaging integrity.
• Replacement indicators - Replace if packaging is torn or after single use.

Brenniston Workplace First Aid Thermal Shock Blanket

Notepad and pencil

A notepad and pencil may not seem like first aid essentials, but they’re critical for recording details of injuries, treatments or times when medication or CPR was provided.

• Inspection frequency - Every 12 months. Check that pages are dry and legible, and pencils are sharp.
• Replacement indicators - Replace notepads that are water-damaged, mouldy or full. Replace pencils if broken or missing. Waterproof notebooks and pens are advisable for outdoor workplaces.

Brenniston Workplace First Aid Notepad and Pencil

Alcohol swabs

Alcohol swabs are sterile wipes impregnated with isopropyl alcohol, used to clean skin before dressing wounds or before using sharps.

These are consumable items with a clear expiry date.

• Inspection frequency - At each kit servicing every 3–6 months. Verify expiry dates and packaging integrity.
• Replacement indicators - Replace immediately if expired, dried out or if packaging is torn. Rotate stock to use items with the earliest expiry first.

Brenniston Workplace First Aid Alcohol Swabs

Conclusion

Regular inspections and timely replacements of workplace first aid equipment are essential for both compliance and effectiveness.

While some tools like scissors, shears, and splints last many years if cared for, consumables like alcohol swabs and splinter probes have clear expiry dates, are single-use and must be closely monitored.

Accessories like notepads, safety pins, and press-seal bags, though often overlooked, also play vital roles and shouldn’t be neglected during checks and servicing.

Best practice for Australian workplaces is to inspect kits every 3–6 months, keep records, and replace equipment immediately if it’s expired, damaged or contaminated.

Doing so ensures readiness in emergencies, compliance with WHS laws and the safety and wellbeing of workers.

References

Safe Work Australia – Model Code of Practice: First aid in the workplace

WorkSafe Victoria – Compliance code: First aid in the workplace

WorkSafe Queensland – Business and employer responsibilities