The Importance of Biohazard Kits in the Workplace

It almost sounds like something out of a science fiction movie but the reality is that biohazard kits should be in place where you work just like a mandatory first aid kit. And hopefully you'll never have to use biohazard kits but just in case, you should know exactly the proper procedures in their application and most importantly how to protect yourself.

One of the most common biohazard kits is what is called the single application kit. Just as the name states, it's used once and then properly disposed of. These single application kits are designed for only one purpose, and that is to safely remove and then disinfect any area that becomes contaminated with a persons bodily fluids. Ok, here comes the queasy part. Bodily fluids meaning blood, vomit and urine. Now if you're reading this with just a bit of the feeling that it can never happen around you, let's take a look at a scenario and maybe you'll think a bit differently.

You're at work and the person next to you complains of illness. All of a sudden they stand and start leaving but never make it, instead they pass out, fall and hit their head and start bleeding. You now have a biological hazard in your presence. In many large organizations there are people who have the responsibility of dealing with such hazards. But that may not be the case in a lot of smaller businesses. Hopefully you have been trained in the use of the biohazard kits. After securing the area and getting this person medical attention, it's now time to use the kit for what it was intended for.

All kits contain an impervious apron, put it on. Also don the mask and the gloves that are furnished in the kit. Remember, you are protecting yourself first and foremost. Each kit will also contain a quantity of super absorbent granules. Apply these first. Then use the supplied scraper and scooper to collect and put in the supplied biohazard disposal bag. All biohazard kits will also contain a quantity of disinfectant spray to spray the area that you just cleaned. When finished, remove your apron, your mask and lastly your gloves and place all these items in the disposal bag and secure it with the tie that is provided in the kit. Voila, you just dealt with your first biological hazard that could occur in your workplace.

Granted, that really is an oversimplification but hopefully you have a better understanding of why having biohazard kits in the workplace is an absolute must.

First Aid Suppliers

 As is often shown in the media, personal hygiene is a very important part of everyday life be it from washing your hands after using the toilet or touching raw meat to ensuring that cuts are cleaned, and properly dressed so as to prevent infection. One way to ensure that the latter is always possible in any eventuality to keep a fully stocked first aid kit which can be easily accessed when required.

 There is a wide selection of first aid kits available on the open market, from the small basic one person sets available from most hiking shops and pharmacists to the St John’s Ambulance selection with enough supplies to meet the needs of 10, 20 and even 50 people all of which comply with the most up to date health and safety regulations. However, because having a poorly stocked first aid kit can be almost as bad as not having one at all, it is important to replenish any stock that is used. For this reason, it is possible to buy refill packs which include all the necessary items such as plasters, dressings of various lengths and sizes, disinfectant wipes, bandages, eyepads, safety pins and latex gloves. If however, one particular item is required, it is possible to buy a set of them individually without the need to splash out on a whole refill set.

 However, some businesses may require hygiene and health and safety items that are not typically included in first aid kits, such as eyewash stations and first aid signs. In such cases there are many online suppliers who are able to provide such items and others to allow these firms to adhere to health and safety guidelines.

 It must be noted, however, that these suppliers do not only cater for businesses as they also provide first aid kits and additional items specifically for sports teams which include additional items such as hot/cold packs and emergency foil blankets.

Why Should We Have First Aid Kits and First Aid Supplies

Every household and workplace needs a first aid kit in case of emergency, just as everywhere needs a fire extinguisher. They are essential in situations in which calling an ambulance may take time and someone needs help immediately, or in less urgent situations such as a child falling over and needing a plaster and some antiseptic to clean the wound. A standard first aid kit for a household should include an emergency first aid guidance leaflet, around twenty plasters of different shapes and sizes, two eye pads, four triangular bandages, six safety pins, six medium dressings, two large dressings, six alcohol free cleansing wipes and one pair of disposable gloves. This tends to be the standard watermark of what is needed and the minimum most suppliers offer in a box. However, there are extras available from most suppliers at an extra cost. For example, when ordering a first aid kit one can request for it to include various bandages such as cohesive, conforming, crepe, elastic, tubular or WOW bandages. In addition, there are still more products available such as ambulance dressings, antiseptic, blankets, hot and cold sprays, thermometers, cotton wool and cream for insect bites.

First aid kit suppliers specialise in the supplying diagnostic and first aid equipment to individuals and private companies. They offer online services which customers can use to browse the wide range of products varying from first aid kits, to resuscitation masks and blood pressure monitors. With first aid kits being so universally essential, the supplier’s clientele ranges vastly from normal members of the public, to health organisations, Schools, Care Homes, as well as Surgeries of course. Orders can be placed online and then be conveniently delivered within a few days in the UK.

Hygiene First on YouTube

See our latest presentation video on YouTube

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NqyVSeJZREU