IMPORTANT UPDATE FROM HSE (23RD JUNE 2008)
Introduction
Following the meeting with HSE on 2nd May and feedback from the Representative Bodies the HSE has announced 3 interim changes which will take effect from 1st September 2008.
It should be noted that the first of the changes is in relation to First Aiders in the workplace.
Interim changes
? Paramedics registered with the Health Professions Council are exempt from the requirement to hold a valid FAW certificate to administer first aid in the workplace.
? Paramedics registered with the Health Professions Council are exempt from the requirement to hold a valid FAW certificate to be trainers/ assessors for FAW courses, providing they can demonstrate their competence to train/ assess.
? One assessor can conduct assessments on an FAW course with no more than six students.
Franchising
Following on from an article in HSE First Aid at Work Newsletter Issue 2, October 2007 HSE is considering the future delivery of First Aid at Work (FAW) and Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) courses by third parties.
Delivery of FAW training by Third Parties
At present HSE approved Training Organisations are allowed to make arrangements with a third party for delivering FAW training courses. The Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981, do not prevent the provision of FAW training in this way.
In terms of the Approval and Monitoring process the HSE Approved Training Organisation is responsible for the quality of FAW training
Certain safeguards are required to be met including:
? All FAW courses run by a third party meet the requirements defined in HSE?s guidance.
? The HSE approved provider should internally verify that all trainers and assessors used by the third party are appropriately qualified and experienced and should monitor their skills at least once a year.
? Only the HSE approved provider can issue FAW certificates. Therefore, any training delivered by the third party will be supported by a certificate bearing the name of the HSE approved organisation.
? There needs to be a good, regular level of communication between the approved provider and the third party.
? The third party should make it clear that it provides FAW courses on behalf of the approved provider and is not HSE approved in its own right.
Where the above conditions are met, third parties will be able to deliver FAW and EFAW courses in the future.
SCOUT Enterprise (Western) Ltd
HSE intends to ask its Contractor (SCOUT Enterprises (Western) Ltd) to collect relevant information when they conduct Post Approval Monitoring visits. It will cover the number of training courses being run and the number of sites from which the approved provider delivers them, including third parties.
Training Organisations who are are operating from ?multiple sites? they may require more than one monitoring visit every five years in accordance with the matrix on HSE?s website. The approved Training Organisation will be charged for each monitoring visit.
HSE will work with the approved Organisation if problems are identified however if major problems are found which are not addressed and relate to inadequate oversight by the approved Organisation, HSE may revoke the Certificate of Approval.
The collection of information on numbers of first aid training courses and training sites is likely to start before the end of 2008.
FOR FULL HSE UPDATE SEE: www.hse.gov.uk/firstaid/review/jun08interim.htm
JOIN AN ORGANISATION THAT SUPPORTS ITS MEMBERS
FOFATO was created to give support to First Aid Training Organisations in all areas of the Industry.
As one of the main consultees with the Health and Safety Executive we are able to take forward the views of our members. This is particularly important with the changes being proposed by HSE. We have recently attended a meeting with HSE and have truly represented the views of our members and consequently supported them as much as possible.
Please see below report of our meeting with HSE.
MEETING WITH HSE 2ND MAY 2008
FOFATO were represented by me (Ian Kershaw) and Paul Walker (Walkers Training Service).
Other?s attending included representatives from the FWC, AIFAWTO and AOFA as well as representation from the QCA, the SQA and from an Awarding Body (ASET).
The agenda from HSE (below) made it very clear that as far as they were concerned that future Approval and Monitoring of the First Aid Industry would be conducted through the QCA/SQA.
AIM
To inform First Aid Training Organisations of HSE's plan to implement changes to First Aid training and approval arrangements.
OBJECTIVES
To emphasise the reasons for change.
To briefly review the key themes of the recent consultation exercise.
To allow participants to ask questions about the implementation plan.
FOFATO arrived early at the meeting so that we could ascertain the views of others including FWC and AIFAWTO regarding the QCA/SQA route. The impression we got was that they were not happy with this route but seemed resigned to the fact that it was already decided and could not do anything about it.
The meeting began with HSE giving the following information:
HSE stated that it was their intention to:
Help business meet First Aid needs in proportionate way
Help reduce cost to duty holders
HSE stated that the following was already agreed through consultation:
Paramedics would be exempt
No more than 12 students per trainer
1 assessor for up to 6 students
HSE stated that from the Consultation the following Problem Areas still existed:
Going down QCA/SQA route
Number of First Aiders in Workplace Flowchart
Training Organisations to run 6 courses per year
Next for HSE:
Continue to engage with QCA/SQA about costs
Continue to review First Aiders in the Workplace flowchart
Review requirement for 6 courses
Guidance from HSE:
For SME?s
For First Aid Training Organisations
Electronic First Aid needs Assessment
QCA/SQA and Awarding Body
Several points were made by QCA/SQA and the Awarding Body in relation to the benefits of going down this route. They also attempted to allay the fears of Training Organisations by talking through the issues of bureaucracy, cost and monitoring.
The impression that was formed by both me and Paul was that the meeting was just a selling pitch from QCA/SQA and the Awarding Body.
Bureaucracy (Paper Work)
It was accepted by the Awarding Body that there was a lot of paperwork involved but none more than if you working with an Awarding Body for any qualification
Awarding Body Costs
£395 (approx) annually
£15 (approx) per Student (certification)
All costs include VAT
Certification
The name of the your Training Organisation may not appear on the certificates you issue but that of the Awarding Body
Monitoring
It was stated that the monitors for First Aid Training would be subject competent. FOFATO asked for confirmation of this which seemed to be given by the Awarding Body that was present (but we are yet to be convinced about this from previous knowledge and information).
Funding
LSC funding may be available at the present time for EFAW Training up until the EFAW course becomes nationally recognised by HSE (October 2009) at which time no LSC funding will be available. However other types of funding may still be available like European Social Funding but this would be case whether the course was run through QCA/SQA or not.
General Discussion
A general discussion then ensued where the main topic was around the QCA/SQA route for approval.
FOFATO stated that the vast majority of it members were from ?small? Training Organisations and virtually everyone objected to the QCA/SQA route for the reason given in our previous feedback namely bureaucracy, cost and monitoring.
FOTATO asked several questions to the QCA/SQA and Awarding Body during the meeting particularly relating to monitoring, costs and funding. However there seemed little concern from FWC, AIFAWTO and AOFA as they did not get heavily involved in the discussion other than saying that they felt that QCA/SQA was ultimately the way forward something that FOFATO do not accept.
One of HSE?s stated intentions in the proposed changes was to reduce costs to duty holders. How can this be the case when the costs of providing First Aid training through the QCA/SQA route are going to be considerably higher.
A final comment from HSE indicated that they were aware of concerns from within the Industry probably indicating that they have already received letters from Members of Parliament. (This leads us to believe the decision is still one that can be changed).
Overall FOFATO left the meeting very disillusioned for three main reasons. Firstly because HSE are determined to move forward with QCA/SQA despite many Independent Training Organisations being totally against this route secondly we felt that none of our fears had been eased and thirdly the other representative organisations FWC, AIFAWTO and AOFA (who represent a number of Independent Organisations) were of the opinion that the QCA/SQA was the correct route to take even for FAW training despite the issues that have already been raised.
Myself and Paul (Walker) still feel that the thoughts of FOFATO regarding the creation of an Industry Body are the way forward because it is felt that this is the wish of the majority of Independent Training Organisations rather than a QCA/SQA route.
It must be made very clear to all HSE Training Organisations that in the short term the proposed changes will not affect you because we are talking about new Training Organisations only wanting to run EFAW courses going down the QCA/SQA route at the present time but in the longer term the proposal is for FAW courses to go down the same route.
Finally it was agreed by HSE that the implementation date for the introduction of the 3 day FAW and 1 day EFAW would be October 2009.
Next Steps
To collate the views of Federation Members
To gain support of more Independent Training Organisations (because there are still a lot that are not represented)
To continue to lobby our Members of Parliament
To continue dialogue with the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB)
To canvass support from your clients (because ultimately they are going to pay for the increase in costs of going down QCA/SQA route)
or simply accept the situation. I know which I prefer but the decision is now in the hands of Federation members.
STAKEHOLDERS MEETING WITH HSE (MAY 2008)
The Federation of First Aid Training Organisations (FOFATO) is now one of the biggest representative bodies of its kind in the United Kingdom (UK).
As a consequence we are now one of the main consultees with Health and Safety EXecutive (HSE) regarding the future of First Aid Training in the UK.
FOFATO was heavily involved in the recent consultation with HSE regarding the future Approval and Monitoring systems of FIrst Aid Training where we gave a considered and representative response on behalf of our members.
A meeting has now been convened by HSE (with representative bodies including FOFATO) in early May 2008 and we would like to take the views of as many Training Organisations as possible to this meeting.
SO PLEASE CONSIDER JOINING FOFATO
The Federation was created by Ian Kershaw in November 2007 at the request of HSE First Aid at Work Training Organisations in order to assist the First Aid Industry to move forward.
In his previous position Ian was Head of First Aid Approvals and Monitoring (FAAMS) within the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) from 1996 to 2007 so he is able to offer to you knowledge, expertise and complete independence from any First Aid Training Organisation.
Ever since he became involved in the First Aid Industry in 1996 he was aware that the only way to move the First Aid Industry forward was to work closely with all Training Organisations in order to achieve a consistent approach across all Training Organisations as well as raising the standards of training and most importantly understand their concerns and so achieve a more Professional Industry.
Over the past few years there has also been a lot of uncertainty in the minds of many Training Organisations following the consultations that took place between HSE and the Training Organisations between 2002 and 2004 because the process of Approval and Monitoring does not appear to have moved forward. The Federation intends to work closely with Members in an to attempt to move this forward
We feel at this stage that the First Aid Training Organisations need a way to pull together and form a powerful lobby which can move the Industry forward from the void that currently exits and tackle a lot of the present issues.
FOFATO has been formed in order to create a powerful voice across the Industry and so be able to discuss a variety of issues with HSE as well as other interested parties and with the longer term proposal of being involved in the monitoring of the First Aid Industry.
My main reason for setting up a Federation at this time is because any future consultations between HSE and Training Providers are only likely to take place with Representative Bodies rather than individual Training Organisations and a large number of Training Organisations are not represented.
The direction in which the Federation eventually moves will, of course, be determined by its members.
The aim is to create a body that represents a large number of First Aid Training Providers. Initially we will be providing advice or guidance that may be required with the First Aid Industry to individual Training Organisations. This advice will cover many issues relating to approval, monitoring or legislation. We will also produce at least a quarterly newsletter giving any relevant and up to date information.
As a member of the Federation you can also get substantial discounts on First Aid publications and First Aid supplies.
Finally we are prepared to work with any other like minded organisations and indeed we have already formed links with the National Health and Safety Committee of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) in order to promote the interests of this Industry.
If you require any further information or wish to join FOFATO please contact us by phone or e mail or you can join FOFATO directly from our website.
If you are not interested in joining FOFATO at this time but would like to be kept in touch with First Aid Industry information then please let me have your full contact details including e mail address.
How Many First Aiders Should I Have ?
LOWER RISK WORKPLACE (e.g. Offices)
Fewer than 50 employees you need at least 1 Appointed Person (AP).
Between 50 and 100 employees you need at least 1 First Aider (FAW).
More than 100 employees you need 1 Additional First Aider (FAW) for every 100 employed (or part thereof).
MEDIUM RISK WORKPLACE (e.g. Light Engineering)
Fewer than 20 employees you need at least 1 Appointed Person (AP).
Between 20 and 100 employees you need at least 1 First Aider (FAW) for every 50 employed (or part thereof).
More than 100 employees you need 1 Additional First Aider (FAW) for every 100 employed (or part thereof).
HIGHER RISK WORKPLACE (e.g. Construction)
Fewer than 5 employees you need at least 1 Appointed Person (AP).
Between 5 and 50 employees you need at least 1 First Aider (FAW).
More than 50 employees you need 1 Additional First Aider (FAW) for every 50 employed (or part thereof).
ADDITIONAL SPECIFIC HAZARD TRAINING
Where there are hazards for which additional First Aid skills are required then, in addition you need at least 1 First Aider (FAW) trained in the specific hazard training e.g. cyanide
Proposed content of the new 1 day EFAW course.
The Emergency First Aid at Work course should last at least 6 contact hours, excluding breaks.
On completion of training, successful candidates should be able to:
understand the role of the first aider including reference to the use of available equipment and the need for recording incidents and actions;
understand the importance of basic hygiene in first aid procedures;
assess the situation and circumstances in order to act safely, promptly and effectively in an emergency;
demonstrate how to administerfirst aid safely, promptly and effectively to a casualty who is unconscious and/or in seizure;
demonstrate how to administer cardiopulmonary resuscitation promptly and effectively;
demonstrate how to administer first aid safely, promptly and effectively to a casualty who is wounded or bleeding and/or in shock;
administer first aid safely, promptly and effectively to a casualty who is choking;
provide appropriate first aid for minor injuries.
Proposed content of the new 3 day FAW course.
The 3 day First Aid at Work course should last at least 18 hours, excluding breaks.
On completion of training, successful candidates should be able to;
understand the role of the first aider including reference to the use of available equipment and the need for recording incidents and actions;
understand the importance of basic hygiene in first aid procedures;
assess the situation and circumstanes in order to act safely, promptly and effectively in an emergency;
demonstrate how to administer first aid safely, promptly and effectively to a casualty who is unconscious and/or in seizure;
demonstrate how to administer cardipulmonary resuscitation promptly and effectively;
demonstrate how to administer first aid safely, promptly and effectively to a casualty who is wounded or bleeding and/or in shock;
administer first aid safely, promptly and effectively to a casualty who is choking;
provide appropriate first aid for minor injuries;
recognising the presence of major illness and applying general first aid principles in its management.
In addition, candidates should be able to demonstrate the correct management:
soft tissue injuries;
injuries to bones including suspected spinal injuries;
chest injuries;
burns and scalds;
eye inuries including how to irrigate an eye;
sudden poisoning and anaphalylactic shock.
Within this framework, it is important that anatomy, physiology and medical aspects, are kept to a minimum. Therefore, the new course should provide more emphasis on essential practical elements and less emphasis on theory.
Proposed Content of the new Annual Refreshers
The annual refesher for both the new 3 day FAW course and the new 1 day EFAW course should last a minimum of 3 hours, on completion of training, candidates should have demonstrated their competence to:
assess the situation in an emergency;
demonstrate how to administer first aid to a casualty who is unconscious and/or in a seizure;
demonstrate how to administer cardiopulmonary resuscitation;
demonstrate how to administer first aid to a casualty who is wounded or bleeding and/or in shock;
the course should also include any updates or changes to relevant first aid procedures.
Trainers should use continuous assessment to evaluate candidates. There will be no final practical assessment.
What is an Appointed Person?
A person to take charge when someone is injured or falls ill, including calling an ambulance if required.
Looks after the First Aid Equipment including the First Aid Box and its contents.
An Appointed Person should be available at all times people are at work.
Appointed Persons should not attempt to give First Aid for which they have not been trained.
What should be kept in a First Aid Box?
There is no mandatory list.
Contents should be based on employer's assessment needs.
The contents of the First Aid box should be examined frequently and restocked soon after use.
Any items (particularly sterile ones) that have passed the expiry date should be disposed of safely and replaced by new items.
How long non-sterile items are kept is a matter of judgement based on whether they are fit for purpose.
In general tablets and medication should not be kept in First Aid Box.
A suggested list of contents where there is no specific risk in the workplace is given below for a workplace with up to 10 employees:
A leaflet giving general guidance on First Aid e.g. Basic Advice on First Aid in the Workplace (INDG214) 10/06;
20 individually wrapped sterile adhesive dressings (assorted sizes);
2 sterile eye pads;
4 individually wrapped triangular bandages (preferably sterile);
6 safety pins;
6 medium sized (approximately 12cm x 12cm) individually wrapped sterile unmedicated would dressings;
2 large sized (approximately 18cm x 18cm) individually wrapped sterile unmedicated would dressings;
1 pair of disposable gloves (see HSE's free leaflet:Latex and you).
The needs assessment may indicate that additional materials and materials are required for example scissors or adhesive tape. They may be kept in the first aid box if there is room or stored separately.
If mains tap water is not readily available for eye irrigation, at least a litre of sterile water or sterile normal saline (0.9%) in sealed, disposable containers should be provided.
What should be kept in a Travelling First Aid Kit?
There is no mandatory list of items to be included in First Aid kits for travelling workers. They should typically contain:
A leaflet giving general advice on First Aid (for example HSE's leaflet: Basic Advice on First Aid at Work);
6 individually wrapped, sterile plasters (hypoallergenic plasters can be provided, if necessary);
2 triangular bandages;
2 safety pins;
1 large unmedicated dressing;
individually wrapped moist cleansing wipes;
a pair of disposable gloves (see HSE's free leaflet: Latex and you).
Suitable arrangements should be in place for restocking kits.