BS 8599-1:2019 Has Changed: Are You Ready for the New Workplace First Aid Guidance?

If somebody suffered a sudden cardiac arrest in your workplace, would your team be able to access a defibrillator in time?

On the 30th of April 2026, the UK’s workplace first aid standard, BS 8599-1:2019, was amended to BS 8599-1:2019+A1:2026.

One of the most significant amendments is that businesses with five or more people on site during operational hours are now expected to provide fast access to AEDs (automated external defibrillators).

But that’s not all.

Businesses are also being encouraged to review their first aid provision with a greater focus on workplace risks, rather than just meeting minimum standards.

Is your business ready for the new first aid guidance? Here’s what you need to know.

BS 8599-1: What’s Changed?

The updated first aid standard places greater emphasis on emergency preparedness, rather than treating first aid provision as a box-ticking exercise.

The updated standard takes a broader approach to workplace first aid, with provision shaped by both the number of people on site and workplace risks.

With this in mind, organisations should assess their workplace risks and ensure first aid provision is sufficient for the types of emergencies that could occur.

AEDS

The guidance recommends that organisations with five or more people on site during operating hours should provide access to an AED.

It also highlights that:

• AEDs should be clearly displayed in a cabinet or wall-mounted
• AEDs should be registered with the National Defibrillator Network
• AEDs should be accessible within two minutes from any location on the premises
• Businesses should make their AED devices available to the public where possible
• Larger workplaces may need multiple AEDs to meet the two-minute response time
• The two-minute guidance allows for one minute to locate and retrieve the device, and one minute to prepare and deliver treatment
• AEDs in secure areas may not be considered accessible within two minutes if responders can't reach them quickly enough

ADDITIONAL FIRST AID PROVISION

As part of its risk-based approach, the updated standard also provides guidance on additional first aid provision.

Here are the highlights:

• Eyewash provision is now covered for workplaces that present any risk of eye injury
• Burns kits are now specifically covered within the standard for workplaces where burns risks are present
• Businesses should consider people working remotely, alone, or in vehicles, including whether personal issue first aid kits are appropriate
• Critical injury packs should be provided in high-risk environments involving machinery, sharp tools, construction, agriculture, power tools, or cutting equipment

FIRST AID KITS

When considering the size, number, and position of workplace first aid kits, the guidance should be used alongside your first aid needs assessment.

Workplaces should assess their needs and adjust provision based on their first aid needs assessment and factors such as:

• The level of risk
• The size of the workplace
• Whether lone workers are operating remotely or in vehicles
• The number of employees, visitors, contractors, and agency workers

Does the New First Aid Guidance Apply to Your Business?

The updated guidance reinforces that workplace first aid isn't one-size-fits-all.

Every business should assess its first aid needs against the risks, people, and working arrangements within its workplace.

For AED provision, organisations should consider how many people are likely to be on site during operating hours, including visitors and contractors.

If you’re a larger business, having a single AED may not be enough to meet the guidance.

AEDs should be accessible within two minutes, so larger sites such as warehouses or factories may need more than one device.

Is a Workplace Defibrillator Mandatory?

No. BS 8599-1:2019+A1:2026 is a British Standard, not legislation. However, it provides recognised guidance for workplace first aid provision.

That said, being prepared isn’t just about meeting guidance. It’s about protecting your people and creating a safer workplace.

In the UK:

• Around 30,000 people experience an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest each year (according to the British Heart Foundation)
• Survival rates are shown to be 50-70% higher in these victims when a defibrillator is used within 5 minutes of collapse (according to the Resuscitation Council UK)
• Every minute that someone’s in cardiac arrest without CPR and a defibrillator reduces their survival chances by up to 10% (according to the British Heart Foundation)

When a cardiac arrest strikes, every second matters.

The updated guidance reinforces the importance of being prepared for a workplace emergency.

Is Your Workplace Prepared for an Emergency?

The updates to BS 8599-1 give businesses another reason to review their emergency preparedness.

Here’s your checklist.

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS

☑ Have we conducted or reviewed a first aid needs assessment recently?

☑ Have we reviewed our workplace safety provision accordingly?

☑ Are we confident our team is fully trained and would know what to do in an emergency?

AEDS

☑ Do we have an AED available on site?

☑ Is it clearly visible?

☑ Can it be accessed within two minutes during an emergency?

☑ Is it registered with the National Defibrillator Network?

FIRST AID KITS

☑ Are our first aid kits fully stocked?

☑ Are first aid supplies within their expiry dates?

☑ Do we have enough kits for our workplace size?

☑ Are supplies sufficient for the level of risk?

ADDITIONAL FIRST AID PROVISION

☑ Have we considered provision for lone or remote workers?

☑ Is there a risk of burns, and if so, do we have burns kits available?

☑ Is there a risk of eye injury, and if so, do we have eyewash stations available?

☑ Is there a risk of injury from machinery, tools, or cutting equipment, and if so, do we have critical injury packs available?

How We Help Improve Workplace Safety

At SMI, we help businesses create safer working environments every day.

Our range includes:

• PPE
• Refills
• First aid kits
• Eyewash stations

We’re also a supplier of trusted ZOLL AED solutions.

ZOLL’s defibrillation technology can help businesses align their provision with the latest first aid guidance. Its real-time CPR feedback also helps rescuers monitor CPR rate and depth during an emergency.

Need help evaluating your workplace safety provision? Our dedicated team can help recommend the best safety products for your setting.

Get in touch today!