6 Types of First Aid Kits Used in Australia

Date Posted:22 August 2025

First aid kits aren’t one-size-fits-all. Discover the types of kits recommended for Australian workplaces and ensure your business is covered.

What Are First Aid Kits?

First aid kits aren’t one-size-fits-all. Under Workplace Health and Safety (WHS) obligations in Australia, employers must ensure that first aid arrangements—including kit contents—are suitable for the specific hazards of their work environment.

Why First Aid Kits Are Categorised by Workplace Type

Safe Work Australia and individual state regulators recommend a risk-based approach when selecting and maintaining first aid kits. This means assessing potential injuries, working conditions, and employee exposure to danger. From low-risk offices to remote work zones or chemical plants, the right workplace first aid kits help meet legal obligations while supporting fast and effective emergency response.

6 Common Types of First Aid Kits in Australia

1. Low-Risk Workplace First Aid Kits

Low-risk kits are ideal for workplaces such as offices, administration departments, retail stores, and education settings. These environments typically involve minor injuries like paper cuts, scrapes, or slips.

These kits include essentials such as adhesive dressings, antiseptic wipes, disposable gloves, and basic bandages. Wall-mounted or portable formats are available, allowing for flexible placement in accessible areas. All kits must meet minimum requirements outlined in Safe Work Australia’s Code of Practice for First Aid in the Workplace, ensuring compliance even in low-hazard environments.

2. High-Risk Workplace First Aid Kits

High-risk environments—like warehouses, logistics centres, workshops, and factories—require more comprehensive first aid resources due to increased risks from machinery, forklifts, chemicals, and manual handling.

These kits include trauma dressings, saline solutions, burn treatments, CPR face masks, and shock blankets. Their containers are typically tough, weather-resistant, and clearly labelled, ensuring visibility and durability. With the increased injury potential, having the right kit in these settings is a WHS must.

Workplace first aid kits supplied by Verdex are designed specifically for these rugged Australian conditions.

3. Vehicle First Aid Kits

For drivers, tradies, transport crews and mobile teams, vehicle kits offer a portable and compact solution that fits into glove boxes or storage compartments.

These kits feature trauma dressings, antiseptic wipes, eye rinse, bandages, CPR shields, and other essentials needed on the road. They’re designed for easy access and are often secured within the vehicle to prevent shifting during transit. Ideal for emergency response while mobile, vehicle kits help ensure WHS compliance even when your team is constantly on the move.

4. Eyewash and Chemical First Aid Kits

In laboratories, chemical storage facilities, or processing plants, exposure to hazardous substances is a key risk. Eyewash and chemical kits are tailored to deal with such incidents quickly and effectively.

These kits include saline ampoules, large-volume eyewash bottles, eye irrigators, gloves, and materials for managing skin contact with corrosive or irritant chemicals. These specialised kits should be placed near potential exposure points and regularly inspected. Compliance with WHS regulations in chemical-handling environments requires proper preparation—and that includes a dedicated chemical first aid kit.

5. First Aid Kits for Remote or Isolated Locations

In mining, agriculture, utilities, or road works, response times from emergency services can be delayed, making self-sufficiency vital. Remote and isolated kits are designed with this in mind.

These comprehensive kits typically include snake bite bandages, splints, thermal blankets, trauma dressings, and long-expiry items. Some even come with basic survival tools.

Australian WHS codes specifically address the needs of remote workers, and these kits help businesses comply while giving workers peace of mind in isolated areas.

6. Burn First Aid Kits

Burn-specific kits are essential in environments such as commercial kitchens, welding bays, metal workshops, and electrical service areas.

They contain hydrogel products, burn dressings, non-stick gauze, and cooling treatments designed to soothe and protect burned skin. These kits are often added alongside a general-purpose kit to ensure targeted care for heat-related injuries. Burns can escalate quickly, so having dedicated supplies nearby can drastically improve outcomes.

How to Choose the Right First Aid Kit for Your Workplace

Selecting the right kit starts with assessing the hazards present in your workplace. This includes physical risks, chemical exposure, injury types, and accessibility concerns. Follow Safe

Work Australia’s Code of Practice, and consider:

The number of staff on site
Site layout and size
Proximity to emergency services
Frequency of on-site incidents

Aim to exceed the minimum requirements wherever possible. A well-stocked kit shows your commitment to staff safety and legal compliance. Verdex offers expert advice and custom solutions to help match the perfect kit to your specific needs. Explore our full range of workplace safety equipment and supplies to create a safer, more prepared environment.

Learn More About First Aid Kits

Verdex is your trusted supplier of industrial-grade first aid kits, built for Australian workplace conditions. Whether you need a compact kit for mobile teams or a comprehensive solution for high-risk industrial zones, we have you covered.

We offer expert advice, restocking services, and kits that meet or exceed WHS compliance requirements. Speak to our team today to explore our full range of first aid kits and other safety products, including PPE clothing and safety gear, safety barriers and security bollards, workplace safety signage and information, and more.

Let’s work together to build a safer, more prepared workplace. Get in touch with the team at Verdex.

Call our toll-free number 1800 750 500
Email sales@verdex.com.au
Fill out our contact form

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of first aid kit does my workplace need?

It depends on your industry, environment, and level of risk. Offices can use low-risk kits, while construction, manufacturing, or remote worksites will require high-risk or specialised kits. Verdex can help you assess your needs.

Can I just buy a standard kit from the chemist?

Standard kits may not meet WHS requirements for your specific environment. Chemist kits are usually for domestic use and lack essential items needed in industrial or high-risk workplaces.

How often should I replace or restock my kit?

You should inspect your kits at least quarterly, and always after an incident where items are used. Expired or damaged components must be replaced immediately to maintain compliance and effectiveness.

Are mobile kits enough for on-site workers?

Vehicle or mobile kits are suitable for tradespeople or fleet teams, but high-risk sites may require additional stationary kits or first aid rooms, depending on your workplace layout and staffing levels.

Does Verdex supply industrial-grade kits?

Yes. Verdex specialises in high-quality first aid kits for warehouses, factories, transport hubs, and remote worksites. We also offer restocking items, signage, and customised safety solutions.

6 Types of First Aid Kits Used in Australia

What Are First Aid Kits?

Why First Aid Kits Are Categorised by Workplace Type