How to check and refill first aid kits at work

By First Aid in Qatar team · Published 2 November 2026

Start from what the kit is for

There is no single correct set of contents for every workplace. The UK Health and Safety Executive, for example, says a kit's contents should be based on your first aid needs assessment, which looks at the hazards, the number of people and how far you are from medical help. A desk-based office needs a different kit from a workshop with cutting tools or a kitchen with hot surfaces. Write down what each kit should contain, and use that list for every check and every refill order.

Qatar has its own workplace rules on first aid provision. Confirm the current requirements for your establishment with your HSE adviser or the relevant authority. This guide covers upkeep, not legal compliance.

A simple checking routine

Check	What to look for	Suggested timing
After every use	Replace what was used the same day, or as soon as you can	Every time the kit is opened
Contents against the list	Every item on the kit's contents list is there in the right quantity	Monthly
Dates	Use-by dates on sterile dressings, eye pads, wipes and other dated items	Monthly
Packaging	Sterile packs sealed, dry and undamaged; adhesives not stuck together or dried out	Monthly
The box or cabinet	Clean, closes properly, sign visible, not blocked, contact name on the label is current	Monthly

Many items, particularly sterile ones, carry an expiry date. If a sterile item has no date, check with the manufacturer. For non-sterile items without a date, check they are still fit for use.

Heat and storage in Qatar

Heat, sunlight and moisture can weaken adhesives and damage some items. Kits left in vehicles, site cabins, plant rooms or outdoor cabinets in summer need more frequent checks than kits in an air-conditioned office. Mount wall cabinets away from direct sun and heat sources, and check vehicle kits more often during the hot months.

Keep a log

One line per kit is enough: kit location and ID, kit type and size, the date of the check, who checked it, items used or replaced, the earliest expiry date in the kit, and anything reordered. With this log you can see which kits need attention first, order in one batch, and show your checks to a client or auditor.

Ordering refills that match your kits

Refills are easiest when you order against each kit's contents list rather than buying random items. When you ask for a quotation, send us:

• The kit brand and model, or a photo of its contents list
• The items and quantities you need, or "full refill" if you want the kit brought back to its list
• How many kits, and where they are in Qatar
• Any items you want added for your site's hazards, for example burn dressings for a kitchen or extra eye pads for a workshop
• Whether you need empty boxes or wall cabinets for new locations

We confirm availability, item dates and lead time in each quotation.

When to replace the whole kit

Replace the box or bag itself when it no longer closes, the case is cracked, or it cannot be kept clean. If your site has grown or the work has changed, review your needs assessment: you may need more kits, a larger size, or a different kit type.

Products mentioned in this guide

• First Aid Inc All Purpose First Aid Kit
• Sterile First Aid Dressing
• Assorted Adhesive Plasters
• Conforming Bandage
• Antiseptic and Cleansing Wipes
• Empty Metal First Aid Wall Cabinet

Sources

1. UK Health and Safety Executive: What to put in a first aid kit, accessed 2 November 2026
2. QIC: First aid kit at home in Qatar, accessed 2 November 2026

This guide covers equipment selection and upkeep. It is not medical or legal advice: follow your device's instructions for use and your organisation's safety procedures.