HEALTH & SAFETY EXECUTIVE (HSE) AND DEPARTMENT FOR EDUCATION UPDATE

The Health & Safety Executive (HSE) have clarified the position regarding first aid training in the UK during the latest coronavirus lockdown. The HSE have been in contact with all nations and received updates on the ability to provide first aid training with their statements below. There is also information at the bottom of the newsletter with regards to extensions to paediatric first aid qualifications. Please note that the common message from all nations is that training can continue where it is required to operate the business and comply with health and safety or other legislation.

First Aid Training in England

The policy position of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is that first aid training required to comply with health and safety or other legislation can continue to take place under relevant coronavirus restrictions in England. All possible measures must be taken to ensure that both training activities and environment are COVID-19 secure. Under current restrictions, some premises are closed to the public or are prohibited from carrying out their normal business. These premises can be considered for use as training venues, providing the conditions outlined above are adhered to. All businesses and individuals should adhere to current regulations and follow relevant Government guidance. HSE's current guidance on first aid certificate extensions covers all of GB and remains unaltered.

First Aid Training in Wales

The Welsh Government has informed HSE that first aid training can be permitted under the current coronavirus restrictions, given the following considerations:

• The training is a required part of the work or operation of the business commissioning the training (e.g. is necessary for compliance with health and safety or other legislation)

• Other requirements for businesses and individuals under the current restrictions are met

• All controls necessary are in place to comply with relevant regulations and guidance published by the Welsh Government and any additional measures necessary to ensure the training activities and environment are COVID-19 secure are taken.

Premises required to close for normal business under coronavirus restrictions may be considered for use as training venues, providing the conditions outlined above are adhered to. Authority to open premises for first aid training can be obtained from the relevant local authority or appropriate department of the Welsh Government. HSE's current guidance on first aid certificate extensions covers all of GB and remains unaltered.

First Aid Training in Scotland

The Scottish Government has informed HSE that first aid training can be permitted under the current coronavirus restrictions, given the following considerations:

• The training is a required part of the work or operation of the business commissioning the training (e.g. is necessary for compliance with health and safety or other legislation)

• Other requirements for businesses and individuals under the current restrictions are met

• All controls necessary are in place to comply with relevant regulations and guidance published by the Scottish Government and any additional measures necessary to ensure the training activities and environment are COVID-19 secure are taken.

Under current restrictions, some premises are closed to the public or are prohibited from carrying out their normal business. These premises can be considered for use as training venues, providing the conditions outlined above are adhered to. HSE's current guidance on first aid certificate extensions covers all of GB and remains unaltered.

First Aid Training in Northern Ireland

The Health & Safety Executive Northern Ireland (HSENI) have not updated as part of this process so the guidance issued by the HSE in England should be followed until further guidance. HSENI's current guidance on first aid certificate extensions remains unaltered.

Paediatric First Aid Certificate Extensions and Requalification

The Department for Education have published an extension to requalification of paediatric first aid certificates if requalification training is prevented for reasons associated directly with the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, or by complying with related government advice. In these cases, certificates have been extended to 31 March 2021. Please note this only applies to certificates expiring on or after 1 October 2020. Confirmation of this change can be found on the Department for Education website here under section 7.2.