Legislation & Code of Practice
Primary Legislation
WHS Regulations 2011 r.42
Requires PCBUs (employers) to ensure adequate first aid provisions are available at every workplace.
Code of Practice
WorkSafe ACT — Model Code of Practice: First Aid in the Workplace
Provides practical guidance on how to comply with first aid obligations. While not mandatory, courts may reference CoPs as evidence of what is reasonably practicable.
First Aider Ratios
The number of trained first aiders required depends on your workplace risk level and headcount. Australian Capital Territory follows the Safe Work Australia Model Code of Practice ratios:
| Risk Level | Ratio | Min. | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low Risk | 1 per 50 workers | 1 | Offices, retail |
| High Risk | 1 per 25 workers | 1 | Construction, manufacturing |
| Remote High Risk | 1 per 10 workers | 1 | Remote workplaces |
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Quick Reference
Kit Inspection Interval
Regular inspection and restocking required per CoP, typically every 3 to 6 months depending on site risk profile and use.
First Aid Certificate Validity
HLTAID011 Provide First Aid must be renewed every 3 years.
CPR Refresh Interval
HLTAID009 Provide CPR requires annual competency refresh.
Record Keeping
Keep records of incidents, training, and inspections for at least 5 years.
State-Specific Compliance Notes
- ACT guidance supports a 3 to 6 month inspection and restocking cycle depending on risk profile and kit use.
- A dedicated first aid room is recommended for low-risk workplaces with 300 or more workers and high-risk workplaces with 200 or more workers.
First Aid Kit Requirements
Every workplace in Australian Capital Territory must have at least 1 first aid kit. Additional kits should be provided based on workplace size, layout, and hazards present.
Contents Standard
Safe Work Australia Model CoP: First Aid in the Workplace, Appendix A
Kit contents are guidance-based (suggested, not mandatory). The Code of Practice provides a suggested minimum contents list that should be adapted based on your workplace risk assessment.
Training Requirements
First aiders in Australian Capital Territory must hold the following nationally recognised qualifications:
| Qualification | Code | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| Provide First Aid | HLTAID011 | 36 months (3 years) |
| Provide CPR | HLTAID009 | 12 months (annual refresh) |
These are units of competency under the Australian Qualifications Framework and must be delivered by a Registered Training Organisation (RTO).
Emergency Plan
✅ Required
WHS Regulations 2011 (ACT) r.43 requires an emergency plan.
First Aid Room
A dedicated first aid room is recommended when your workforce exceeds:
Low-Risk Workplaces
Offices, retail, call centres
High-Risk Workplaces
Factories, construction, manufacturing
Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs)
💡 Recommended — Not Legally Required
Recommended for high-risk environments. Not mandated.
Notifiable Incidents
WHS Act 2011 (ACT) Part 3 ss.35-39. Covers death, serious injury or illness, and dangerous incidents. Notify WorkSafe ACT immediately.
Fire Safety
Emergency plan must address fire. Building Act 2004 fire safety requirements.
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Sources & References
Key official references used for this summary:
- WorkSafe ACT — Model Code of Practice: First Aid in the Workplace
- WHS Act 2011 (ACT) Part 3 — Incident Notification
This page is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult WorkSafe ACT or a qualified WHS professional for definitive compliance guidance. Last reviewed March 2026.
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