FAQs on TJC First Aid Training and HSE Guidelines
TJC Training Solutions is dedicated to providing accredited first aid training tailored to your needs. With adherence to HSE first aid guidelines, we ensure your team is equipped with the skills and knowledge to handle emergencies effectively. Our courses cater to various industries and risk levels, offering practical, compliant solutions. Contact us today to explore how we can support your first aid training requirements while upholding HSE first aid guidelines.
Can you come to us?
Yes, we can run our training courses at your location. Our private courses can hold up to 12 people, For prices please do not hesitate in contacting us.
However, we have various courses running at different locations throughout the year.
What makes you different?
Although there are many fantastic training providers around, TJC prides itself on its instructors having real world experience, generally as a first responders. This gives us the ability to deliver our courses with confidence, understanding and experience.
How many first aiders do I need?
An easy way to understand if you should book onto a course or not, is "Do you think you could comfortably provide first aid if someone needed it? Whether its a minimal or major intervention?"
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) recommends the number of first aiders based on your workplace size, risk level, and specific activities. As a general guide:
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Low-risk workplaces (e.g. offices, shops):
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Fewer than 25 employees: At least 1 appointed person
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25–50 employees: 1 first aider trained in Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW)
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Over 50 employees: 1 first aider trained in First Aid at Work (FAW) for every 100 people
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Higher-risk workplaces (e.g. construction, manufacturing):
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Even small teams may need at least 1 FAW-trained first aider
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More staff or hazards = more first aiders
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It’s also important to cover shifts and absences, so having more than the minimum is often the best idea.
What makes a business medium or high risk?
Risk level depends on the type of work you do and the potential for injury or illness. Here’s how the HSE generally classifies it:
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Low risk – Office work, retail, and similar environments with minimal hazards.
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Medium risk – Gyms, Warehouses, light manufacturing, or workplaces using tools or machinery,.
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High risk – Construction, agriculture, chemicals, heavy industry, or anywhere with dangerous equipment, working at height, or hazardous substances.
Factors that increase risk include:
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The nature of the tasks (e.g. manual handling, sharp tools, or lone working)
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Previous accident history
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Presence of vulnerable people (e.g. young workers, pregnant employees)
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Distance from emergency services
If you're unsure how your business fits in, TJC Training Solutions offers practical advice and support to help you get it right — and stay compliant.
How many first aiders does a school need?
Schools are usually considered low to medium risk under HSE guidelines, but additional factors—like the presence of children and specific activities—mean you may need more first aiders than a typical workplace.
Here’s a general guide:
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Primary and secondary schools:
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At least 1 first aider per site or section, trained in First Aid at Work (FAW) or Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW)
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Consider additional cover for playgrounds, PE lessons, school trips, and after-school activities
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Paediatric First Aid is strongly recommended for staff working with children under 5 (EYFS requirement)
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SEND schools may need enhanced cover due to increased medical needs
It’s also vital to cover absences and all shifts, including breakfast clubs and after-school care.
What makes a school higher risk?
Schools may move into a higher-risk category based on:
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Practical subjects: science labs, DT, PE, or workshops
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Large student numbers or multiple buildings/sites
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Pupils with complex medical needs or behavioural risks
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Remote location or long response times from emergency services
At TJC Training Solutions, we understand the specific needs of educational settings and can help you assess your first aid requirements quickly and confidently.
How do I find out what I may need?
The above is to give you a brief overview of potential requirements. It is important to remember that an honest and thorough assessment should always be completed by the employer as per there responsibility.
The best place to start is the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), which provides clear guidance on first aid requirements for UK workplaces. You can find their official advice here:
👉 HSE First Aid at Work Guidance
HSE First Aid at Work Legislation
Guidance for schools
Key resources include:
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A first aid needs assessment checklist
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Guidance on types of first aiders (EFAW vs FAW)
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Info on appointed persons and when they’re appropriate
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Legislation
How long is my training valid for?
All our accredited courses are valid for 3 years.
Although, to keep those skills sharp, annual refreshers are perfect, or even booking onto a Basic life support (BLS) course to help with that.