Every workplace should have appropriate first aid arrangements, but providing equipment is only part of the picture.

Employees also need to know where first aid supplies are kept, who to contact when assistance is required and how to find the relevant facilities.

First Aid Kit Signs and First Aider Signs help businesses communicate this important information clearly.

Whether you manage a small office, busy warehouse, construction site, factory or commercial building, suitable first aid notices can make workplace arrangements easier to understand.

But which signs should your business display? Is a First Aid Kit Sign enough? Should you identify individual first aiders? And where should these notices be positioned?

This practical guide explains the main types of first aid equipment and personnel signs, along with the UK requirements businesses should consider.

Why Are First Aid Kit & First Aider Signs Important?

During a workplace accident or medical emergency, unnecessary confusion can delay assistance.

A first aid box stored in an unmarked cupboard may be difficult to find, particularly for new employees or visiting contractors.

Similarly, workers may not know who is responsible for first aid if personnel information isn't readily available.

Clear first aid signage can help:

Identify the location of first aid kits and boxes.
Communicate the names or locations of first aid personnel.
Direct people towards first aid rooms.
Reinforce workplace emergency arrangements.
Help new starters and contractors find assistance.
Reduce confusion when staff work across different departments or shifts.

The signs should accurately reflect the first aid provision available at your premises.

What Does UK Law Say About Workplace First Aid Information?

The Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981 require employers to provide adequate and appropriate equipment, facilities and personnel so employees can receive immediate attention if they become injured or ill at work.

Employers must also inform employees about their first aid arrangements.

HSE guidance recommends displaying notices that explain:

Who the first aiders or appointed persons are.
Where they can be found.
Where first aid equipment is located.

Notices are a practical way of communicating this information, particularly in workplaces where employees operate across several departments.

However, there isn't one universal list of signs that every UK business must purchase.

Your signage should reflect your first aid needs assessment, workplace layout and actual arrangements.

First Aiders vs Appointed Persons: What's the Difference?

It's important to use accurate wording on your workplace notices.

A First Aider is somebody who has completed appropriate first aid training for the role identified by the employer's needs assessment.

An Appointed Person is responsible for taking charge of first aid arrangements, including looking after equipment and facilities and calling emergency services when required.

An appointed person is not automatically a trained first aider.

If your workplace relies on an appointed person rather than a trained first aider, make sure your notice accurately describes their role.

Don't identify somebody as a qualified first aider unless that is correct.

Which First Aid Kit Signs Should Businesses Display?

The correct equipment signs depend on where supplies are stored and how easily they can be identified.

1. First Aid Kit Location Signs

A First Aid Kit Sign identifies the location of workplace first aid supplies.

These notices commonly feature a white cross on a green background.

They may be suitable for:

Offices.
Factories.
Warehouses.
Workshops.
Construction site offices.
Schools.
Commercial premises.

Position the sign directly above, beside or on the cupboard containing the kit.

Where several first aid points are provided, consider identifying each designated location.

2. First Aid Box Signs

First Aid Box Signs serve a similar purpose, helping employees recognise where first aid supplies are kept.

They are particularly useful where the box is stored in a cupboard, cabinet or designated welfare area.

The familiar green and white first aid symbol makes the location easier to recognise.

HSE guidance states that first aid boxes should be marked with a white cross on a green background.

3. First Aid Directional Signs

Sometimes a First Aid Kit Sign at the equipment location isn't sufficient.

In a larger building, employees may need additional guidance to find the nearest first aid point.

Directional signs can help identify the route towards equipment.

Consider using them at:

Corridor junctions.
Warehouse intersections.
Stairwell exits.
Factory access routes.
Reception areas.
Relevant department entrances.

Make sure the arrow accurately reflects the route from the viewer's position.

4. First Aid Room Signs

Where a dedicated first aid room forms part of your arrangements, it should be clearly identified.

A First Aid Room Sign can be positioned on or beside the entrance.

Where the room is away from main working areas, additional directional signage may be useful.

Which First Aider Signs Should Businesses Display?

Equipment location signs tell people where supplies are kept.

First Aider Signs communicate who can provide assistance and how they can be contacted.

These are particularly useful in workplaces where employees may not know all members of staff.

1. First Aiders On Site Signs

A First Aiders On Site notice can identify the people responsible for providing workplace first aid.

Depending on the sign design, it may include:

First aider names.
Department or work area.
Telephone extension.
Contact instructions.
Relevant working hours.

Display this information where employees can easily find it.

2. First Aiders Location Signs

A First Aiders Location Sign helps communicate where trained first aid personnel can normally be found.

These may be useful in larger premises where first aiders work in particular departments.

However, avoid relying solely on a fixed location if the person regularly works elsewhere.

A suitable contact method may be more useful than an outdated room or department reference.

3. First Aider Contact Information Notices

Some businesses benefit from a dedicated first aid information board.

This could include:

Information	Example
First aider	Name of trained employee
Department	Warehouse
Contact	Internal telephone or radio channel
First aid kit	Main welfare room
First aid room	Ground floor, Room 4
AED location	Reception corridor

The information should reflect the workplace's actual arrangements.

Keep the notice updated whenever personnel, equipment locations or contact details change.

4. Appointed Person Notices

Where an appointed person forms part of the workplace's arrangements, the notice should accurately identify them.

For example:

First Aid Appointed Person: [Name]

Include appropriate contact details and information about where first aid equipment is kept.

Avoid using wording that incorrectly suggests the appointed person has completed first aider training.

Where Should First Aider Information Be Displayed?

HSE recommends displaying first aid information prominently.

Suitable locations may include:

Reception Areas

Reception can be a useful information point for visitors, contractors and employees.

Staff Rooms & Welfare Areas

These are often regularly used by employees and can be practical locations for first aider information.

Factory & Warehouse Noticeboards

Large industrial premises may benefit from first aid notices in relevant departments.

Construction Site Offices

Site arrangements can change during a project, so first aider details should be reviewed as personnel and working patterns change.

Employee Induction Areas

First aid information should also form part of relevant employee induction and workplace safety communication.

A notice is useful, but employees should not have to rely exclusively on reading a wall sign to understand the arrangements.

What Colour Should First Aid Kit & First Aider Signs Be?

Recognised first aid signs generally feature a white cross on a green background.

Green is associated with safe-condition information, including first aid equipment and facilities.

The familiar symbol helps distinguish first aid locations from other workplace notices.

For example:

Sign type	Recognised colour
First Aid / Safe Condition	Green and white
Warning	Yellow and black
Prohibition	Red, white and black
Mandatory	Blue and white

Using recognisable symbols and consistent designs can make first aid signage easier to understand.

How Many First Aid Kit Signs Does a Workplace Need?

There isn't one fixed number suitable for every business.

The correct quantity depends on factors such as:

The size of the premises.
The number of first aid points.
The location of equipment.
The number of floors or departments.
The workplace layout.
Employee working patterns.
The need for additional directional signage.

A small office with one easily accessible kit may have relatively straightforward signage requirements.

A large manufacturing facility with several first aid points and multiple shifts may need a more extensive arrangement.

The objective is to make the equipment and assistance available at your workplace easy to identify.

Choosing the Right First Aid Sign Size

Consider how and where the notice will be viewed.

A First Aid Box Sign mounted directly on a cupboard may only need to be read from a short distance.

A directional sign in a large warehouse may need to be considerably more prominent.

Review:

Viewing distance.
Mounting height.
Symbol size.
Text size.
Lighting conditions.
Approach direction.
Potential obstructions.

First aider information notices should also use sufficiently legible text for the intended viewing position.

Choosing First Aid Sign Materials

Different workplaces require different materials.

Depending on the product, options may include:

Self-Adhesive Vinyl: Suitable for appropriate smooth, clean surfaces.

Rigid Plastic: A practical choice for many general workplace applications.

Recycled Plastic: Available across selected signage products.

Aluminium Composite: A durable option for suitable longer-term installations.

Choose the material and fixing method according to the intended location and mounting surface.

Common First Aid Signage Mistakes

Avoid these frequent problems:

Storing first aid supplies in unmarked cupboards.
Displaying first aider names that are no longer current.
Incorrectly identifying an appointed person as a trained first aider.
Missing directional signs in larger buildings.
Positioning notices behind shelving or stored equipment.
Using signs that are too small for the intended viewing distance.
Failing to update contact information after staff changes.
Leaving old signs in place after equipment is relocated.
Relying on one notice for a large multi-department workplace.
Treating signage as a substitute for appropriate first aid provision.

Printable First Aid Kit & First Aider Sign Checklist

Use this checklist when reviewing your workplace or ordering replacement signs.

First Aid Equipment

First Aid Kit Signs are displayed where appropriate.
First Aid Boxes are clearly identified.
Equipment locations are accurate.
First Aid Room Signs are displayed where applicable.
Directional signs are provided where needed.
Equipment is accessible and not obstructed.

First Aid Personnel

First Aiders On Site information is available.
Names and contact details are current.
First aider locations are accurate.
Appointed persons are identified correctly.
Shift patterns and staff absences have been considered.
Employees know how to obtain first aid assistance.

Sign Placement

Notices are visible from relevant working areas.
Signs are large enough for the viewing distance.
Recognisable green and white symbols are used appropriately.
Directional arrows point towards the correct locations.
Signs aren't obscured by furniture or stored materials.
Materials are suitable for the environment.

Maintenance & Review

First aider information is reviewed regularly.
Signs are updated when personnel change.
Equipment relocation is reflected in the signage.
Damaged or faded notices are replaced.
First aid information is included in relevant staff inductions.
Signage reflects the current first aid needs assessment.

Important: This checklist supports workplace first aid communication. It doesn't replace the requirement to provide adequate and appropriate equipment, facilities and personnel.

A Simple First Aid Signage Walkthrough

One of the easiest ways to check your arrangements is to walk through your workplace as though you're a new employee.

Start at the main entrance and ask:

Can I find the nearest first aid kit?
Is the first aid box clearly identified?
Do I know who the first aiders are?
Can I contact somebody if the usual first aider is absent?
Is the first aid room clearly marked, where one is provided?
Are directional signs accurate?
Is the displayed information up to date?

If the answers aren't immediately clear, review your existing signage and communication arrangements.

Shop First Aid Kit & First Aider Signs at Safety Sheep

Safety Sheep supplies First Aid Kit Signs, First Aid Box Signs and First Aider Signs for UK businesses, offices, warehouses, factories, construction sites, schools and commercial premises.

Our range includes:

First Aid Kit Location Signs.
First Aid Box Signs.
First Aiders On Site Signs.
First Aiders Location Signs.
First Aid Directional Signs.
First Aid Room Signs.
AED Defibrillator Signs.
Emergency Eye Wash Signs.

Choose from a selection of sizes and durable materials suitable for different workplace environments.

Made in Britain, with bulk savings available for businesses and trade customers.

Explore our complete range of First Aid Signs and make your workplace's first aid arrangements easier to identify.

Think Safety. Think Sheep.

First Aid Kit & First Aider Signs: What Should UK Businesses Display?