How Often Should You Inspect a First Aid Kit?

The Short Answer

The model Code of Practice: First aid in the workplace says a kit should be checked after each use and, if it hasn't been used, at least once every 12 months. That is the minimum. Most businesses check more often — commonly every 3 months in lower-risk workplaces and monthly in higher-risk ones — so expired and missing items are found before someone needs them.

What the Code Says, and What Most Businesses Do

The model Code has been approved in most states and territories. Victoria has its own OHS laws, so check WorkSafe Victoria's guidance there. See which Code of Practice applies in your state.

In NSW, since 1 July 2026 (section 26A of the WHS Act), you must follow an approved code of practice, or manage the risk another way that gives the same or a higher standard of health and safety. The first aid code is one of them.

"Common practice" intervals are not set by any regulator. Base your schedule on your own risk assessment and your regulator's current advice.

What to Check During Each Inspection

A thorough inspection covers more than just counting items. Here is a checklist of what to verify:

1. Expiry dates — Check every item with a use-by date (bandages, antiseptics, medications, eye wash). Remove and replace anything expired.
2. Stock levels — Compare current quantities against the minimum required. Restock anything below threshold.
3. Sterile packaging — Ensure sterile items (dressings, wound closures) have intact, undamaged packaging.
4. Kit condition — Check the container for damage, water ingress, or contamination. Verify the lid/latch works.
5. Signage & accessibility — Confirm the white cross on green background sign is visible. Kit must be easily accessible (not locked, not blocked).
6. Contents list — Verify the contents list inside the kit matches what is actually present.
7. First aider details — Ensure the names and contact details of trained first aiders displayed near the kit are current.

When to Inspect Outside the Schedule

Beyond your regular cycle, inspect straight after:

• Any workplace incident where the kit was used
• Environmental events (flooding, extreme heat, pest exposure)
• A workplace move or relocation
• Changes to workplace hazards or worker headcount
• A failed audit or compliance review

Record-Keeping Requirements

WHS laws don't prescribe a kit inspection record, but keeping one is how you show the kit was maintained. Each inspection record should include:

• Date and time of inspection
• Name and signature of the inspector
• Items checked, replenished, or removed
• Any corrective actions taken
• Next scheduled inspection date

As good practice, keep inspection records for at least 5 years, the same period the law sets for notifiable incident records, so they're available if an inspector asks.

High-Risk vs Low-Risk Workplaces

Your workplace risk classification affects both inspection frequency and kit requirements:

Lower-Risk Workplaces (commonly every 3 months)

• Office environments
• Retail shops
• Call centres
• Education (admin areas)

Higher-Risk Workplaces (commonly monthly)

• Construction sites
• Manufacturing and warehouses
• Mining and resources
• Healthcare and aged care
• Hospitality kitchens
• Remote or isolated work

Sources

Checked 28 September 2026.

• Safe Work Australia: Model Code of Practice: First aid in the workplace (July 2019)
• Work Health and Safety Regulation 2017 (NSW), reg 42 Duty to provide first aid (model Regulations wording)