Do first aid kits expire?
Many people are frustrated to learn that first aid kit contents do expire.
Obviously, kit contents will need to be replenished after use. But many items actually have expiry dates.
Let me explain why!
Things like low adherent dressings, saline and gauze are packed as sterile items.
Over time, the packaging in which these items are stored, will degrade.
Once this occurs, the contents will no longer be sterile.
Other consumables such as bandaids, tape and gel dressings will expire due to the life span of the adhesive material.
Putting things simply, the bandaids stop being sticky!
While many people may continue to use expired items, in the workplace it is mandatory that first aid kits remain stocked and in date to meet SafeWork Australia obligations.
Other items will have only a manufacturing date.
Items such as triangular bandages, crepe and elastic bandages often only have a manufacturing date.
While these items are not packed as sterile items, packing can deteriorate and cause the contents to become contaminated.
Also, if these items are exposed to extreme temperatures, say from being stored in the boot of a vehicle, the product will weaken and degrade, and often lose its elasticity and rip under any amount of tension.
We give these items 5 years from manufacture before replacing them.
Any item which has damaged packaging from incorrect storage, water leaks or other factors should also be replaced.
