England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland only
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is aware that people holding First Aid at Work (FAW) or Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) certificates nearing expiry date might experience disruption to access requalification training as a result of events or circumstances generated by the Coronavirus pandemic.
HSE’s current guidance on the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981 is that those holding an FAW or EFAW qualification should undertake retraining before their original certificate expires and HSE strongly recommends that employers and individuals holding these qualifications plan for requalification training well in advance of expiry dates.
If, however, requalification training is prevented for reasons associated directly with the Coronavirus or by complying with related government advice, it is reasonable and practical to extend the validity of current certificates by up to 3 months. Anyone taking advantage of this extension should be able to describe clearly their reasons for delaying requalification training, and demonstrate steps they have taken to undertake the training, if required.
This guidance comes into effect for certificates expiring on or after 16th March 2020. HSE will review this over the coming months and will issue further information as necessary.
Emergency First Response First Aid at Work Courses
With immediate effect, anyone presenting a FAW certification, with an expiry date on or after 16th March, and as a direct result of the Coronavirus crisis, may enrol onto an EFR FAW Requalification course up to three months from the date of original FAW course completion.
Emergency First Response will review this, in line with HSE guidance, over the coming months.
Please check back regularly during this time.
