First aid requalification extensions

As you will be aware the HSE allowed an extension to first aid certificates that needed to be refreshed after 16/03/2020. This was set to 30/09/2020 in the assumption that those needing training would be able to access that training. With additional disruption the HSE have extended this timeline.

Here is what they have posted:

FAW or EFAW certificates that expired after 16 March 2020 can remain valid until 31 October 2020 or 6 months from date of expiry, whichever is later. All requalification training for these certificates should be completed by 31 March 2021.

To qualify for the extension, employers must be able to demonstrate that:

they have made every effort to arrange requalification training as soon as possible and can explain in detail why they have not been able to do so. For example, they must show evidence that staff with expired certificates are booked on to EFAW or FAW requalification courses, if requested by an inspector
they have adequate and appropriate equipment and facilities to give first aid to any employee who is injured or becomes ill at work
the level of first aid cover provided remains appropriate for their particular work environment
the level of first aid provision necessary in high risk settings is fully maintained, eg in construction, agriculture, engineering and chemicals

This guidance now applies to employers in England, Scotland and Wales.
(Full details here: https://tinyurl.com/y59c539t)

So if a learners certificate expired on 05/07/2020 they will need to requalify by 05/01/2021.
If someone’s certificate expired on 20/03/2020 they will need to requalify by 31/10/2020.
If someone’s certificate is dues to expire on 20/11/2020 they have until 31/03/2021.