Anyone providing first aid must be dressed practically and be easy to recognize. Yet not all first aid clothing is the same. So how can you be sure that first aid PPE and workwear complies with Dutch occupational health regulations? In this article, I’ll explain exactly how this works.
Klik hier voor de Nederlandse versie op Prettybusiness.nl
First Aid PPE and workwear requirements under Dutch law
According to Dutch occupational health legislation, companies must conduct a risk inventory and evaluation (RI&E) when assessing workplace safety. Employers have to ensure a safe work environment and safe working conditions (Arbobesluit Article 3.25 and Article 8 of the Arbowet). And when workwear, safety shoes or personal protective equipment (PPE) are necessary, the employer must provide them.
First aid clothing fits within those same requirements. The law doesn’t prescribe an official standard for first aid garments, but the clothing should match the workwear and PPE already used in the organization. For example, if employees wear flame-retardant clothing due to fire risks, a first aider who performs BHV-related tasks needs that same level of protection. In that situation, they wear certified protective garments as well.
First aid tasks, however, often involve movements or actions you don’t usually perform at work. For that reason, first aid clothing needs to be comfortable and suitable for these tasks. Many organizations therefore choose to offer separate summer and winter sets. You don’t want to help someone in the snow wearing only a T-shirt, and in the heat you also don’t want a thick jacket. The Arbowet doesn’t require these seasonal options, but they are practical.
Visibility standards for first aid responders
Visibility can also play an important role. If someone provides first aid in an environment with traffic, they must wear high-visibility clothing. Depending on the situation, the garment must meet one of the three levels of EN ISO 20471.
This requirement mirrors regular workwear standards. If employees work in an area where vehicles pass close by, their clothing must also meet high-visibility requirements. In an office environment, those standards simply don’t apply.
How to recognize first aid PPE and clothing
To help first aiders perform their tasks without hindrance, many companies choose clothing that clearly differs from regular workwear. That’s why first aid clothing often comes in fluorescent yellow or orange. Shirts and jackets usually show the word “EHBO” or “BHV” on the back. Companies often add their own logo so everyone easily identifies the wearer.
Employers also carry the responsibility for cleaning and replacing the clothing. Employees cannot be asked to pay for these costs themselves (Arbowet, Article 11).
Curious what first aid clothing looked like in the past? Then read the article about the history of the nurse’s uniform or explore the American doll collection featuring historical nurse uniforms.
Best,
Aileen
This article was written in collaboration with Arvem.