How to Choose a First Aid Kit for Your Catering Business
By Smudge & Dribble | Published: 2026-10-30
Category: How-to Guides
Learn how to pick the right first aid kit for your catering business, considering risk level, staff size, and specific hazards like burns and cuts.
Quick answer
For most catering businesses, choose a kit that covers burns, cuts, and eye injuries, sized to your staff count and risk level—like the Catering First Aid Kit for smaller teams or a Medium Workplace First Aid Kit for larger operations.
Why catering needs a different first aid kit
Catering environments have unique hazards: hot surfaces, sharp knives, and wet floors. A standard office kit may not include enough burn dressings or eye pads, which are critical for kitchen accidents. The Catering First Aid Kit is designed with these risks in mind, containing burn dressings, eye pads, and a foil survival blanket for shock.
Even if you already have a workplace kit, check its contents. If it lacks burn-specific items or has only a few plasters, it may not be suitable for a busy kitchen.
Match kit size to your team and risk level
The right kit size depends on how many people work per shift and the level of risk. The Medium Workplace First Aid Kit is rated for 25-100 employees in low-risk settings, but only 5-25 in high-risk ones. Kitchens are generally high-risk, so a small team of 10 might need a medium kit, while a larger operation may need multiple kits.
If you have more than 25 staff in a high-risk kitchen, consider buying more than one kit or a larger model. It's better to have extra supplies than to run out during an emergency.
Check for catering-specific contents
Look for items that address common kitchen injuries: burn dressings, eye pads for splashes, and washproof plasters that stay on when hands are wet. The Catering First Aid Kit includes 40 assorted washproof plasters and a resuscitation face shield, making it a solid choice for food prep areas.
Also consider the box: a durable, wall-mountable kit keeps supplies visible and accessible. The Catering First Aid Kit comes in a compact size (H22.5cm x W22cm), which fits easily on a wall or shelf.
Decision rules for choosing your catering first aid kit
- Assess your risk level: If your kitchen involves open flames, hot oil, or heavy equipment, treat it as high-risk. This means you need a kit rated for fewer people per kit, so a medium kit may only cover up to 25 staff. Check your risk assessment before buying.
- Count your staff per shift: For 1-10 staff in a high-risk kitchen, the Catering First Aid Kit is usually sufficient. For 11-25 staff, choose the Medium Workplace First Aid Kit. For more than 25, buy multiple kits or a larger one. Always round up to the next kit size if you're near the limit.
- Verify contents for catering hazards: Ensure the kit includes burn dressings, eye pads, washproof plasters, and a resuscitation shield. If these are missing, add them separately or choose a different kit. Keep a checklist of must-have items for your food business.
Product comparison
- Catering First Aid Kit: Includes burn dressing, eye pads, 40 washproof plasters, and a resuscitation face shield, meeting BS-8599 British Standard. This kit covers the most common catering injuries—burns, cuts, and eye splashes—so you're prepared for daily kitchen accidents.
Catering First Aid Kit - Medium Workplace First Aid Kit: Rated for 25-100 employees in low-risk settings, or 5-25 in high-risk settings, and comes in a green integral aura box. For larger catering teams or higher-risk environments, this kit ensures you have enough supplies to handle multiple incidents.
Medium Workplace First Aid Kit
Who should choose which kit?
Best for
- Small catering teams (up to 10 staff) in high-risk kitchens: Catering First Aid Kit
- Larger teams (11-25 staff) or those needing a more comprehensive kit: Medium Workplace First Aid Kit
Not for
- Very large operations (over 25 staff) without additional kits
- Office-only environments with low risk, where a basic kit may be more cost-effective
