Further Extension to dates of First Aid and Pool Emergency Responder Certificates
On the guidance provided by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) on 28th September 2020, the HSE has allowed further extension to qualifications for First Aid at Work. This has been interpreted by other Awarding bodies to follow suite, therefore has been endorsed by both the Safety Training Awards (STA) and Royal Lifesaving Society (RLSS).
The guidance which can be read at on the HSE Website, stipulates that qualifications that expired after 16th March 2020 can remain valid until 31st October 2020 or 6 months from expiry, whichever is later. All requalifications training for these certificates should be completed by 31st March 2021.
To qualify for the extension, employers must be able to demonstrate that:
- They have made 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, that staff with expired certificates are booked onto requalification courses.
- They have adequate and appropriate equipment and facilities to provide treatment if people become unwell
- Level of cover remains appropriate
- The level of provision remains fully maintained.
What it should not be read from this, is that all qualifications are extended to 6 months from expiry or 31st October, which ever is latest. If others cannot provide the necessary cover for First Aid or for that matter responding to Poolside Incidents, then the provision is not provided. What would be a very good way to demonstrate that staff have continued to maintain competence is by use of the monthly online training. During lockdown, we have moved this online, and any candidate who has completed their Pool Emergency Responder or First Aid at Work, can access the appropriate monthly training through their own online account. To do this for candidates who have completed either Pool Emergency Responder or First Aid at Work prior to March 2020, if they go onto our website www.swimmingpooltraining.co.uk click on the button of my account and create an account, and then once this is done, people can upload a copy of either their Pool Emergency Responder or First Aid at Work. Once we have confirmed this was completed with P & P Associates, a new icon will appear on their account to complete the monthly training.
All courses are now running with availability on all courses, and this can be provided through our website www.swimmingpooltraining.co.uk
If you have any queries, please contact us on 08700772637
