What does BS 8599 mean on a first aid kit?
Updated October 6, 2026
Short answer
BS 8599 is a UK standard for the contents of first aid kits. BS 8599-1 covers the contents of workplace first aid kits and BS 8599-2 covers the contents of motor vehicle first aid kits. A kit labelled with one of these numbers follows that content list according to its maker.
What is the difference between BS 8599-1 and BS 8599-2?
BS 8599-1 covers the contents of workplace first aid kits. BS 8599-2 covers the contents of motor vehicle first aid kits. The number on the box therefore tells you which setting the contents were specified for. Piece counts remain the maker's own count.
- BS 8599-1: contents of workplace first aid kits
- BS 8599-2: contents of motor vehicle first aid kits
- St John Ambulance's small workplace kit: up to 25 people at low risk or 5 at high risk
- Reliance Medical's small workplace kit: under 25 people at low risk or under 5 at high risk
Do I need a BS 8599 kit at home?
The UK government's Prepare website lists a first aid kit in its home emergency kit advice. A kit with a BS 8599 number gives a household a content list drawn up for a workplace or a vehicle. Both St John Ambulance kits and the Reliance Medical kit carry such a number.
Which kits on the shortlist carry the standard?
What Car? tested the St John vehicle kit and weighed it at 452 g. St John lists a trauma dressing and two burn dressings. Shears, a face shield and a foil blanket complete it. Reliance Medical itemises 40 washproof plasters and 20 cleansing wipes and 6 pairs of gloves for its workplace kit.
- St John Ambulance Small Workplace Kit: BS 8599-1 hard box with wall bracket for up to 25 people at low risk
- Reliance Medical Small Workplace Kit: BS 8599-1 in a hard box with integrated wall brackets at 900 g
- St John Ambulance Medium Motor Vehicle Kit: BS 8599-2 soft case with 41 pieces for vehicles carrying up to 8 passengers
From our shortlist
BS 8599-1 workplace kit in a hard box with wall bracket for up to 25 low-risk staff.
BS 8599-2 car kit with 41 pieces for vehicles carrying up to 8 passengers.
BS 8599-1 hard box kit with integrated wall brackets and 40 washproof plasters.
Related questions
Who is a small workplace kit meant for?
St John Ambulance states its small workplace kit covers up to 25 people at low risk or 5 people at high risk. Reliance Medical frames its small kit as under 25 at low risk or under 5 at high risk. Both carry BS 8599-1 and come in a hard box with wall brackets.
What is in a BS 8599-2 vehicle kit?
St John Ambulance lists a trauma dressing and two burn dressings for its medium vehicle kit. Shears, a face shield and a foil blanket are included along with a first aid guide booklet. The plasters are plastic-free and the dressings are paper-wrapped. The kit is designed for cars and taxis and vehicles carrying up to 8 passengers.
Does the piece count matter?
Piece counts are the maker's own count. St John states 41 pieces for its medium vehicle kit. Reliance Medical itemises 40 washproof plasters and 20 cleansing wipes and 6 pairs of gloves for its small workplace kit. Compare the list of items rather than the headline number when two kits carry the same BS 8599 part.
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