A SNAPSHOT OF CLIENT QUERIES

We’ve picked a few of the most interesting questions we’ve dealt with since our last issue, which may be useful if you ever find yourself in a similar situation at your school.

Query: I'm just reaching out to enquire if there is an updated guide for the Display Screen Equipment guide.

The guide still refers to using a single monitor or laptop device which is located directly in front of the user. A lot or our users have dual monitor setups, some have the twin monitors connected to a laptop as well.

Just looking for guidance on the best way to advise the staff on arranging the equipment for optimal use and to minimise the risk of long term health effects if not using it correctly.

I've tried looking online for updated info, but even the guides from the HSE still seem to assume a single display.

There is no mandatory requirement for schools to provide tourniquets, but following a risk assessment, a school may decide that they need a tourniquet in their first aid provision for areas such as DT. In this instance, the HSE states:

These Regulations do not require employers to provide first aid for anyone other than their own employees. However, many organisations, such as schools, places of entertainment, fairgrounds and shops, provide a service for others, and it is strongly recommended that employers include non-employees in their assessment of first-aid needs and make provision for them. This may require first-aiders to receive additional training above the legal minimum requirement so that they are able to act competently; for example, additional training in paediatric first aid if operating in a school, or the management of life-threatening bleeding.

Unless the school feels that there is a significant chance that a tourniquet may need to be deployed, therefore, there is no other requirement.

Handsam should point out that tourniquets are always only a last resort in a major injury situation, and there is no law which says they cannot be applied by non first-aiders. Under the general 'hero' protection law, it is extremely unlikely that anyone who isn't trained could be prosecuted if the application of a tourniquet by an untrained person results in further injury. However, Handsam strongly recommend that in the vast majority of circumstances, they should be applied by a trained first-aider, as part of their training will usually include the correct use of tourniquets.

In October 2025, the First Aid Quality Partnership (FAQP) - a first aid industry body committed to the maintenance and improvement of quality standards in the provision of First Aid training and qualifications in the UK - officially added life-threatening (catastrophic) bleeding management into core first aid training syllabi. This aligned it with the Resuscitation Council UK (RCUK) guidelines. This is reflected in their Life-Threatening Bleeding guidance. They state:

Where employers undertake a first aid needs assessment that identifies workplace hazards with a specific risk of life-threatening bleeding, they should follow HSE guidance and consider provision of manufactured tourniquets and haemostatic dressings. Employers should confirm with their first aid training provider that the application of manufactured tourniquets and haemostatic techniques are included in training and assessment in addition to the standard first aid syllabus.

There is no specific, standalone page or unique rule from the HSE or DfE that applies exclusively to schools regarding tourniquets. Instead, if an employer conducts a first aid needs Assessment and decides that specialised equipment like a tourniquet or haemostatic dressing is necessary, the employer is legally required to ensure that first-aiders are fully trained to use that specific equipment. You cannot stock specialised medical devices in a workplace kit without providing the corresponding competence training.

However, as stated above, the 'hero' law (known as the SARAH law; Social Action, Responsibility and Heroism act 2015 would most likely protect any non-trained person acting in the best interests of a severely injured person.

Tourniquet training is also strongly recommended by organisations such as the London Ambulance Service and the British Red Cross.

Handsam recommends that the trust consider whether or not it mandates that tourniquets should or need not be provided based on a risk assessment undertaken by each school.

Query: A staff member has conducted research to understand advice/best practise on the use of tourniquets in first aid kits in school. She has found conflicting advice with some sites saying anyone can use a tourniquet and others, including the government website, saying only first aid trained staff should attempt to use a tourniquet. Additionally, some first aid courses provide tourniquet training, but may just be taught and not practical and others do not touch on it. Are Handsam able to offer any guidance/clarity because we are seeking to clarify in our First Aid policy?

Query: Are staff able to use their own cars to visit work experience students if they do not have business insurance? My understanding that was that staff were able to attend courses / events in their own vehicles as long as this was not a regular occurrence then it would be classed as business travel.

If staff use their personal vehicles to visit pupils on work experience placements, drive to off-site meetings, or travel between different school sites, standard Social, Domestic, Pleasure, and Commuting (SDPC) cover is often not enough. When staff travel directly from home it is simply commuting, but if they move between the different sites then it is considered be a work journey and could mean business insurance may be needed. Handsam would recommend that staff speak to their insurers for clarification as insurers may refuse to pay out for damages or third-party claims if staff are not sufficiently covered.

While the UK HSE does not appear to mention dual screens anywhere in their guidance, Handsam would recommend that for those members of staff who use dual screens, they should:

• Position the top of each screen at eye level to maintain good posture.

• Keep screens close together and swivel the chair when looking between them, rather than twisting the body.

• If both screens are used equally, sit centrally and angle the screens slightly inward in a gentle “V” shape.

• If the member of staff has a primary screen, it should be placed directly in front of them with the secondary screen angled slightly toward them.

• Keep screens about an arm’s length away for the most comfortable viewing distance.