First aid tapes in the workplace

June 20, 2025

Brenniston Bleed First Aid Kit is designed to meet safety requirements on large building and construction sites, and high-risk environments.

First aid tapes are a common sight in most Australian workplaces, and a staple component in first aid kits.

These simple adhesive products do far more than just hold gauze in place. The correct selection and use of first aid tapes can significantly influence the effectiveness of injury management in the workplace.

Understanding the various types and features of first aid tape can help employers maintain compliance and improve injury outcomes.

Paper tape

Paper tapes secure dressings and wearable medical devices and jewellery to sensitive areas of the body such as the face and neck.

Hypoallergenic
Breathable
Pain-free removal with no sticky residue

Brenniston paper tapes are used to secure dressings to the body.

Visual detectable tape

Visual and metal-detectable tapes secure and prevent dressings, jewellery and other foreign objects from contaminating food service and preparation.

Food industry safe
Hypoallergenic
Washproof

Brenniston visual detectable tapes secures dressings to the skin for use in food service and preparation.

Undertape

Undertapes protect sensitive skin under strapping while increasing top tape adhesion. Apply to small friction points during high activity to prevent rubbing.

Hypoallergenic
Highly conforming
Breathable

Brenniston undertapes are used under strapping tapes to protect the skin from the corrosive nature of the adhesives used in them.

Elastic or stretch tape

Elastic or stretch tapes conform to flexing joints and muscles to support and lightly compress in case of swelling. They can be used over rigid tape for reinforcement and added flexibility, and to secure dressings on non-sensitive skin.

Highly conforming
Breathable
Strong adhesion tolerates high levels of moisture and sweat

Brenniston elastic or stretch tapes support flexing joints and muscles.

Rigid or zinc oxide tape

Rigid or zinc oxide tapes help prevent soft tissue injuries by firmly stabilising and supporting joints and ligaments.

Highly conforming
Breathable
Strong zinc oxide adhesion tolerates high levels of moisture and sweat

Brenniston rigid or zinc oxide tapes secure dressings and supports injuries.

Premium first aid tapes

Premium first aid tapes from Brenniston provide reliable support for a range of workplace first aid needs.

From visually detectable to rigid strapping tapes, they're designed for effective support, safety, comfort and injury management.

Premium tapes that align with Australian workplace first aid requirements ensure your first aid kit is equipped with the best tools for quick, effective treatment.

Proper first aid tape storage

How first aid tapes are stored affects their shelf life and effectiveness.

First aid tapes can degrade over time, especially when exposed to:

Extreme heat when stored near machinery or in vehicles
Moisture which can cause mould or adhesive breakdown
UV light which can weaken adhesives and backing material

For best results, first aid tapes should be stored:

Away from direct sunlight
In a cool, dry location, ideally below 25°C
In sealed packaging until use

For compliance, regularly inspect and update stock in first aid kits to ensure the materials remain within expiry dates and in good working order.

Conclusion

First aid tapes are an essential, yet often underestimated, component of workplace health and safety.

Their proper selection, application, and maintenance can dramatically improve first aid outcomes and worker comfort.

Australian employers must go beyond simply stocking a generic roll of tape and consider environmental and other factors.

By conducting regular reviews of first aid supplies, and ensuring appropriate training, workplaces can improve compliance, reduce risk, and deliver better care when it matters most.