Workplace first aid tapes
First aid tapes are a small but important and highly versatile component of workplace first aid.
Often overlooked until an injury occurs, tapes play a vital role in securing dressings, stabilising injured joints and supporting soft tissue damage.
In Australian workplaces - from construction sites and factories to offices and remote locations - choosing and using the right type of tape can significantly impact the quality of immediate care.
Despite their importance, choosing the right can be confusing, and their effectiveness can be compromised by environmental conditions, skin sensitivity or poor storage.
Selecting the right first aid tape from Brenniston can improve safety outcomes and reduce recovery times.
Choosing the right first aid tape
The right type depends on the nature of the injury, the work environment, and the duration the tape needs to remain effective.
Here are the most common types used in Australian workplaces:
Paper tape - Secures dressings and wearable medical devices and jewellery to sensitive areas of the body such as the face and neck. Hypoallergenic and breathable, with pain-free removal and no sticky residue.
Visual detectable tape - Secures and prevents dressings, jewellery and other foreign objects from contaminating food service and preparation. Food industry safe, hypoallergenic and washproof.
Undertape - Protects sensitive skin under strapping while increasing top tape adhesion. Apply to small friction points during high activity to prevent rubbing. Friendly to sensitive skin, highly conforming and breathable.
Elastic or stretch tape - Conforms to flexing joints and muscles to support and lightly compress in case of swelling. It can be used over rigid tape for reinforcement and added flexibility, and to secure dressings on non-sensitive skin. Highly conforming and breathable. Strong adhesion tolerates high levels of moisture and sweat.
Rigid or zinc oxide tape - Prevents soft tissue injuries by firmly stabilising and supporting joints and ligaments. Highly conforming and breathable. Strong zinc oxide adhesion tolerates high levels of moisture and sweat.
Understanding which tape to use isn’t only about effectiveness - it’s also about reducing the risk of allergic reactions, tape burns, and dressing failures.
Premium first aid tapes from Brenniston provide reliable support for a range of workplace first aid needs to ensure your first aid kits are equipped with the best tools for quick, effective treatment.
How improper tape use can compromise first aid treatment
Using the wrong type of tape or applying it incorrectly can lead to problems.
For example:
- Over-tight application can restrict circulation, leading to numbness or delayed healing
- Too loose and the dressing may slip, exposing wounds to infection
- Using strongly adhesive tapes on sensitive skin may result in irritation or allergic reactions
Workplaces with employees who have skin sensitivities or skin conditions should take these factors into account when stocking first aid supplies.
Workplace first aiders should be trained not only in first aid procedures but also in appropriate product selection and application techniques to avoid complications.
Environmental factors impact first aid tape performance
Australia’s diverse working conditions - from humid mine sites in Queensland to cold storage warehouses in Victoria - can influence the performance of first aid tapes.
Environmental factors that can impact first aid tape performance include:
- Heat and humidity, which can cause tape to lose adhesion quickly, especially if the skin is damp
- Dusty environments that can interfere with adhesion, necessitating skin cleaning before application
- Wet conditions where waterproof tapes need to ensure that dressings remain in place
Employers should review the environmental conditions of each work area and match tape types accordingly. For outdoor workers, waterproof and UV-resistant tapes may be more appropriate, whereas more breathable, lighter-weight tapes are better suited in office settings.
Allergic reactions to adhesive tapes are common
One often overlooked risk is contact dermatitis from adhesive tapes.
These reactions can range from mild redness to severe blistering. Some workers may also be allergic to latex, a material found in some types of tape backing or adhesive.
To mitigate these risks:
- Stock hypoallergenic options in all first aid kits
- Offer training so staff know how to spot signs of a reaction
- Provide alternatives such as tubular or other bandages to hold dressings in place
Employers also have a legal duty to ensure that first aid equipment is suitable for the nature of the work and the workforce.
Tapes for splinting
While most people associate first aid tape with dressings, it also plays a role in:
- Immobilising splints for fractures or sprains
- Taping fingers or toes together to support sprains and fractures
Understanding these broader applications can make a significant difference, especially in remote or high-risk environments where professional medical care may not be immediately accessible.
Training first aiders in these applications allows workplaces to respond more effectively to a wider range of injuries.
Storage conditions affect shelf life and effectiveness
First aid tapes, like many first aid supplies, are sensitive to environmental conditions.
If stored improperly, tapes can lose their adhesive properties, become brittle, or degrade in ways that render them ineffective when needed most.
Common storage risks include:
- Excessive heat, such as in vehicles or near industrial equipment, which can cause adhesive breakdown
- High humidity or moisture, which can lead to mould growth or affect tape backing materials
- Exposure to direct sunlight or UV rays, which may weaken both adhesive and fabric components
To maintain the integrity of first aid tapes:
- Store them in a cool, dry place, ideally between 15°C and 25°C
- Keep them sealed in original packaging until use
- Avoid leaving them in direct sunlight or heat-exposed areas of a work vehicle
Workplaces should implement a schedule to regularly inspect and replenish first aid kit contents, ensuring tapes remain within expiry dates and are in usable condition.
This simple step can prevent unnecessary delays or complications during an emergency response.
Workplace obligations under Australian regulations
Under the model Work Health and Safety (WHS) regulations, employers are required to provide adequate facilities and first aid equipment, including:
- Sufficient first aid kits
- Appropriate contents based on the type and level of risk
- Trained first aiders
Employers should conduct regular risk assessments to ensure the contents of their first aid kits meet the specific needs of their workers and environment.
Inclusive first aid
In today’s diverse workplaces, one size doesn’t fit all.
Employers should consider the needs of workers from different cultural backgrounds and abilities:
- Language barriers - Ensure instructions for tape application and other first aid measures are available in multiple languages where necessary
- Disabilities or dexterity issues - Some workers may find it difficult to manipulate small adhesive strips. Easy-grip or pre-cut options can help.
- Cultural sensitivities - In some cultures, skin exposure or certain treatments may be inappropriate. Training should include respectful communication and consent.
Adopting an inclusive approach to first aid can improve outcomes and demonstrate a commitment to the wellbeing of all workers.
Training and refreshers are essential
While first aid training covers dressing wounds, specific instruction on tape usage may be minimal.
To address this gap, employers should:
- Include tape application practice in refresher training
- Encourage first aiders to understand when and how to use different types of tape
- Offer practical simulations to prepare for scenarios like joint or soft tissue injuries
Regular hands-on training ensures that when injuries occur, the response is not only quick but also effective and safe.
Conclusion
While first aid tapes may appear to be a minor detail, their impact in a workplace first aid response is anything but.
From ensuring dressings stay in place in humid work conditions to supporting joint injuries in physically demanding roles, the right tape used correctly can make a significant difference.
Australian employers have a legal responsibility to ensure that all first aid materials, including tapes, are fit for purpose, well-maintained and appropriate for their specific work environments. This means considering environmental challenges, individual worker needs and storage practices.
By reviewing the types of tapes used, training staff in proper application, and regularly checking supply condition, businesses can strengthen their overall first aid preparedness and better protect their workers’ health and wellbeing.
References
Safe Work Australia - Model WHS Regulations