Safety alert: Check first aid kits in line with recent government guidance 

As part of your workplace Health & Safety arrangements, you likely have first aid kits installed in your premises or in your vehicles. 

The Government has recently released new advice concerning an outbreak of Burkholderia stabilis infections linked to the following brands of wipe: 

• ValueAid Alcohol Free Cleansing Wipes 

• Microsafe Moist Wipe Alcohol Free 

• Steroplast Sterowipe Alcohol Free Cleansing Wipes 

• Reliwipe Alcohol Free Cleansing Wipes 

It’s essential to use only wipes labelled as ‘sterile’ on broken skin (such as wounds, abrasions, or areas displaying visible blood) to minimise the infection risk by preventing entry of harmful microorganisms. 

The above list of wipes are not labelled as sterile and aren’t fit for purpose on broken skin.  

If you have any of these products, it’s strongly recommended that you get rid of them immediately and update your first aid kit with sterile wipes. 

What is Burkholderia? 

Burkholderia are bacteria commonly present in soil and water. One species, Burkholderia stabilis, can lead to serious infections, especially in vulnerable people, although most individuals don’t experience issues with these bacteria. 

Recently, certain non-sterile alcohol-free wipes have been connected to an outbreak of Burkholderia stabilis in the UK. These wipes weren’t intended for general use or for babies; instead, they often come individually wrapped in small packets found in some first aid kits.  

While the affected products have been removed from stores, some may still be in homes or first aid kits. If you have wipes that aren’t marked as ‘sterile’, you should check your home and first aid kits for them. 

To reduce the risk of infection: 

• Follow NHS advice when applying first aid and treating cuts and grazes, and clean wounds properly using appropriate products 

• Do not use non-sterile alcohol-free wipes on broken or damaged skin – these aren’t suitable for wound care 

• Never use non-sterile alcohol-free wipes to clean intravenous lines  

• Check your first aid kit – make sure you have appropriate sterile products for treating wounds 

For full details, please see here