From 1 September 2017, the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) ceased recognising the QQI component (award code 5N1207) as meeting the requirements for occupational first aid in all workplaces.
This change arose from the HSA’s decision to recognise the Prehospital Emergency Care Council (PHECC) First Aid Response Education and Training standard (FAR). The HSA statement about the transition to FAR can be found here.
Existing occupational first aiders can apply to have their qualifications individually assessed by a participating PHECC recognised institution (RI) in accordance with the RI’s Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy and procedures.
Status of QQI component in OFA
The QQI Level 5 component will remain in place and available for certification until further notice. QQI is establishing a process for reviewing award standards and a decision on retaining or deactivating the Level 5 OFA component will be taken in that context and due notice given to providers. The Level 5 OFA component is named in the following major awards:
5M2009 Early Childhood Care and Education
5M2083 Hospitality Operations
5M2110 Security Studies
5M2181 Applied Social Studies
5M3782 Health Service Skills
5M4339 Healthcare Support
5M4349 Nursing Studies
5M4732 Youth Work
5M5011 Tourism with Business
5M5146 Sports, Recreation and Exercise
5M5148 Outdoor Sport and Recreation
Impact for Providers and Learners
Providers with validated programmes leading to the above major awards, or where 5N1207 is used as residual credit, should consider its continued use in their programme in light of the HSA decision. They should also ensure that, under their procedures around information to learners, they advise learners of the HSA decision and its potential impact for them in the workplace. Providers who may be considering submitting a programme for validation for Level 5 Occupational First Aid are advised to consider the suitability of doing so in light of the HSA decision.