Changes to recognition of Occupational First Aid (Award Code 5N1207) to be introduced from September 2017
QQI have issued clarification on what happens The Occupational First Course from September 1st when the new PHECC First Aid Response (FAR) course becomes the standard.
See below for all the changes.
Level 5 Occupational First Aid
Providers offering QQI Level Occupational First Aid (OFA) are advised that, from 1 September 2017, the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) will no longer recognise the component (Award Code 5N1207) as meeting the requirements for occupational first aid in all workplaces. This change has arisen 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.
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:
- Early Childhood Care and Education
- Hospitality Operations
- Security Studies
- Applied Social Studies
- Health Service Skills
- Healthcare Support
- Nursing Studies
- Youth Work
- Tourism with Business
- Sports, Recreation and Exercise
- 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.
