DIN 13157, DIN 13164, BS 8599-1 and BS 8599-2: Which First Aid Standard Applies to Your Fleet?

Why the standard matters

A first aid kit is only as good as the standard it is built to. For commercial vehicle fleets operating across different countries, understanding which standard applies, and why, is a compliance requirement rather than a technicality.

Germany, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom each approach vehicle first aid differently. Some standards are mandatory; others are widely accepted by inspectors and insurers as meeting the legal minimum. Knowing which is which prevents gaps and removes guesswork from procurement.

HYSAVER can supply kits certified to all of the standards described below.

Standards at a glance

	DIN 13157	DIN 13164	BS 8599-1	BS 8599-2 (Medium)
Origin	Germany (DIN)	Germany (DIN)	United Kingdom (BSI)	United Kingdom (BSI)
Primary application	Workplace / LCV (Germany)	Motor vehicle (EU-wide)	Workplace first aid	Motor vehicle first aid
Key market	Germany	Netherlands, Belgium, EU	UK workplaces	UK vehicles
Scope	Broader, LCV treated as a workplace	Vehicle-only minimum	Comprehensive workplace provision	Vehicle-specific provision
Kit size	Larger, more items	Compact, vehicle-focused	Multiple sizes (small / medium / large)	Small / medium / large
Legally mandated?	Yes, Germany (workplace / LCV rule)	Yes, Germany (private vehicles); widely accepted in NL, BE	Guidance-based; satisfies HSE requirements	Guidance-based; satisfies HSE requirements

Understanding each standard

DIN 13164: the EU vehicle standard

DIN 13164 is published by the Deutsches Institut für Normung and defines the minimum contents for a first aid kit in a motor vehicle. It was originally designed for the German market but has become the de facto vehicle first aid standard across the EU.

For fleets operating in the Netherlands, Belgium, and across EU borders, a DIN 13164-certified kit provides a consistent, inspector-recognised baseline. It covers wound care, bandaging, protective equipment, and basic tools needed at the scene of a road incident.

Read more: DIN 13164 and what it means for your fleet

DIN 13157: the German workplace / LCV standard

In Germany, light commercial vehicles (LCVs) are legally classified as workplaces, not just transport. This means the more demanding workplace first aid standard, DIN 13157, applies alongside or instead of DIN 13164 for many vehicle types.

DIN 13157 requires a larger kit with a broader range of materials. It includes additional wound dressings, more bandaging options, and a greater quantity of each item. For fleets based in Germany, or those with vehicles registered there, DIN 13157 compliance is typically required rather than optional.

BS 8599-1: UK workplace first aid kits

BS 8599-1 is published by the British Standards Institution (BSI) and sets out the specification for workplace first aid kits in the United Kingdom. It was introduced to replace the older guidance-based HSE green bag and provides a modern, clearly defined standard that employers can demonstrate compliance against.

The standard comes in four sizes: small, medium, large, and travel. The appropriate size depends on the number of workers and the risk level of the workplace. For most commercial environments, the medium kit is the starting point.

BS 8599-1 is not a statutory requirement in the same way as some European standards, but it is the recognised way to meet the Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981 in the UK. HSE guidance explicitly references it as a suitable standard. Inspectors and insurers treat a BS 8599-1-certified kit as evidence of adequate provision.

BS 8599-2: UK motor vehicle first aid kits

BS 8599-2 is the vehicle-specific companion to BS 8599-1. It defines the contents of a first aid kit designed for motor vehicles, with sizes and contents calibrated to the needs of vehicle occupants and the nature of road incidents.

For commercial fleets in the UK, BS 8599-2 Medium is typically sufficient. It covers the practical first aid needs of a driver and passengers without the full workplace provision required under BS 8599-1.

HYSAVER can supply kits certified to both BS 8599-1 and BS 8599-2.

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BS 8599-2 Medium: full contents

The following items are included in a BS 8599-2 Medium kit as standard:

Item	Quantity
Guidance leaflet	1
Nitrile disposable gloves (pairs)	6
Sterile adhesive dressings (assorted)	20
Sterile eye pad with bandage	2
Sterile wound dressing No. 8 (small)	1
Sterile wound dressing No. 16 (medium)	2
Triangular bandage	2
Safety pins	6
Foil rescue blanket	1
Conforming bandage (7.5 cm × 4.5 m)	2
Microporous tape (2.5 cm × 5 m)	1
Resuscitation face shield	1
Sterile saline wound wash (20 ml)	2
Scissors	1

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BS 8599-1 Medium: full contents

The following items are included in a BS 8599-1 Medium workplace kit as standard:

Item	Quantity
Guidance leaflet	1
Nitrile disposable gloves (pairs)	9
Sterile adhesive dressings (assorted)	40
Sterile eye pad with bandage	2
Sterile wound dressing No. 8 (small)	4
Sterile wound dressing No. 16 (medium)	4
Sterile wound dressing No. 20 (large)	1
Triangular bandage	3
Safety pins	12
Foil rescue blanket	2
Conforming bandage (7.5 cm × 4.5 m)	3
Microporous tape (2.5 cm × 5 m)	2
Resuscitation face shield	1
Sterile saline wound wash (20 ml)	4
Scissors	1
Finger dressing	2
Burns dressing (10 × 10 cm)	1

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Choosing the right standard for your fleet

For fleets operating only in the Netherlands or Belgium, DIN 13164 is the practical standard. It is accepted by labour inspectors in both countries and recognised across the EU.

For fleets operating in Germany, or with vehicles legally classified as workplaces there, DIN 13157 applies. DIN 13164 may not be sufficient on its own.

For fleets operating in the United Kingdom, BS 8599-2 Medium is the appropriate starting point for vehicle first aid. If vehicles also function as workplaces under UK health and safety law, BS 8599-1 may additionally apply.

HYSAVER can supply kits certified to DIN 13164, DIN 13157, BS 8599-1, and BS 8599-2. For current pricing, visit the HYSAVER store catalog. Discount structures are consistent with the rest of the product range.

Kits and replacement components are available at store.hysaver.com. Contact us to discuss which standard applies to your fleet and how to equip your vehicles accordingly.