AED law: Is Your Business Required to Have an AED?
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A Comprehensive Guide for Irish Companies
A common question regarding AEDs is: “Is a business required to have an AED?” According to Irish AED law, companies and employers are not mandated to have an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) on their premises. The provision of first aid facilities, such as AEDs, for recreational use does not fall under the remit of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005. However, it is highly recommended.
Should Your Workplace Have an AED?
While it is not legally required by defibrillator law, it is advised to consider having an AED in any workplace where a first aid responder is present. Additionally, training other employees in the use of AEDs is strongly encouraged.
The Health and Safety Authority’s Guide to the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 2007 outlines that it is unreasonable to expect all employers, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises, to have an AED due to the associated costs, including maintenance. A practical solution could be for several small/medium businesses in the same area (such as shopping centres) to share the cost of purchasing and maintaining an AED.
Medisol’s Recommendation
At Medisol, we recommend installing an AED in every workplace. This aligns with the advice given in the HSA Guidelines on First Aid at Places of Work, which states that it is good practice for companies to invest in AEDs. Fortunately, first aid responders are already trained to use AEDs during first aid courses and refreshers.
Rules for Using AEDs in Public Places
In Ireland, anyone can use an AED. The Civil Liability Act 2011 protects those who assist in emergencies. Although it is encouraged to take a CPR course, it is not a legal requirement. Emergency dispatchers will guide you through CPR; untrained individuals are also encouraged to start CPR and use an AED if available.
Reporting the Location of AEDs to Authorities
In Ireland, it is not mandatory to report the location of your AED to any authority. However, the location of AEDs is tracked by emergency services if voluntarily registered with the national dispatch centre. This register is not comprehensive and is not available to the general public.