Does Your Workplace Need a Defibrillator? UK Legal and Safety Guidance Explained
Every year, thousands of people in the UK suffer sudden cardiac arrest outside hospital. When this happens, time is critical. Each minute without defibrillation reduces the chance of survival. Employers and organisations increasingly consider whether they should provide an automated external defibrillator (AED) on site as part of their first aid provision.
This article explains:
- What UK law currently says (and doesn’t say) about defibrillators in the workplace
- How to assess whether your premises “need” one
- Practical guidance on placement, training and device selection
- An example of a modern AED (Mindray C1A) and what features to look for
Did you know?
A modern AED can deliver a shock in under 8 seconds after being turned on (depending on the model), drastically improving chances if used promptly.
What the Law Requires (and Doesn’t) in the UK
In the United Kingdom, there is no legal requirement for employers to have a defibrillator on their premises. However, the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981 require employers to provide adequate first aid equipment, facilities, and personnel.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) advises employers to carry out a First Aid Needs Assessment. This determines whether an AED is appropriate based on workforce size, nature of work, site location, and proximity to emergency medical services.
While not legally mandated, AEDs are strongly encouraged by the Resuscitation Council UK and the British Heart Foundation (BHF), particularly where ambulance response times may be longer.
Key Points
- No law compels a workplace to have an AED
- Employers must assess first aid needs under HSE guidance
- An AED may be considered “appropriate equipment” following assessment
- Having an AED demonstrates commitment to staff and public safety
Did You Know?
Survival rates can exceed 70% when an AED is used within three minutes of collapse.
First Aid Needs Assessment: When an AED Becomes Appropriate
A First Aid Needs Assessment helps employers decide what provisions are necessary. The HSE recommends considering AEDs where cardiac risk is elevated or emergency response times are extended.
Key factors include:
- Workforce size and demographics
- Nature of work (physically demanding or high stress)
- Location and ambulance access
- Public access to the premises
Where these risks exist, an AED such as the Mindray C1A may be justified as appropriate first aid equipment.
Observation:
AEDs that are poorly signposted or hidden are far less likely to be used. Visibility is critical.
Best Practices for Placement, Access & Signage
Once installed, the location and visibility of an AED determine its effectiveness.
Placement
- Clearly visible and unobstructed
- Accessible within three minutes from anywhere on site
- Located near reception or first aid points
- Housed in a marked cabinet (heated if outdoors)
No one should need more than 90 seconds to retrieve the AED and return.
Access
AEDs should be accessible to all staff and visitors. Devices like the Mindray C1A use clear voice and visual prompts, allowing untrained users to act confidently.
Signage
- Use ISO 7010 green AED symbols
- Position signs above the cabinet and along approach routes
- Ensure signage is visible in low light
Did You Know?
Survival rates double when an AED is used before paramedics arrive.
Staff Training, Maintenance & Oversight
Training
Training is not mandatory, but strongly recommended. Best practice includes:
- Annual AED awareness sessions
- Integration into FAW or EFAW training
- Practical drills to practise retrieval and use
Maintenance
Under PUWER 1998, employers must ensure equipment is maintained safely:
- Weekly visual checks
- Replacement of pads and batteries before expiry
- Maintain a simple inspection log
- Register the AED on The Circuit
Oversight
Assign a responsible person to oversee checks and documentation.
Choosing a Reliable Device: Mindray C1A
Workplace AEDs should be easy to use, reliable, and low maintenance.
What to Look For
- Fully automatic operation
- Clear voice and visual prompts
- Compact, durable design
- Long-life consumables
- UK-based support and spares
The Mindray C1A
The Mindray C1A is a fully automatic AED designed for public and workplace use. Features include:
- Animated and voice-guided instructions
- Fast analysis and shock delivery
- CPR feedback prompts
- Low running costs
- Clear readiness indicator
Did You Know?
The Mindray C1A is registered on The Circuit, making it visible to ambulance services.
Liability & Legal Protection
Using an AED in good faith carries minimal legal risk. UK common law protects those who attempt to help during emergencies.
Good Samaritan Principles
There are no recorded cases of successful legal action against a layperson for using an AED in an emergency.
Employer Risk
Failing to assess first aid needs presents more risk than installing an AED.
Case Studies
Warehouse, West Midlands
A Mindray C1A was used within two minutes during a cardiac arrest, saving a worker’s life.
Office Building, Manchester
A shared AED near reception enabled a visiting contractor to survive sudden cardiac arrest.
Manufacturing Site, Kent
A rented Mindray C1A provided reliable coverage with maintenance included.
Summary & Key Takeaways
- No legal requirement, but strong best practice
- AEDs often identified through First Aid Needs Assessment
- Visibility, access, and signage are critical
- Regular checks and simple training ensure readiness
- The Mindray C1A offers reliable, compliant workplace protection
FAQs
Do I need a defibrillator?
Not by law, but HSE guidance expects employers to assess the need.
Can anyone use an AED?
Yes. AEDs are designed for untrained users.
Is training required?
No, but it improves confidence and response time.
How often should checks be done?
Weekly visual checks with logged records.
Is there legal risk?
No. Good faith use is protected under UK law.