Fitting an AED Cabinet That Works in Even the Smallest Office
Choosing the right AED cabinet for your limited space is crucial for ensuring quick access during emergencies and complying with safety standards.
Small offices face a unique challenge with emergency preparedness. Workplace layouts are often dictated by available space, not by ideal safety design. Yet, when someone’s life is at stake, easy access to an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is critical.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) advises that defibrillators should be clearly visible and readily available, since every minute’s delay in treating sudden cardiac arrest reduces the chance of survival by around 10%.
In practice, squeezing another wall-mounted device into already limited floorplans can create significant trade-offs. A bulky AED cabinet that juts into a corridor or reception is a potential hazard. People risk moving the unit or shifting it out of sight, defeating the point of having rapid access in a crisis. At worst, staff may simply store the device without a cabinet, leaving it unprotected in a drawer, cupboard, or on a shelf-where it’s at far greater risk of loss or accidental damage, and definitely hard to find in an emergency.
A compact AED cabinet designed for limited indoor space secures the device, keeps it accessible, and provides visual reassurance to both staff and visitors that lifesaving equipment is available and easy to find. This investment safeguards lives, supports workplace efficiency, and helps employers meet their duties under UK law.
Common Pitfalls
The most prevalent mistake in small workplaces is believing that one has to choose between security, accessibility, and space - “We don’t have room for a proper cabinet, so we’ll just keep the defib in the back office behind reception.”
This short-term solution introduces real risks:
The AED is difficult to locate in an emergency. Panic and confusion cost precious seconds.
Unprotected AEDs are easily tampered with, knocked, or damaged.
Temporary storage arrangements are overlooked in training, audits, or when new staff join.
Security may be compromised. In unlocked, low-visibility locations the device is more vulnerable to theft or misuse.
Another stumbling block is placing the AED cabinet too high, too low, or in a spot that gets blocked by office furniture or foot traffic. Despite good intentions, poor placement can mean the difference between a quick response and a preventable tragedy.
Many organisations misunderstand the requirements for an AED’s visibility or make installation too complicated. Sometimes, for the sake of tidiness or privacy, the defib cabinet is installed in a place only one or two people know about. This directly contravenes both HSE advice and good first aid principles.
Some offices also use a generic wall cabinet, not designed for AEDs. These may lack clear window panels, tamper-proof fixings, suitable brackets, or the universally recognised AED signage, making them harder to identify and risking damage to the device.
Step-by-Step Fix
The key to safe and efficient AED placement in a small office is matching the storage solution to both the device and the realities of your workspace. Follow these steps to achieve the right balance.
Step 1: Assess Your Office Layout and Traffic Flow
Map your office. Identify the most frequented routes, where do staff and visitors naturally pass each day? Reception areas, entrances, and communal corridors work best, as they’re easily accessible from all areas and highly visible.
Mark areas with limited wall space, noting any obstacles (furniture, doors, fire equipment, or radiators). Aim for a location everyone can reach quickly, day or night, without navigating clutter. Avoid tucked-away corners or busy cupboard spaces where an AED cabinet would be hidden, blocked, or mistaken for something else.
DefibSpace Tip:
Walk your office as if responding to an emergency. Ask a colleague to time how long it takes to reach different spots. If you can’t get there in a direct line, it’s probably not the right place.
Step 2: Select the Right AED Cabinet for Small Spaces
Look for wall-mounted cabinets specifically designed for AEDs that work well in tight environments. Key features:
Slim profile and compact footprint (under 180mm deep)
Clear acrylic or glass panel for visibility
Unobtrusive AED signage
Solid construction (no sharp corners)
Easy-open mechanism (unlocked or alarmed for low-risk settings)
DefibSpace Tip:
Use a cabinet with a built-in alarm to deter tampering and alert nearby staff during emergencies.
Step 3: Mount at the Correct Height and Accessibility
Mount with the handle between 100–120 cm from floor level to meet accessibility standards. Avoid blocking the cabinet with furniture and use suitable wall fixings.
DefibSpace Tip:
Have staff of varying heights/mobility test reach and access before finalising the height.
Step 4: Display Clear Usage Instructions and AED Signage
Add simple “how to use” instructions and clear wayfinding signage from main entry points.
DefibSpace Tip:
Include the location name or code on the signage so first responders can find it quickly.
Step 5: Set Up a Maintenance and Visibility Routine
Check the AED monthly (battery, pads, indicator lights, cabinet access) and keep the space clear. Assign an AED champion to log checks.
DefibSpace Tip:
Add a dated inspection sticker on the cabinet so everyone can see it’s maintained.
Step 6: Review and Train Regularly
Ensure all staff know where the AED is and how to access it. Include in inductions and fire drills. Run brief refreshers to boost confidence.
DefibSpace Tip:
Make “Find the AED” a standing item in team briefings.
What Most People Miss
Visibility is critical. A hidden or locked-away AED is less likely to be used and more vulnerable to theft or tampering. A compact, glass-fronted cabinet keeps the AED secure, visible, and top of mind for staff.
The Bigger Picture
Proper AED storage shows commitment to safety and compliance. It reassures staff, impresses inspectors, and fosters a culture of readiness. A visible, regularly checked AED improves survival chances and boosts workplace confidence.
Wrap-Up
Securing an AED in a small office can be simple. Choose a compact cabinet, place it in a central visible spot, mount it at the right height, add signage, embed regular checks, and train all staff. This transforms a space constraint into a safety strength.
