A cardiac arrest doesn’t wait for the right moment. It doesn’t care if you’re at home, out shopping or halfway through your morning meeting. That’s why more and more businesses across the UK are choosing to keep a defibrillator on site.

It’s not just about ticking a box. It’s about protecting your staff, your customers and anyone who might walk through the door. The truth is, a defibrillator in the right place at the right time can mean the difference between life and death.

And no—it’s not just for high-risk workplaces. Even a quiet office with a handful of staff could face an emergency. The equipment is simple, the setup is straightforward, and in many cases, the benefits far outweigh the cost.

Are Defibrillators a Legal Requirement in UK Workplaces?

Defibrillators are not currently a legal requirement for UK workplaces. There’s no specific law that says every office, shop or factory must have one.

But, and it’s a big but, employers do have a duty to protect staff and visitors under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. That means taking reasonable steps to reduce risks. And in some settings, not having a defibrillator could be seen as falling short.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) doesn't force employers to provide an AED (Automated External Defibrillator). But it does encourage it—especially in larger workplaces or those with known health risks.

So while you won’t get fined for not having one, you could still face tough questions if something goes wrong and no AED was available.

The HSE’s Stance on AEDs

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) doesn’t beat around the bush, it won’t tell you to install a defibrillator, but it won’t stop you either. In fact, their guidance quietly nudges employers in that direction.

“It is for employers to assess the needs of their workplace and decide if a defibrillator is necessary.”

You’re expected to think it through. If you’ve got a high footfall, an ageing workforce, or a site with health risks, they expect you to at least consider it.

While not mandatory, the HSE notes that defibrillators are simple to use and don't require formal training. They’ve even updated first aid training standards to include AED use. That’s a clear signal; they see the value, and so should you.

Who Should Consider Installing One?

Plenty of everyday workplaces would benefit from having one nearby. Here’s a quick breakdown:

Offices and Shared Workspaces
Even in low-risk environments, staff spend long hours seated, stressed and often not moving much. Sudden cardiac arrest can happen without warning. For larger offices or multi-tenant buildings, one unit per floor or shared across tenants makes sense.
Warehouses and Factories
Physically demanding work, machinery noise and larger spaces all increase the urgency of a fast response. Add higher risk and footfall, and you’re in solid AED territory.
Hospitality and Public Venues
Restaurants, hotels, theatres, and shopping centres see heavy footfall from the general public. You’re not just protecting staff, you’re protecting customers. That’s not only responsible, it’s good business.
Construction and Outdoor Sites
Remote or high-risk locations can face long waits for emergency services. A portable AED can bridge that gap and might save a life before help arrives.

If your site has high footfall, health risks, remote access or simply lots of people, a defibrillator is worth serious consideration.

What Type of Defibrillator Is Best for the Workplace?

Not all defibrillators are built the same. In a workplace setting—where different people might be using it, often under pressure—you want something simple, reliable and fast.

What to look for:

Fully Automatic Models
These deliver the shock automatically after analysing the heart rhythm. No need for staff to make that call or press a button. Just follow the prompts and step back.
Clear Voice and Visual Prompts
The best units talk you through every step and back it up with lights or diagrams. That’s crucial when time’s short and nerves are high.
Adult/Child Capability
Some models allow quick switching between adult and child modes, which is useful in public-facing settings like schools, leisure centres or cafes.
Long Shelf Life
Look for units with 3–5 year battery and pad lifespans. Less maintenance, fewer replacements, more peace of mind.
Robust Design
Workplaces aren’t spotless clinics. Go for units with a solid IP rating—dust- and splash-resistant. Think HeartSine PAD 360P or Mindray BeneHeart C1A.

Where to Install It

Having a defibrillator is one thing. Making sure it’s accessible when needed is another. A few seconds wasted hunting for it can cost a life.

What to consider:

Central and Visible Location
Don’t shove it in a cupboard. Install it somewhere obvious—reception, staff room, or near main walkways. Use clear signage so anyone can find it in a hurry.
Easy Access—No Keys, No Barriers
Avoid locked rooms or manager-only areas. In an emergency, you need immediate access, not a search party for the keyholder.
Think Distance
Ideally, an AED should be reachable within 3 minutes round trip (90 seconds there, 90 back). In larger sites, this could mean installing more than one.
Use a Wall Bracket or Cabinet
Mounting the unit avoids it getting misplaced and makes it instantly visible. Heated outdoor cabinets are available if the unit needs to be accessible 24/7.

Planning is everything. Don’t wait for a crisis to discover the defib is locked away or tucked behind a stack of cleaning supplies.

Do You Need Training?

You don’t need training to use a defibrillator. Every modern AED is designed to be used by someone with zero medical experience. They talk you through every step and won’t deliver a shock unless it’s needed.

That said, training helps. Even a short session can boost confidence, calm nerves and give your team the know-how to act fast.

Here’s what we suggest:

Add AED Use to Your First Aid Training
If your staff already do first aid courses, make sure defib use is covered. Most courses now include it as standard.
Run a Quick In-House Demo
It’s easy to do. Show your team where the defib is, open the lid and walk through the steps. Just seeing it once can make people more likely to use it.
Talk About It Openly
Create a culture where people feel it’s okay to step in. Remind staff they can’t make things worse by using a defib, only better.

A little knowledge and visibility go a long way.

Maintenance and Legal Responsibility

Once a defibrillator’s installed, someone needs to keep an eye on it. They don’t need to be a technician, just someone reliable who can check it regularly and act if anything’s amiss.

Routine Checks
Most AEDs run self-tests daily or weekly. A green light usually means it’s ready to go. But someone should still check it every month. Look for:
- The status indicator (usually a light or tick)
- Pad expiry dates
- Battery levels (if displayed)
Replacing Pads and Batteries
You’ll need to replace pads and batteries every few years—check the manual. Some suppliers offer alerts or servicing plans to help stay on top of it.
Assign a Responsible Person
Much like you’d assign a fire warden, it’s smart to have one or two people in charge of AED upkeep. Not to overcomplicate it, just someone who’ll check the box every so often.
Legal Responsibility
While not legally required, once you have an AED, you should maintain it. If something goes wrong and it hasn’t been checked in years, you could be asked why.

What It Costs and How to Budget

A workplace defibrillator isn’t a small spend—but it’s not out of reach either, especially when you weigh it against the potential impact.

Upfront Cost
Most workplace-ready AEDs cost between £900 and £1,500.
This usually includes:
- The defibrillator unit
- A set of pads
- Battery
- Carry case or wall mount
More advanced models (with screens or CPR feedback) sit at the higher end.
Ongoing Costs
- Pads: £30 to £100 (replaced every 2–5 years)
- Battery: £80 to £200 (usually every 3–5 years)
- Optional: Wall cabinet (£100–£300), especially for public or outdoor sites
Bundles and Leasing
Some suppliers offer packages that include replacements, training and servicing. Others offer lease options if cash flow is tight. Could be worth a look, especially for small businesses.
Budgeting Tip
Treat it like fire safety kit—essential gear, not an optional extra. Once it’s in the budget, it’s easy to maintain.

Final Thoughts

There’s no legal tick box for defibrillators in UK workplaces, yet. But if you’re serious about your team’s safety, having one is just common sense.

You don’t need a medical background. You don’t need formal training. And you don’t need a mountain of paperwork. You just need a solid device, installed where it’s easy to reach, with someone keeping an eye on it now and then.

It’s one of those decisions you’ll never regret making. If the worst happens, and you’ve got an AED ready to go, you’ve done your bit. You’ve taken action.

And sometimes, that’s all it takes to save a life.

BEST DEFIBS FOR THE WORKPLACE