Bought an AED? Obligations many companies forget

An AED on the wall gives a sense of safety. But hanging it up is not the end of it. Many companies forget the AED obligations that come with it. Why an AED is worthwhile, you can read in AED in the workplace. This post is about what comes next.

An AED is not generally mandatory

First the good news: an AED is not generally mandatory for employers. It is a choice. But if you install one, you must follow a number of rules.

AED obligations when installing

• Register the device with the FPS Public Health.
• Put a pictogram on or near the cabinet, so everyone can find the device quickly.
• Put the owner's contact details on the cabinet.
• State on the cabinet that the device is only for someone who is not responding and not breathing normally.
• Add the instruction to call 112.

Checks and maintenance

An AED that does not work when needed is worse than no AED. So:

• Check it monthly and after every use.
• Record those checks in a register.
• Replace pads and battery according to the manufacturer's instructions.
• Report every use of the device.

A tip: link the monthly check to a fixed task, such as checking the first aid kit. That way nobody forgets.

Choose a device anyone may use

Not every AED is made for lay people. Choose a fully automatic device, or one in the category for lay users. Then any colleague can use it, even without training.

An AED only works with people who dare to use it

The device only helps if someone dares to fetch it and switch it on. So combine the AED with an introduction to life-saving skills for colleagues. They learn CPR and how to use the AED. Read Introduction to life-saving skills: who is it for?.

For someone who is not responding, call 112 first, even before checking breathing. That is one of the new points in the ERC Guidelines 2025. What needs to happen in the first minutes: CPR and AED: the first four minutes.

Quick checklist

• Device registered?
• Pictogram and cabinet in order?
• Monthly check in the register?
• Pads and battery within date?
• Colleagues trained?

Can't answer "yes" to everything? Then you know your next step. Interested in an AED with a maintenance contract, or in training? Request a quote.

Source: Securex Lex4You – Automated external defibrillator (AED) (NL)