Workplace Defibrillator Guide: Do NSW Businesses Need an AED?

When business owners search for defibrillator law workplace requirements, they are usually trying to answer one simple question: Does my workplace legally need a defibrillator?

For most workplaces in NSW, the answer is: there is currently no blanket law that says every workplace must have an AED on-site. However, that does not mean defibrillators should be ignored. Under workplace health and safety duties, employers must provide appropriate first aid equipment and consider the risks in their workplace. For some businesses, an AED is a very sensible part of that first aid setup.

This guide explains what NSW businesses need to know about workplace defibrillator laws, when an AED should be considered, liability protections, maintenance obligations and how to choose the right unit for your workplace.

This article is general information only and should not be taken as legal advice.

What is an AED?

An AED, or automated external defibrillator, is a portable device used to help someone experiencing sudden cardiac arrest. It gives clear voice and visual prompts and is designed to analyse the person’s heart rhythm before deciding whether a shock is required.

NSW Health explains that anyone can use a defibrillator, as the device provides instructions to guide the user. It also notes that a person cannot hurt someone by using a defibrillator because the AED only shocks a person who is in cardiac arrest.

Is a defibrillator legally required in NSW workplaces?

In NSW, there is currently no general law requiring every workplace to install a defibrillator. However, NSW workplaces still have first aid obligations. Safe Work Australia says a person conducting a business or undertaking must provide access to at least one first aid kit, first aid facilities and trained first aiders. A first aid risk assessment should consider workplace hazards, size, location, workers, contractors, volunteers and visitors.

SafeWork NSW also says an AED may be provided to reduce the risk of fatality from cardiac arrest where there is a risk from electrocution, delayed ambulance arrival, or large numbers of members of the public at the workplace.

So while an AED may not be legally compulsory for every NSW business, it may still be a reasonable and practical first aid control depending on your workplace risk.

Which workplaces should consider having a defibrillator?

A defibrillator is worth considering in workplaces where there is a higher chance of cardiac arrest, delayed emergency response, electrical risk, physical exertion or large numbers of people on-site.

Workplaces that should seriously consider an AED include:

For many Sydney businesses, the decision is less about whether the law forces you to have a defibrillator and more about whether your team, customers or visitors would benefit from having one nearby in an emergency.

Are there business size rules for workplace defibrillators?

In NSW, there is no simple rule such as “one AED per 50 employees” or “all businesses over a certain size must have a defibrillator.”

Workplace first aid requirements are risk-based. Safe Work Australia says your first aid needs may depend on the type of work, workplace hazards, size, location and the number and type of people at the workplace.

That means a small high-risk workshop may have a stronger case for an AED than a larger low-risk office. Similarly, a business with many visitors, customers or sports participants may decide that an AED is appropriate even if the team itself is small.

Liability: can someone get in trouble for using an AED?

This is one of the most common concerns businesses have.

In NSW, Good Samaritan protections apply under the Civil Liability Act. The NSW Supreme Court’s summary of the Act says a Good Samaritan is a person who, in good faith and without expectation of payment or reward, assists someone who is injured or at risk of injury. It also states that a Good Samaritan does not incur personal civil liability for an act or omission done in an emergency when assisting a person who is apparently injured or at risk.

There are exceptions, such as where the person’s ability to exercise reasonable care was significantly impaired by alcohol or drugs, or where someone falsely represents that they have health care or emergency expertise.

In practical terms, the fear of “doing the wrong thing” should not stop someone from using an AED in an emergency. AEDs are designed to be used by trained or untrained people, and SafeWork NSW notes they provide step-by-step instructions on how to use them and perform CPR.

Does having an AED create extra responsibility?

If your workplace chooses to install a defibrillator, it should not be treated as a “set and forget” item.

NSW Health recommends that organisations consider an AED program after purchase. This includes choosing an accessible location, making the AED visible, keeping the battery and electrode pads inserted, communicating the AED location, using signage, providing CPR and AED training, and maintaining the unit according to manufacturer recommendations.

A workplace AED should be:

• easy to find

• clearly signed

• accessible during work hours

• checked regularly

• stored securely but not hidden away

• included in first aid procedures

• known to staff and first aiders

• maintained according to manufacturer instructions

AED maintenance obligations and best practice

For NSW workplaces, AED maintenance is best viewed as part of your broader first aid and WHS process. SafeWork NSW says first aid equipment should be based on workplace risk, and first aid kits should be maintained by a nominated person who monitors usage, replaces items, checks required items and ensures sterile products are sealed and in date.

For AEDs, your maintenance process should include:

• checking the unit status indicator

• confirming pads are connected and in date

• checking battery expiry or battery status

• replacing pads after use

• replacing pads and batteries before expiry

• checking the cabinet or wall bracket

• checking signage remains visible

• making sure the AED has not been moved

• recording inspection dates

• following the manufacturer’s maintenance instructions

A simple monthly visual check is a good habit for most workplaces, with a more detailed review scheduled around pad and battery expiry dates.

Where should a workplace AED be located?

The best AED location is visible, central and fast to access.

NSW Health suggests locations such as a first aid station, reception desk or entrance hallway. It also recommends that the AED be visible to users and visitors, with internationally recognised green AED signage to show that a defibrillator is available.

Good workplace AED locations include:

• reception or front entry

• near a first aid station

• staff room or central corridor

• gym or pool deck area

• warehouse office or dispatch area

• workshop entry point

• site office or lunch room

• near high-traffic public areas

Avoid placing the AED in a locked office, cupboard, storeroom or vehicle where staff cannot access it quickly.

Do staff need AED training?

AEDs are designed so that untrained people can use them, but training is still strongly recommended.

SafeWork NSW says AEDs provide step-by-step instructions and can be used by trained or untrained people. NSW Health also recommends CPR and AED training and keeping first aid qualifications up to date.

Training helps staff feel more confident, especially in the first few minutes of an emergency. It can also help your team understand how to call Triple Zero, start CPR, retrieve the AED, apply pads correctly and follow the prompts.

How to choose the right defibrillator for your workplace

When choosing an AED, consider the type of workplace, who may need to use it, where it will be stored and whether children may be present.

NSW Health recommends choosing a unit purchased from an Australian supplier, with Therapeutic Goods Administration approval, suitable features for your situation, appropriate budget, child electrode pad options where needed, storage cabinet options, suitable outdoor rating where relevant, training support, maintenance information and warranty details.

Important features to consider include:

• adult and child mode or paediatric pad options

• clear voice prompts

• simple visual instructions

• semi-automatic or fully automatic operation

• battery and pad lifespan

• warranty period

• cabinet or wall bracket options

• signage

• outdoor suitability and IP rating

• replacement pad and battery availability

• ease of maintenance checks

For childcare centres, schools, sports clubs and swim centres, paediatric capability is especially important.

How Sydney First Aid Supplies can help

Choosing a defibrillator can feel confusing, especially when you are trying to balance cost, workplace safety, staff confidence and compliance expectations.

Sydney First Aid Supplies helps businesses source practical AED options for workplaces, offices, warehouses, sports clubs, schools, childcare centres and higher-risk environments. A specialist supplier can help you compare suitable models, understand pad and battery replacement needs, choose signage and cabinets, and make sure the AED is practical for the people who may need to use it.

The goal is not to overcomplicate the decision. It is to help your workplace choose a reliable AED that is easy to access, easy to use and easy to maintain. Contact us today.

Workplace AED checklist

Use this quick checklist to review your workplace:

• Do we have electrical, machinery, public access, fitness, aquatic, remote or high-risk work factors?

• Would ambulance access be delayed by our location, site layout or building size?

• Do we have large numbers of workers, customers, visitors, students or sports participants?

• Is our first aid risk assessment up to date?

• Would an AED reduce the risk of fatality from cardiac arrest?

• Is there a central, visible place to install an AED?

• Would staff know where to find it?

• Do we need adult and paediatric capability?

• Do we have someone responsible for checking it?

• Are pads and batteries easy to replace?

• Do we need a cabinet, wall bracket or signage?

• Should AED awareness be added to staff induction or first aid procedures?

Final answer: do you legally need a workplace defibrillator?

For most NSW businesses, there is no blanket legal requirement to have a defibrillator on-site. However, WHS duties require businesses to assess first aid needs based on workplace risk, and SafeWork NSW specifically identifies AEDs as equipment that may reduce the risk of fatality from cardiac arrest in certain circumstances.

If your workplace has electrical risks, machinery, physical exertion, large numbers of people, public access or delayed emergency response times, installing an AED is a sensible step.

For many businesses, the better question is not simply, “What does defibrillator law workplace guidance require?” It is, “Would having an AED nearby give someone a better chance of surviving a cardiac arrest?”

In many workplaces, the answer is yes.