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Federal OSHA does not require AEDs in workplaces or address AEDs in its standards. However, AEDs may be an important addition to your medical and first aid program. OSHA does provide guidance on AEDs in the workplace, should the company choose to provide them. Employees should be trained to use them and consider the following when determining placement.
- AEDs should be conveniently installed to ensure response within 3-5 minutes.
- Areas where many people work closely together, such as assembly lines and office buildings.
- Close to a confined space.
- Areas where electric-powered devices are used.
- Outdoor work sites where lightning may occur.
- Health units where workers may seek treatment for heart attack symptoms.
- Company fitness units and cafeterias.
- Remote sites, such as off-shore drilling rigs, construction projects, marine vessels, power transmission lines, and energy pipe lines.
Please note, in order to purchase an AED in your workplace, you may need a prescription from a doctor. Several issues should be considered in setting up a worksite AED program: physician oversight; compliance with local, state and federal regulations; coordination with local EMS; a quality assurance program; and a periodic review, among others.
Also, some states require that certain facilities have AEDs; therefore, employers need to check state statutes.