The Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981 requires employers to provide sufficient equipment, facilities and personnel to ensure employees receive immediate attention if required.
Despite this legal requirement, there are still multiple businesses that are yet to invest in a defibrillator. More are slowly taking it upon themselves to invest in these life-saving devices so what do investors need to know?
Workplace Requirement?
Unlike fire blankets and extinguishers, defibrillators are not a legal requirement for businesses here in the UK.
Investing in a defibrillator ensures your staff are protected against cardiac arrest and allows you to provide the required treatment of effective CPR and defibrillation prior to the emergency services arriving.
Delaying treatment decreases the casualty's survival chance by 10% whereas delivering treatment within 3-5 minutes of collapse increases their survival chance from 6% to 74%.
Surroundings
Different workplace environments present different risks and hazards.
The environment helps determine which defibrillator will withstand the risks and suit the location. Defibrillators are assigned an IP rating after rigorous testing that determines what the device is protected from. Examples include:
- IP21: protected from touch and against condensation
- IP44: protected from tools, small wires and water spray
- IP56: protected against limited dust ingress and high-pressure water jets
The hazards in your workplace will determine the IP rating your defibrillator requires.
Maintenance
Maintenance is a key part of defibrillator ownership.
Defibrillators require both electrode pads and batteries. These accessories have expiry dates and shelf-lives that require monitoring by the defibrillator’s Guardian.
Technological advancements have seen the development of Program Management Software that monitors the defibrillator’s accessories remotely and alerts owners when the device needs attention. Owners have the option to invest in defibshop’s defibcare to assist with maintenance.
Storage
Taking storage into consideration when investing in a defibrillator is essential. It is advised you place your defibrillator in either a cabinet or wall mount to ensure the device is safe, secure and easy to access.
Placing the device in a central location assists with quick retrieval in the event of a cardiac emergency and helps remove any delays in treatment delivery.
Storing a defibrillator outdoor requires further protection from the elements; investing in an outdoor cabinet provides heating for the device and accessories, ensuring it is always ready for use.
Life-Saving Investment
There are multiple defibrillators to choose from, all of them boasting various features that suit certain environments more than others. As a highly considered purchase, investing in one of these devices could help you save a life.
To learn more about defibrillators or our defibrillator packages, get in touch with the team on 0161 776 7422 or fill out our Contact Form and we’ll get back to you.
