Free checklist · Safety equipment
AED monthly inspection checklist (free, printable)
Check an AED as often as its manufacturer says (many workplaces do it monthly) and after every use. Confirm the status indicator shows ready, the electrode pads are sealed, connected if pre-connected, and in date, the battery is in date, spare and child pads are there, the rescue kit is stocked, and the cabinet, alarm and signs work. Replace anything expired straight away.
- How often
- Monthly (or as the manufacturer says)
- The rule
- The manufacturer's manual
- Items
- 13 checks
- Takes
- About 4 minutes
By the CheckBadges team · Updated
Layout
AED monthly inspection checklist
Monthly (or as the manufacturer says)
| Item | OK | Problem | N/A |
|---|---|---|---|
| Location and cabinet | |||
| In its placeAED in its cabinet or bracket where the sign says. | |||
| SignsAED sign visible from the approach. | |||
| AccessNothing blocking it; unlocked, or the key or code is at hand. | |||
| Cabinet alarmSounds when the door opens; alarm battery not low. | |||
| The AED | |||
| Status indicatorShows ready as the manual describes; no warning chirps or lights. | |||
| CaseNo cracks, damage or signs of liquid. | |||
| Electrode padsPackage sealed and undamaged; connected if your model pre-connects. | |||
| Pad expiry dateNot expired, and not expiring before your next check. | |||
| BatteryWithin its date; no low-battery warning. | |||
| Spare adult padsOne spare set, sealed and in date. | |||
| Child pads or keyPresent and in date. | |||
| Rescue kit | |||
| Rescue kitGloves, razor, scissors, towel and CPR mask present and sealed. | |||
| Restocked after useUsed pads and supplies replaced before it went back. | |||
Problems found and action taken:
If anything is a problem, don't use the machine: tag it out and report it. Free checklist from checkbadges.com — put it on a QR sticker and operators can fill it in on their phone.
What to check on an AED, item by item
Location and cabinet
- In its place — AED in its cabinet or bracket where the sign says.
- Signs — AED sign visible from the approach.
- Access — Nothing blocking it; unlocked, or the key or code is at hand.
- Cabinet alarm — Sounds when the door opens; alarm battery not low.
The AED
- Status indicator — Shows ready as the manual describes; no warning chirps or lights.
- Case — No cracks, damage or signs of liquid.
- Electrode pads — Package sealed and undamaged; connected if your model pre-connects.
- Pad expiry date — Not expired, and not expiring before your next check.
- Battery — Within its date; no low-battery warning.
- Spare adult pads — One spare set, sealed and in date.
- Child pads or key — Present and in date.
Rescue kit
- Rescue kit — Gloves, razor, scissors, towel and CPR mask present and sealed.
- Restocked after use — Used pads and supplies replaced before it went back.
How often an AED has to be inspected
Check an AED as often as its manufacturer's instructions say, and after every use. Many workplaces settle on a monthly check, with a quick look at the status indicator more often where the AED is in a busy place. No federal OSHA rule sets an AED inspection interval, so the schedule comes from the manufacturer, and sometimes from state law: some state AED laws tie their requirements to keeping the device maintained and tested as the manufacturer directs, so check yours.
Modern AEDs test themselves and show the result on a status indicator. The human check covers what self-tests can't see:
- Whether the AED is actually in its cabinet
- Expiry dates on pads and the battery
- Spare pads, child pads and the rescue kit
- Whether people can find it and get to it
How to do the check
- Walk the route people would take to the AED and check the signs and access on the way.
- Open the cabinet and check the alarm sounds, if it has one.
- Read the status indicator without taking the AED out of service. The manual explains what ready looks like on your model.
- Check the pads: package sealed, connected if your model keeps them pre-connected, and the expiry date.
- Check the battery's date and any low-battery warning.
- Check the spares and rescue kit, close the cabinet, and record the date and your initials.
- After any use, replace the pads and used supplies, check the battery, and handle the event data as your program requires before the AED goes back.
The defects that take it out of service
| Defect | Why it fails |
|---|---|
| Status indicator not ready, or chirping | The AED may not analyze or shock |
| Pads expired or package opened | Pads have a shelf life and may not work once it's passed |
| Battery expired or low | The AED may not power on or charge |
| AED missing from its cabinet | Nobody can use what isn't there |
| No spare pads | A second shock or a second patient has nothing to use |
| Case cracked or wet | The device may be damaged inside |
| Cabinet alarm dead or signs missing | People can't find it fast, and nobody knows when it's taken |
What to do when something fails
Replace pads and batteries straight away from spares you keep on hand, and contact the manufacturer or distributor about any fault the AED reports. If the AED itself is out of service, post a notice on the cabinet saying where the nearest working AED is, tell the people who work nearby, and get a loaner if you can. An out-of-service tag on an empty cabinet without that information doesn't help anyone. Check whether your model has a manufacturer recall or advisory, too.
Keeping the record
No federal rule requires a written AED log, but your AED program, insurer or state law may expect one. Write down the pad and battery expiry dates on every check so the next person can see what's coming due. See equipment inspection record keeping.
A QR sticker on the AED cabinet lets whoever does the monthly check scan it with their own phone and record every item with their name and the time. An expired pad or a warning light emails you with a photo straight away. CheckBadges won't remind anyone when pads are about to expire, so keep the dates in your calendar too. See QR code equipment checklists.
Skip the clipboard
Put this aed inspection checklist on a QR sticker.
- Operators scan the sticker with their own phone's camera. No app, account or password.
- Anything marked Problem emails you right away, with photos, and warns the next operator.
- Every check is saved by machine with who did it and when. Print one or export a CSV.
Free for 3 machines. Every item above is already filled in — edit anything. No card.
AED 1
AED inspection checklist
Frequently asked questions
How often should an AED be checked?
As often as the manufacturer's instructions say, and after every use. Many workplaces do a full check monthly and glance at the status indicator more often. No federal OSHA rule sets the interval.
How long do AED pads last?
Until the expiry date printed on the package, which differs by brand and model, and only until they're used once. Replace them after any use, and keep a sealed spare set with the AED.
What does it mean when an AED is chirping?
On many models, a chirp or flashing warning means the self-test found a problem, often a low battery or a pad issue. Check the manual for your model, fix what it reports, and treat the AED as out of service until the indicator shows ready again.
Who should do the AED inspection?
Whoever your AED program names, usually a site coordinator or facilities lead. Anyone trained on this checklist and the model's status indicator can do the routine check.
Does OSHA require AEDs in the workplace?
OSHA's first-aid standard (29 CFR 1910.151) doesn't mention AEDs. Requirements to have one, and to maintain it, come from some state laws and from rules for particular kinds of facilities, so check what applies where you are.
Keep reading
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Do your AED checks by QR code.
Stick a QR code on every machine and operators do the pre-use check on their own phone — no app, no login. Free for up to 3 machines; try it with your real machines before you sign up.