AED Inspections, Signage, and Training

Ontario Construction Sites Requirements

Purchasing an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is only the first step toward compliance under Ontario Regulation 157/25. While having a Health Canada–licensed AED on site is essential, Ontario construction projects must also meet ongoing requirements for storage, signage, inspections, and training to remain compliant throughout the life of the project. Inspectors will evaluate not just whether an AED exists, but whether it is properly maintained, accessible, and supported by trained workers.

AEDs on construction sites must be stored as a complete and functional kit, including the AED unit, pads, batteries, and any required accessories. The AED must be clearly visible and unobstructed, allowing workers to locate it quickly during an emergency. Construction environments pose additional risks such as dust, vibration, moisture, and temperature extremes, which means AEDs must be protected from environmental damage that could compromise performance. Improper storage, even if unintentional, may render an AED non-functional and therefore non-compliant.

Signage is a mandatory component of AED compliance. Ontario requires AED signage to include a heart and lightning bolt symbol and be displayed in English or French so workers can rapidly identify the device during a cardiac emergency. On large or multi-level construction sites, additional directional signage may be necessary to guide responders to the AED location. Clear signage reduces response time, which is critical for survival in cases of sudden cardiac arrest.

The regulation also mandates quarterly AED inspections, with written inspection records maintained on site or readily accessible. Inspection records must document the date of inspection, the name of the competent worker performing the inspection, and confirmation that the AED is complete and operational. These records are not optional; missing or incomplete documentation may result in enforcement action even if the AED itself has never been used.

Training requirements are equally important. Under O. Reg. 157/25, a worker trained in CPR and AED use must be present whenever work is underway. Constructors must ensure that trained coverage is maintained across all shifts and that training records are kept current. Equipment and training must work together—having an AED without trained responders, or trained responders without a properly maintained AED, does not meet regulatory expectations.

TrackMyAED™ simplifies compliance by digitizing inspection logs, issuing automated reminders for quarterly inspections and expiring accessories, and maintaining centralized records that inspectors can easily verify. For Ontario construction companies, this reduces administrative burden while significantly improving inspection readiness and compliance confidence.

👉 Buy Ontario-compliant construction AEDs:
https://aed4life.ca/collections/construction-sites

📖 Official Regulation (O. Reg. 157/25):
https://www.ontario.ca/laws/regulation/r25157