The Automated External Defibrillators (Public Access) Act 2022 and accompanying Regulations 2024 create mandatory obligations for many South Australian buildings. The 1 January 2026 compliance deadline has now passed. If your building is not yet compliant, penalties of up to $20,000 may apply — and more importantly, your staff and visitors face a life-threatening risk every day an AED is not in place.
This guide explains exactly what the SA legislation requires, who it applies to, and the steps you need to take to achieve full compliance.
Does the Law Apply to My Building?
The Act applies to “relevant buildings” — defined as publicly accessible buildings with a floor area of 600m² or more. The following 14 building categories are specified in the legislation:
- Swimming pool facilities
- Public libraries
- Local government offices
- Town halls
- Schools & educational facilities
- Retirement villages
- Aged care facilities
- Caravan parks
- Casinos
- Theatres & cinemas
- Places of worship
- Fitness & recreational facilities
- Shopping centres
- Other specified public buildings
Excluded from the legislation: Hospitals, carparks and correctional facilities — these have separate regulatory frameworks covering defibrillation.
Compliance Deadlines
- Crown buildings: Required to comply from 1 January 2025 — deadline passed
- Non-Crown buildings: Required to comply from 1 January 2026 — deadline passed
If you are not yet compliant, act immediately. Penalties of up to $20,000 apply for non-compliance.
How Many AEDs Do I Need?
The number of AEDs required depends on your building's publicly accessible floor area:
- Buildings under 600m²: Exempt from the legislation (compliance still strongly recommended)
- Buildings 600m² and over: 1 AED per 1,200m² of publicly accessible floor area
For example, a 3,000m² building requires a minimum of 3 AEDs. Our paramedic-trained team can advise on optimal placement for maximum response effectiveness — not just minimum compliance.
Other Requirements Under the Act
Beyond purchasing an AED, the legislation requires building owners to:
- Register the AED on the SA Ambulance Service AED Register within 14 days of installation
- Install compliant signage — both inside the building and at the entrance. The Australian Resuscitation Council (ARC) specifies that AED signs must use a white image/text on a green background, or green image/text on a white background. Avoid red signage, which can be confused with fire equipment.
- Ensure the AED is readily accessible to members of the public during opening hours
- Keep pads and batteries current and serviceable at all times
- Maintain the device in accordance with manufacturer specifications
SA AED Compliance Checklist: 7 Steps
Step 1: Confirm Your Building Triggers the Act
Check your building is a “relevant building” — publicly accessible, 600m² or more, and in one of the 14 specified categories. If unsure, First Aid Supplies Australia offers free compliance assessments.
Step 2: Calculate How Many AEDs You Need
Divide your total publicly accessible floor area by 1,200 and round up. Our paramedic-trained team can advise on optimal placement for your building layout.
Step 3: Select a TGA-Approved AED
Only AEDs approved for use in Australia satisfy the legislation. All AEDs sold by First Aid Supplies Australia carry full TGA approval. We recommend devices appropriate for your building type, staff training level and likelihood of use.
Step 4: Install the AED in an Accessible Location
The AED must be accessible to the public during operating hours. We can advise on wall cabinet installation and bracket fitting, ensuring correct height, visibility and environmental protection.
Step 5: Register on the SA Ambulance AED Register
You must notify SA Ambulance of your AED location within 14 days of installation. This is critical — it enables ambulance crews to direct bystanders to your device during a cardiac emergency.
Step 6: Install Required Signage
The Act requires compliant AED signage both inside the building and at the entrance. First Aid Supplies Australia stocks AED signage packages with all components included.
Step 7: Set Up an Ongoing Maintenance Schedule
AEDs require regular professional inspection — not just a visual check of the indicator light. The SA Act requires maintenance in accordance with manufacturer specifications. Our AED servicing program, delivered by practising Intensive Care Paramedics, ensures your device is always ready to respond to a sudden cardiac arrest.
Not-for-Profit Grant Opportunity
Eligible not-for-profit organisations in South Australia can apply for a $1,000 grant toward AED purchase costs through Preventive Health SA. Contact SA Health for eligibility details — First Aid Supplies Australia can assist with the process.
Need Help Achieving SA AED Compliance?
First Aid Supplies Australia can assist with your entire SA defibrillator compliance program — from selecting the right TGA-approved AED to installation advice, signage, registration and ongoing professional maintenance.
Contact us for a free compliance assessment, or visit our AED Comparison Guide to find the right device for your building.