AEDs in Commercial Strata

7 hours ago
2 min read

From 1 January 2026, Strata & Community Corporations with a Commercial area greater than 600m2 have been required to install AEDs under South Australia's Automated External Defibrillators (Public Access) Act 2022.

Owners (not tenants or occupiers) must:

Install AEDs: One AED per 1,200 m² of publicly accessible floor area.
Maintain AEDs: Regular testing and servicing, at least annually.
Display Signage: Clear signs near entrances and AED locations.
Register AEDs: Submit location and access times to the SA Ambulance Service register within two weeks of installation.
Update Register: Any changes to AED location or access must be reported within two weeks.

While the AED legislation has not been clearly written to include Strata/Communities it appears that the requirement is related to the commercial element but the responsibility is for the strata or community corporation to install the AED in a common area.

It is important that the management committee for the corporation consider whether they have a requirement for such infrastructure within their common area as the penalties for non-compliance with this legislation are listed as:

$20,000 for failure to install or maintain AEDs.
$2,500 for inadequate signage.
$10,000 or 1 year imprisonment for tampering or removal.

When considering that installation of the AED, there are a number of professional installers who can assist your corporation with the following:

Location Matters: Install AEDs in high-traffic, publicly accessible areas—near entrances, lobbies, or communal spaces. Avoid locked rooms or areas with restricted access.
Visibility & Signage: Use clear, standardised signage above and around the AED. It should be visible from a distance and comply with SA Health guidelines.
Accessibility: Mount AEDs at a height reachable by most adults and older children. Avoid placing them behind furniture or in cluttered corners.
Coverage Ratio: Follow the Act’s requirement—1 AED per 1,200 m² of publicly accessible floor area.
Environmental Protection: Use weatherproof cabinets if AEDs are installed outdoors or in semi-exposed areas. Avoid direct sunlight, moisture, or extreme temperatures.