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AED Maintenance Checklist: Monthly, Annual, Pads, Batteries, and Inspection Logs

An AED maintenance checklist gives your organization a simple way to confirm that an automated external defibrillator is visible, accessible, powered, and ready before an emergency happens. The goal is not complicated paperwork. The goal is to make sure pads, batteries, inspection logs, accessories, signage, and staff awareness do not become weak links in the response plan.

Most organizations should treat AED readiness as a recurring safety task. A device can be present in the building and still fail the practical readiness test if the cabinet is locked, pads are expired, the battery is near replacement, the rescue kit is missing, or no one knows who owns the monthly check.

Monthly AED maintenance checklist

Monthly checks should be short enough that they actually happen, but complete enough to catch common readiness gaps. Assign an owner, record the date, and keep the log where it can be reviewed by the safety team.

• Confirm the AED is in its assigned location and visible to employees, visitors, or responders.
• Check the readiness indicator or status display and follow the manufacturer instructions if it shows a warning.
• Confirm adult pads are sealed, connected or stored correctly, and not expired.
• Confirm pediatric pads are present when the facility serves children or has a pediatric-readiness requirement.
• Check the battery status and replacement date according to the device model.
• Open the cabinet or case and confirm the response kit, gloves, scissors, razor, mask, and towel are present.
• Check signage, cabinet access, alarm function if present, and lighting around the AED location.
• Record the inspection date, inspector initials, and any corrective action needed.

Annual and semiannual AED checklist items

Some readiness items do not need a detailed review every month, but they should still be scheduled. Annual or semiannual reviews help catch problems that a quick status-light check can miss.

• Review pad and battery expiration timelines for the next twelve months.
• Confirm the AED model, serial number, location, and responsible manager are documented.
• Review whether CPR/AED training refreshers are due for the expected response team.
• Confirm the AED is still placed near the highest-risk or highest-traffic areas.
• Review whether state registration, EMS notification, physician oversight, or written procedure requirements may apply.
• Update internal emergency-response instructions after staff turnover, remodeling, or location changes.

Pads, batteries, and accessory replacement

AED pads and batteries are model-specific, so the checklist should not only say “replace supplies.” It should identify the exact AED model and the correct adult pads, pediatric pads, battery, and accessory items. Replacement timing depends on the manufacturer, storage conditions, device status, and expiration dates printed on the supplies.

Do not wait until a monthly check finds an expired pad set. A better program looks ahead and orders replacements before a readiness gap exists.

Inspection logs and documentation

AED inspection documentation should be easy to complete and easy to retrieve. Many organizations use a tag, wall log, spreadsheet, or AED program-management platform. The format matters less than consistency: each check should show the date, the person checking the AED, the device status, expiration issues, and corrective action.

Documentation also helps when there are multiple AEDs across offices, schools, gyms, churches, warehouses, or public facilities. A central record makes it easier to see which units are ready and which need attention.

What to do after a failed AED check

If an AED fails a check, remove ambiguity quickly. Identify whether the issue is a missing accessory, expired pad set, battery warning, cabinet access problem, damaged device, missing signage, or documentation gap. Then assign a corrective action and completion date.

Frequently asked questions

How often should an AED be checked?

Many organizations use monthly AED checks, plus additional reviews after device movement, staff changes, construction, severe weather, or any suspected device issue. Always follow the AED manufacturer instructions and any requirements that apply to your location.

What should be recorded on an AED inspection tag?

Record the inspection date, inspector initials, AED status, pad and battery expiration concerns, missing accessories, and any corrective action taken.

Who should own AED maintenance?

Assign one primary owner and a backup. Facilities, safety managers, school administrators, office managers, and compliance teams often share responsibility, but the checklist should make ownership explicit.