Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 29 Jan 2003

Vol. 560 No. 1

Written Answers. - Health and Safety Regulations.

Phil Hogan

Question:

177 Mr. Hogan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if there are rules in the regulations under the Health, Safety and Welfare at Work Act that oblige employers to acquire external defibrillation equipment in the workplace; her views on whether such a requirement is reasonable and necessary; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27173/02]

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Mr. Fahey)

Regulations 54 to 57 of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 1993, which cover the provision of first aid at work, have no specific requirements relating to the provision of defibrillation equipment in workplaces. Regulation 56 of the general application regulations requires employers to:

(a) provide, or ensure that there is provided, in every place of work where working con ditions require it at each place of work under their control such first aid equipment, suitably marked and easily accessible, as is adequate and appropriate in the circumstances for enabling first aid to be rendered to persons at the place of work and (b) provide or ensure that there are provided at each place of work under their control such number of occupational first aiders as is necessary to render first aid at a place of work concerned, taking into account the size or hazards (or both) of the undertaking or establishment.

These requirements are based on a risk assessment approach. This means that the employer must assess what the relative risk might be and provide appropriate first aid response. It is likely in some cases, particularly in undertakings where there are a large number of employees or of the general public, that the employer may see a need to have appropriate first aid for those who might suffer a heart attack or other cause of cardiac arrest. The Health and Safety Authority therefore advises employers that they must use their own risk assessment in deciding whether or not a defibrillator should be provided in the workplace but if they do so, they must ensure that staff who are likely to use the equipment have been adequately trained in its proper use.