Written answers

Thursday, 18 October 2007

Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment

Health and Safety Regulations

5:00 pm

Photo of Mary UptonMary Upton (Dublin South Central, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 165: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will amend the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 in order to make the provision of automated external defibrillators a legal requirement for public and private gyms and fitness clubs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24570/07]

Photo of Mary UptonMary Upton (Dublin South Central, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 166: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will amend the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 in order to require training in the use of automated external defibrillators a legal requirement for all employees of public and private gyms and fitness clubs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24571/07]

Photo of Billy KelleherBilly Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 165 and 166 together.

From 1 November 2007, new Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 2007 (S.I. No. 299 of 2007), made under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005, relating to First-Aid at places of work, generally replace and revoke similar provisions in the 1993 Regulations of the same name (S.I. No. 44 of 1993).

The 2005 Act and the 2007 General Application Regulations, as they apply to public and private gyms and fitness clubs as places of work, relate to the safety, health and welfare of the employees there rather than that of patrons per se. While the legislation does not explicitly require the provision of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in all places of work, I understand that draft Guidance on the General Application Regulations, which the Health and Safety Authority is about to publish, advises that:

The provision of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in workplaces to prevent sudden cardiac death should be considered, and that early defibrillation using an AED is one of the vital links in the chain of survival. Ideally, wherever there is an occupational first aider(s) in a workplace, provision of an AED should be considered. The training of other employees who are not occupational first-aider(s) in the use of AEDs is also encouraged.

Whereas it may be practicable and desirable to have an AED in every workplace, due to cost considerations it would be unreasonable to expect all employers (especially small and medium size enterprises (SMEs)) to have one on their premises, even if there is an occupational first-aider present. These costs not only include the purchase price but also the cost of maintenance of the equipment and refresher training for those trained in how to use AEDs.

However, different employers at the same location, such as in shopping centres, small business enterprise centres etc., where relatively large numbers of employees or other persons are likely to be habitually present, might find it feasible to co-operate in the provision of shared AED equipment, training and assistance.

Employers have a duty to provide first-aid equipment at all places of work where working conditions require it. Depending on the size or specific hazards (or both) of the place of work, trained occupational first-aider(s) must also be provided. I have no plans to amend the legislation referred to as it deals with first aid at places of work.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.