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safety

Defibrillator Monthly Functional Check Log

Monthly log for each AED/defibrillator to confirm ready status, pad and battery readiness, access, and any corrective action before an emergency happens.

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Overview

This template is a monthly functional check log for an AED/defibrillator. It captures the minimum readiness details an inspector needs to confirm that the device is present, powered, accessible, and ready for emergency use: asset identification, location, self-test status, alarms, exterior condition, pad readiness, battery status, and any corrective action needed.

Use it when your site needs a repeatable record for each device, such as in offices, schools, clinics, warehouses, retail locations, or vehicles that carry an AED. It is especially useful where multiple units are deployed and ownership can get unclear over time. The log helps you spot common failures early, including expired pads, missing accessories, blocked access, low battery warnings, or a device that appears intact but is not actually ready.

Do not use this as a substitute for manufacturer maintenance instructions, post-use service, or a formal emergency response plan. It is also not the right tool for clinical review after a rescue event, electrical safety testing, or a full preventive maintenance program. If your site has a stricter SOP, local fire code requirement, or AHJ expectation, the monthly log should support that process rather than replace it.

Standards & compliance context

  • This template supports workplace emergency preparedness and documented equipment readiness practices commonly expected under OSHA general industry and construction safety programs.
  • AED readiness checks should also align with the manufacturer’s instructions, which are the primary source for pad life, battery life, self-test interpretation, and service intervals.
  • Where applicable, the log can support fire-life-safety and emergency response expectations under NFPA-based site programs and local AHJ requirements.
  • For healthcare, public assembly, or regulated facilities, the record can help demonstrate that emergency equipment is being checked on a routine schedule consistent with site policy and applicable standards.
  • If your organization uses a formal safety management system, this log fits well within preventive maintenance and corrective action tracking practices used in ANSI-style safety programs.

General regulatory context for orientation only — verify current requirements with counsel or the relevant agency before relying on this template for compliance.

What's inside this template

Inspection Details

This section anchors the record to one specific AED so the monthly check can be traced to the exact device, location, and inspector.

  • Device ID / Asset Tag (weight 1.0)

    Enter the AED or defibrillator identifier used by your site.

  • Location (weight 1.0)

    Record the exact mounted location or room where the device is stored.

  • Inspection date (critical · weight 1.0)

    Date and time the monthly functional check was completed.

  • Inspector name (critical · weight 1.0)

    Name of the person completing the inspection.

Device Self-Test and Status

This section confirms the unit is powered, healthy, and not showing warning conditions that would prevent immediate use.

  • Self-test indicator shows normal/ready status (critical · weight 1.0)

    Verify the AED status indicator shows a normal or ready condition with no fault alert.

  • Audible or visual alarms present (critical · weight 1.0)

    Confirm there are no active alarms, warning tones, or fault signals.

  • Device exterior clean and free of damage (weight 1.0)

    Inspect the housing, screen, buttons, and carry case for cracks, missing parts, contamination, or other damage.

  • Accessory compartment secure and complete (weight 1.0)

    Confirm the device case or cabinet contains all required accessories and the compartment closes properly.

Pads and Electrode Readiness

This section verifies the consumables that make the AED usable are present, current, and matched to the device.

  • Pads present and unopened (critical · weight 1.0)

    Verify electrode pads are present, sealed, and not previously opened or used.

  • Pads within expiration date (critical · weight 1.0)

    Check the pad package expiration date and confirm it has not passed.

  • Pads package condition acceptable (critical · weight 1.0)

    Confirm the pad package is intact, dry, and free from tears, punctures, or seal failure.

  • Correct pad type for device model (weight 1.0)

    Verify the pads are compatible with the AED model and intended patient use.

Battery and Power Readiness

This section checks the power source and replacement timing so the device does not fail when it is needed.

  • Battery installed and secure (critical · weight 1.0)

    Confirm the battery is installed correctly and the compartment is closed and secure.

  • Battery status indicates sufficient charge (critical · weight 1.0)

    Verify the battery indicator or device display shows adequate charge or readiness.

  • Battery replacement date checked (weight 1.0)

    Record the battery expiration or replacement date if shown on the device or battery label.

  • Spare battery available if required by site SOP (weight 1.0)

    If your site procedure requires a spare battery, confirm one is available and in date.

Accessibility, Signage, and Corrective Action

This section captures whether the AED can actually be reached and whether any deficiency has been assigned for follow-up.

  • AED location accessible and unobstructed (critical · weight 1.0)

    Confirm the defibrillator cabinet, wall mount, or storage location is accessible without obstruction.

  • Cabinet or storage signage visible (weight 1.0)

    Verify AED signage is visible and the device can be quickly identified in an emergency.

  • Any deficiency identified during inspection (weight 1.0)

    Mark Yes if any issue, non-conformance, or missing item was found during this inspection.

  • Corrective action / service request details (weight 1.0)

    Document the deficiency, immediate action taken, and who was notified for repair or replacement.

Inspector Sign-off

This section provides accountability that the monthly check was completed and reviewed by the assigned inspector.

  • Inspector signature (critical · weight 1.0)

    Signature confirming the monthly functional check was completed.

How to use this template

  1. 1. Identify the AED by asset tag or device ID and record its exact location, inspection date, and inspector name before opening the cabinet or storage case.
  2. 2. Check the device self-test indicator, alarms, exterior condition, and accessory compartment, then note any visible defect or missing item immediately.
  3. 3. Verify that the pads are present, unopened, within expiration date, in acceptable package condition, and matched to the correct device model.
  4. 4. Confirm the battery is installed, secure, and showing sufficient charge, and record the battery replacement date or spare battery status if your SOP requires one.
  5. 5. Make sure the AED is accessible, unobstructed, and clearly signed, then document any deficiency and create the corrective action or service request.
  6. 6. Complete the inspector sign-off only after all findings are recorded and any critical issue has been escalated according to site procedure.

Best practices

  • Inspect the AED in the same sequence every month so missing pads, blocked access, and battery issues are less likely to be overlooked.
  • Record the exact device ID or asset tag rather than a general room name, especially when multiple AEDs are stored in one building.
  • Treat an expired pad set, missing pad package, or mismatched pad type as a deficiency that requires follow-up, not a note to revisit later.
  • Photograph any damage, missing accessory, or obstructed cabinet at the time of inspection so the corrective action record is clear.
  • Verify accessibility from the normal approach path, not just from the cabinet door, because furniture, carts, or locked areas can delay response.
  • Check the battery status indicator and replacement date together, since a battery can appear installed while still being near end of service life.
  • Close the loop on every deficiency by assigning a service request, owner, and due date before the inspection is signed off.

What this template typically catches

Issues teams running this template most often surface in practice:

Pads are present but expired, opened, or stored in a damaged package.
The AED passes self-test but the battery indicator shows low charge or an overdue replacement date.
The wrong pad type is stocked for the device model, making the unit unusable in an emergency.
The cabinet is visible but the AED is blocked by supplies, furniture, or a locked barrier that slows access.
Accessory items such as scissors, gloves, or a spare battery are missing when the site SOP requires them.
The device exterior is cracked, dirty, or shows signs of impact that warrant service review.
A deficiency is noted but no corrective action owner or service request is recorded.

Common use cases

School Nurse or Campus Safety AED Checks
Use this log to document monthly readiness for AEDs placed in hallways, gyms, nurse offices, and athletic facilities. It helps confirm that staff can reach the device quickly and that pads and batteries are current before an emergency occurs.
Clinic or Outpatient Facility Equipment Rounds
Clinical support staff can use the template to verify AED status during routine rounds without turning the check into a full maintenance workflow. The record creates a clear handoff when a pad expiration, battery issue, or cabinet problem needs biomedical or facilities follow-up.
Warehouse or Distribution Center Emergency Readiness
In large facilities, AEDs are often spread across multiple zones and can be missed during informal checks. This template keeps each unit tied to a location, asset tag, and corrective action trail so readiness stays visible across shifts.
Retail Storefront and Mall Tenant Compliance
Store managers can use the log to confirm that the AED is accessible, signed, and ready even when staffing changes frequently. It is especially useful where the device is shared across tenants or stored near customer-facing areas.

Frequently asked questions

What does this defibrillator monthly functional check log cover?

It covers the basic readiness checks that determine whether an AED/defibrillator is available for immediate use: device self-test status, alarms, exterior condition, pad condition, battery readiness, accessibility, and corrective action tracking. The template is designed for one device at a time so each asset has a clear monthly record. It is not a clinical use record or a post-event incident report.

How often should this log be completed?

This template is built for monthly checks, which is a common cadence for AED readiness programs. Some sites also perform checks after a device alarm, after pad or battery replacement, or after any use event. If your site SOP or manufacturer instructions require a different frequency, use that higher standard.

Who should perform the inspection?

A trained employee, safety coordinator, facilities lead, or other assigned custodian can complete the log if they know how to verify the device status and escalate deficiencies. The inspector should be someone who can confirm the AED is accessible, identify expired pads or low battery conditions, and submit a service request when needed. If your organization has a designated responder program, align the assignment with that role.

Does this template align with OSHA or other regulations?

It supports general workplace emergency preparedness and documented equipment readiness, which is consistent with OSHA expectations for emergency response planning and with common safety management practices. For healthcare, foodservice, or public assembly settings, it also helps demonstrate routine checks under site policies and applicable fire-life-safety or emergency preparedness requirements. Always follow the AED manufacturer instructions and any local AHJ or program requirements.

What are the most common mistakes this log helps catch?

The most common misses are expired pads, a battery that looks installed but is not ready, a device that passed self-test but is blocked by storage or signage issues, and missing corrective-action follow-up. Another frequent problem is recording a check without confirming the correct pad type for the specific model. This template forces those items to be reviewed every month.

Can I customize this log for different AED models or locations?

Yes. You can add model-specific fields, serial numbers, cabinet keys or alarm codes, spare battery requirements, or site-specific response contacts. Many organizations also duplicate the template by location so each floor, wing, vehicle, or building has its own monthly record.

How does this compare with an ad-hoc AED check?

An ad-hoc check often misses the same items from month to month and leaves no clear history of deficiencies or service requests. This log creates a repeatable record that shows what was checked, when it was checked, and whether anything needed correction. That makes it easier to prove readiness and spot recurring problems before a failure occurs.

Can this be integrated with maintenance or CMMS workflows?

Yes. The corrective action field can be used to trigger a work order, service ticket, or replacement request when a deficiency is found. Many teams also link the device ID or asset tag to a CMMS record so battery changes, pad replacements, and service history stay connected to the same AED.

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