Colorado Workplace Safety & AED Compliance

Your quick guide to AED, workplace safety, and emergency preparedness laws in Colorado.

Colorado has strong AED program requirements and broad Good Samaritan protections. While AEDs are not universally mandated in all workplaces, any organization that acquires an AED must follow detailed rules for training, maintenance, EMS coordination, and written program plans. Specific expectations also apply to schools and dental offices using sedation, with federal OSHA governing general workplace safety.

AED Required?

Yes, Industry Specific

Emergency Plan?

Yes, for AED programs

State OSHA Plan?

Federal OSHA (no separate state plan)

Good Samaritan?

Yes — C.R.S. §13‑21‑108.1

Regulated Industries

Last Updated

March 2009

*This summary is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. State laws change regularly, and requirements may vary by industry or circumstance. Always consult official state statutes or a qualified attorney before making compliance decisions.This summary is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. State laws change regularly, and requirements may vary by industry or circumstance. Always consult official state statutes or a qualified attorney before making compliance decisions.

AED program operators (any industry):
- Implement a formal AED program: physician medical oversight, EMS registration, written emergency response plan, scheduled maintenance/testing, and CPR/AED training for expected users.
Schools & athletics:
- Treat “encouraged” AED placement as a practical mandate—place AEDs in schools and athletic complexes, train coaches and staff, and maintain written AED plans reviewed by a physician.
Dental offices using sedation:
- Ensure AEDs are present, maintained, and supported by staff CPR/AED training and clear emergency protocols.
General workplaces:
- Even without a direct mandate, adopt AEDs and emergency plans to align with Colorado’s AED framework and federal OSHA best practices.

Key Takeaways for Colorado

Understanding Colorado's specific safety mandates is the first step toward total workplace readiness. Here is a high-level summary of the critical requirements for employers in the state.

Colorado mandates comprehensive AED program management: registration, physician oversight, EMS notification, maintenance/testing, training, written plans, and utilization reporting for any entity that acquires an AED.
Good Samaritan immunity applies to rescuers, physicians, property owners, trainers, and program operators, but full immunity for programs depends on compliance with statutory requirements.
School districts are encouraged to place AEDs in every public school and athletic complex and must accept donated AEDs; dental offices using sedation must have AEDs.

Recommendations

Industry-Specific Requirements in Colorado

Explore the specific safety and AED mandates tailored to Colorado's diverse industries, ensuring local compliance and enhanced emergency preparedness.

Core AED Program

Requirement: C.R.S. §13‑21‑108.1(3)
AED: Law applies once acquired
Plan: Mandatory Written EAP
Training: Mandatory Staff CPR

Colorado’s core AED statute requires robust program planning, training, maintenance, EMS coordination, and documentation for any AED owner, tying Good Samaritan immunity to compliance.

Review Law

Schools

Requirement: Colorado SB 181 2008
AED: Highly Recommended
Plan: Yes, if AED available
Training: Key Personnel CPR

Colorado promotes AED deployment in schools and athletic complexes and requires districts that adopt AEDs to implement full AED programs with training, maintenance, and physician oversight.

View Education Mandates

Dental Offices

Requirement: 3 CCR 709-1, Rule XIV
AED: Mandatory (State Law)
Plan: Posted EAP
Training: Mandatory Staff CPR

Colorado requires sedation‑using dental offices to maintain AEDs and comply with AED program standards, ensuring readiness for cardiac emergencies during dental procedures.

View Dental Laws