A Pennsylvania bill aimed at electrical worksites contains a provision that may affect how fitness facilities approach AED compliance.
Most gym and fitness studio owners in Pennsylvania assume AED requirements are straightforward: have a device on hand, train staff, maintain it. But a provision buried in SB1328 redefines who counts as a "utility" under state law—and that redefinition has real compliance implications worth understanding.
SB1328, titled "Requiring automated external defibrillators at utility or electrical worksites," was designed primarily to mandate AED availability at electrical utility and linework sites. But Section 2 of the bill (Page 5) expands the legal definition of "utility" to include contractors and subcontractors performing utility work. That broader definition triggers a full set of AED-related duties that apply to any worksite where these contractors operate.
Under SB1328, covered worksites must now:
For fitness facilities that employ contractors—whether for electrical work, HVAC maintenance, plumbing, or other services—this means verifying that contractor teams meet these standards while on your premises. If a contractor fails to comply, liability questions may arise.
Gym and studio owners should pay closest attention if they:
Even if your facility already has AED devices and trained staff, the law now requires that contractor teams working on-site meet the same standard independently. This is not a requirement you can delegate away; it's a compliance checkpoint you need to verify.
SB1328 becomes effective 60 days after enactment (Section 12, Page 11). That window is your opportunity to review contractor agreements, confirm AED and training status, and update your site protocols to document compliance.
Review any contracts with electrical contractors or utility-related service providers. Ask them directly whether they maintain AED devices on-site and whether their teams are CPR/AED certified. Request documentation. Update your contractor onboarding checklist to include AED compliance as a verification step before work begins. If a contractor cannot demonstrate compliance, you have grounds to require it as a condition of working at your facility.
This is not a major operational overhaul for most fitness facilities, but it is a real compliance detail that shouldn't be overlooked. The law is clear, the deadline is fixed, and the documentation requirement is specific: two years of inspection records.
For facility-specific guidance on contractor compliance and AED protocols under SB1328, contact your state trade association or local business counsel.