Post-Lockdown: Social distancing isn’t just for members…….

What considerations have you made when planning scenarios for re-opening?

Have you considered segregated floor area size depending on equipment?

Have you considered how much space is needed for various pieces of equipment?
What about a barbell? The IWF approved space requirement is 3.5m x 2m for this.
What about a rower? These are 2.44m long, or longer if you have specialist monorails. Safety clearance specified by the manufacturer takes this length to 274cm.

Do your plans include leaving enough space as specified by British Standards between pieces of equipment?
Can you programme to eliminate the use of more space-intensive equipment?

Outside of the spaces, employees have a duty of care to employers (including independent contractors) to ensure a safe system of work – have you considered social distancing spacing for your coaches and how they will effectively coach to keep participants moving safely whilst being socially distanced themselves?

Do your spaces between training areas allow for a 2m distance between all parties at all times (and not just a spot in the centre of the training space)? Might you need to consider wider walkways in order to achieve this, for both coaching and access requirements, including any emergency procedures? This is especially important if you plan to have your coaches walk between participants.

Do you have all this documented so there is a clear, auditable trail of your decisions and reasoning?

When the time comes, how will you ensure this is communicated effectively?

No one knows exactly what requirements will be when lockdown is eased, but planning scenarios now will help make things easier when the time comes.

#riskmanagement #beprepared #healthandsafety #safespaces #socialdistancing