Category Archives: Programs Safety

Making a List and Checking it Twice!

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Okay, so its not time to be thinking of Santa, but I was thinking of lists today.

I regularly visit and audit YMCAs, YWCAs, JCCs and clubs. I frequently encounter systems (or lack of systems) to manage and track daily, weekly and monthly maintenance and housekeeping functions that could be strengthened. These functions, which are designed to keep patrons and employees safe, can be well-managed with checklists and logs.

Checklists and logs are generally accepted as good management tools for these type of redundant functions where documentation of inspections is important. Checklists help manage and track scheduled tasks such as checking emergency lighting, exit signage lighting, program area and hallway lighting, AED batteries and pads, pool emergency alarms, obstructed electric panels, obstructed emergency exit doors, tripping and slipping hazards, etc. Logs may include tracking emergency action plan (EAP) drills such as state-mandated fire emergency drills and regular vehicle maintenance checks. They may also include life-threatening aquatic or fitness center emergency drills and lost camper drills.

Checklists and logs do not have to be complicated. The use of an Excel spread sheet with all items to be checked listed in one column and check dates listed in another column is very effective. Forms work well too. Items such as emergency lights can be individually numbered for ease of identification. Checklists and logs encourage compliance with the completion of scheduled tasks, provide written documentation that a task was completed, serve as reminders and also provide legal documentation.

Christopher Mogridge – Safe-Wise Consulting

Sample forms, checklists and logs on various topics can be found in the Safe-Wise Online Resource Library.

Keeping Your Eye on the Ball

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During a recent visit to a fitness facility the staff and I discussed the use of training balls at their location. Fitness training balls, also known as stability and exercise balls, are commonly used at fitness facilities around the country. While they are common and usually durable they can fail when not used in a proper manner and within manufacturer’s recommendations. As recently as 2009 the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recommended the recall of nearly 3 million exercise balls due to a number of reports of various injuries to consumers. The majority of these and continuing injuries are due to improper use rather than equipment defect.

Some of our discussion provided new ideas to the training staff, so I thought it may be appropriate to present them in this week’s Blog. In addition we’ve recently added a listing of good use practices in the Online Library under the Program section.

Most training balls are designed to withstand common use during exercise. They are usually labeled with a user weight limit; listed on the ball near the air valve. The listed weight limit is the maximum amount of weight the ball can support. This includes the user’s body weight along with any weight equipment. Training balls are also available in various sizes. These sizes follow suggested user height recommendations by manufacturers.

One of the most common causes of equipment failure and user injury is a training ball that is not properly inflated. Underinflating this piece of training equipment can cause leaks and affect a user’s stability while exercising.

In conclusion, facilities should ensure that a selection of equipment is available that suits the various sizes and skills of users. An area that has appropriate space should be designated for the use of training balls. Instruction should be offered so that users are aware of how to properly use the equipment. All equipment should be regularly inspected with the results documented. Training balls should be properly inflated and used within manufacturer’s recommendations. Equipment that has been purchased since 2010, is designed for commercial use and is properly inflated can help reduce the incidence of injuries.

Mike Gurtler

More information on use of fitness training balls is available in the Online Library

Lightning Discussions Ongoing

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Reviewing emergency plans prior to incidents is good practice. With the prevalence of unusual weather situations around the country it makes even more good sense. A part of an organization’s weather emergency planning that frequently gets discussion is procedures for thunderstorms and lightning. From a risk management perspective all outdoor activities must have a lightning emergency plan. Safe-Wise recommends following good practices which include the 30/30 rule (see our Online Resource Library). However, my discussion this week has more to do with indoor activities.

I recently spent time discussing emergency planning for indoor pool operations with an organization. I know of few other emergency planning topics that seem to get as much passionate discussion. A simple scan of the Internet will find any number of opinions and supposed factual discussion for implementing a lightning emergency plan. Safe-Wise recommends evacuating all wet areas, pools, showers rooms, etc., during a thunderstorm storm by following the 30/30 rule. The 30/30 rule states: if thunder is heard within 30 seconds of a lightning flash, seek appropriate shelter until 30 minutes after the last sound of thunder. This rule helps define the proximity of lightning and prevents exposure during the most hazardous period of that exposure.

However, some organizations because of a variety of operational considerations and pressures hesitate at implementing this rule. The fact that there has never been a documented case of injury due to a lightning strike while using an indoor pool is often combined with the desire to accommodate user’s concerns of pool availability. This combination is used to justify not closing pools during weather emergencies. Other considerations used to justify this practice are grounding, bonding, other construction standards and lack of specific NCAA guidelines.

I’ve been in the chair of the director running facilities that comes under criticism for closings during a number of different weather emergencies and I know it can be a very tough thing. I also know that I simply cannot use any excuse to expose people to the risk of swimming during a nearby thunderstorm. It can be a very uncomfortable discussion to have and a very unpopular policy to implement. Finances, member satisfaction and even Board or political pressure can influence these discussions. Even with all these influences I do not believe there is any other practice that makes sense aside from following the 30/30 rule. I’ve done quite a bit of research on the subject and have considered both sides (and others) to this issue. While I respect other’s opinions and in many cases can find common ground for similar issues; this is not one of those times.

Your organization needs to thoughtfully consider the information available around this issue without emotion and develop a plan that can be easily implemented in at any time of operation. Your plan needs to be written, rehearsed, regularly evaluated and clearly communicated to staff and users.

Mike Gurtler

More information about lightning safety can be found at the Lightning Safety Institute Website or the Safe-Wise Online Resource Library.