First Aid Procedure
Objective: Provide timely and effective first aid for injuries and medical emergencies in compliance with NSW Work Health and Safety (WHS) Regulation 2017, Part 3.2.
Responsibilities:
Blood Spillage and Infectious Disease Procedure
Objective: Minimise infection risk from blood or body fluids per NSW Health Infection Control Guidelines.
Responsibilities:
Inspection of Equipment and Surfaces Procedure
Objective: Prevent injuries by ensuring gym equipment and surfaces are safe, clean, and functional in line with SafeWork NSW WHS Act 2011.
Responsibilities:
Emergency Procedures for Serious Injury/Event
Objective: Provide a clear, practiced response to serious incidents or emergencies.
Responsibilities:
Participating While Pregnant Procedure
Objective: Ensure pregnant clients train safely, reducing risks to mother and fetus.
Responsibilities:
Objective: Provide timely and effective first aid for injuries and medical emergencies in compliance with NSW Work Health and Safety (WHS) Regulation 2017, Part 3.2.
Responsibilities:
- The Gym Manager ensures a current first aid kit and trained staff.
- Trainers must respond promptly to incidents and document all events.
- Compliant first aid kit (as per SafeWork NSW Code of Practice) stocked with:
- Adhesive dressings
- Sterile gauze
- Bandages
- Antiseptic wipes
- Saline solution
- Burn gel
- Instant cold packs
- CPR face shield
- Disposable gloves
- Scissors and tweezers
- Emergency blanket
- Assess the situation for danger (DRSABCD: Danger, Response, Send for help, Airway, Breathing, CPR, Defibrillation).
- Treat minor injuries with appropriate supplies.
- For serious injuries (e.g., suspected fractures, head trauma, chest pain), call 000 immediately.
- Maintain clear airways and monitor vital signs until help arrives.
- Never administer medication (including painkillers) unless trained and authorized.
- Record all incidents in an Incident Report within 24 hours and store securely for 7 years.
- Emergency contact list displayed in reception and staff room.
- Trainers must know the nearest hospital (St Vincent’s Hospital Sydney).
- Staff complete Provide First Aid (HLTAID011) and CPR (HLTAID009) certification, renewed every 3 years and annually, respectively.
Blood Spillage and Infectious Disease Procedure
Objective: Minimise infection risk from blood or body fluids per NSW Health Infection Control Guidelines.
Responsibilities:
- Trainers clean spills promptly and safely.
- The Gym Manager ensures cleaning supplies and PPE are stocked.
- Maintain a spill kit with:
- Disposable gloves
- Eye protection
- Disposable gowns or aprons
- Absorbent paper towels
- Hospital-grade disinfectant (e.g., bleach solution at 1:10 dilution)
- Biohazard bags
- Scoop/scraper
- Clear the area; restrict others until cleaned.
- Wear gloves (and eye protection if risk of splash).
- Cover the spill with paper towels to absorb fluids.
- Apply disinfectant generously; allow a minimum 10-minute contact time.
- Wipe spill area thoroughly and dispose of towels and gloves in a biohazard bag.
- Wash hands with soap and running water for at least 20 seconds after cleanup.
- Report incident to the Gym Manager and record in the Incident Register.
- Exclude staff and clients with symptoms of communicable diseases (e.g., COVID-19, gastroenteritis, influenza).
- Require written medical clearance before return.
Inspection of Equipment and Surfaces Procedure
Objective: Prevent injuries by ensuring gym equipment and surfaces are safe, clean, and functional in line with SafeWork NSW WHS Act 2011.
Responsibilities:
- Trainers conduct daily inspections.
- The Gym Manager performs weekly and monthly audits.
- Inspect equipment for:
- Frayed cables
- Cracks or rust on frames
- Worn or missing rubber feet on benches
- Loose bolts
- Malfunctioning pins or locks
- Check floor mats for tears, bunching, or trip hazards.
- Wipe down high-touch surfaces (e.g., dumbbells, machine handles) with hospital-grade disinfectant after every session.
- Record daily checks in the Equipment Inspection Log.
- Deep clean equipment frames, padding, mirrors, and walls.
- Inspect lighting, ventilation systems, and emergency exits.
- Test fire extinguisher gauge and emergency lighting.
- Review maintenance records.
- Arrange professional servicing of key equipment (e.g., cable machines, treadmills) every 6 months or as per manufacturer recommendations.
- Tag equipment with “OUT OF SERVICE” sign and report to Gym Manager for repair.
Emergency Procedures for Serious Injury/Event
Objective: Provide a clear, practiced response to serious incidents or emergencies.
Responsibilities:
- All staff respond according to this plan.
- The Gym Manager conducts annual emergency drills.
- Immediate Actions:
- Stop activities; secure area to prevent further harm.
- Apply first aid following DRSABCD principles.
- Call 000; give clear details of the location: 225a Victoria Street Darlinghurst NSW 2010, nearest cross street, and nature of emergency.
- Evacuation:
- Lead evacuation to the assembly point outside the building if fire, gas leak, or structural risk is suspected.
- Roll-call staff and clients at the assembly point.
- After Incident:
- Document incident details comprehensively (what happened, time, witnesses, injuries, treatment).
- Notify SafeWork NSW within 48 hours if the incident involves serious injury, illness, or dangerous occurrence as per WHS Regulation 699.
- Cooperate fully with investigations by emergency services or SafeWork NSW.
- Communication:
- Contact next of kin for injured persons as soon as practical.
- Staff review this plan every 6 months.
- Fire extinguisher use and evacuation routes practiced annually.
Participating While Pregnant Procedure
Objective: Ensure pregnant clients train safely, reducing risks to mother and fetus.
Responsibilities:
- Trainers adapt programs based on pregnancy stage.
- Clients provide updated medical clearance if pregnancy complications occur.
- Obtain written clearance from a qualified doctor stating fitness for exercise.
- Review health history, pregnancy stage, prior complications, and client concerns.
- Follow guidelines from the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG) and Exercise & Sports Science Australia (ESSA).
- Avoid exercises that:
- Involve lying flat on the back after the first trimester.
- Include heavy lifting with breath-holding (Valsalva maneuver).
- Are high-impact, high-risk for falls (e.g., box jumps).
- Cause overheating (ensure hydration, ventilation).
- Focus on:
- Low-impact cardio (e.g., stationary cycling, walking)
- Resistance training with light weights, high repetitions
- Pelvic floor exercises
- Posture and balance training
- Watch for warning signs requiring immediate stop and medical review:
- Vaginal bleeding
- Regular painful contractions
- Dizziness or fainting
- Shortness of breath before exertion
- Calf pain or swelling
- Record exercise sessions, modifications, and any client-reported symptoms.
- Provide clients with an information sheet outlining safe exercise during pregnancy.