Introduction

 

We are required to assess and manage the risks of COVID-19, and in particular will consider the risks to workers and customers.

 

As an operator of a sports facility, we also have a legal responsibility to protect workers and users from risk to their health and safety. This means we will assess the risks you face and do everything reasonably practicable to minimise them, recognising we cannot completely eliminate the risk of COVID-19.

 

At Colchester Weightlifting we have fewer than five workers so are not required to write anything down as part of our risk assessment. However, please find below the follow guidance on how we are working to reduce and minimise the associated risks of COVID-19.

 

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Communication

 

Clear communication is critical to ensure that everyone is taking all reasonable measures to comply with social distancing and hygiene measures at all times, before, after and during physical activity.

 

We will provide signage to ensure workers and customers are aware of the need to avoid contact.

 

We will inform customers of guidance about visiting the premises prior to and at the point of arrival (including information on our website and in entrance ways).

 

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Cleanliness

 

We will work to promote an increase in the frequency of handwashing and surface cleaning.

 

Hand sanitiser locations will be provided where there may be a higher risk of transmission, in addition to washrooms – we encourage workers and customers to wash their hands regularly.

 

Signs and posters will build awareness of good handwashing technique, the need to increase handwashing frequency and the need to avoid touching your face.

 

There will be frequent cleaning of work areas, equipment and surfaces that are touched regularly, including stationary gym equipment. If equipment cannot be cleaned after each use, it will not be used.

 

We will provide spray and cloths for users to wipe down equipment after use.

 

Waste will be removed and belongings from the work area at the end of a shift.

 

We will maintain rigorous cleaning procedures, reviewing and adapting where necessary including in increased high-risk spaces including main thoroughfares, touch points and walls and floors in circulation routes).

 

Social distancing

 

Our aim is to reduce the number of people each person has contact with.

 

Everyone should make every reasonable effort to comply with the social distancing guidelines set out by the government (2m, or 1m with risk mitigation where 2m is not viable).

 

The maximum occupancy of each indoor facility will be limited by providing a minimum of 100sqft per person. For this figure, the area is the net useable indoor facility space available to members to use, including changing rooms, toilet and wash facilities.

 

We will promote front/back-to-back or side-to-side working (rather than face-to-face).
 

Chaperones to children may wait outside in a socially distant manner or in their car.

 

Particular attention will be given to ventilation and sufficient circulation space specially around equipment and between groups and classes and instructors.

 

We will work to ensure distancing is possible by limiting the number of customers able to access the club.

 

A limited booking system with specific time slots will ensure that no more than the desired number of customers and staff are in the building at any one time.

 

Our timetabling has been amended to accommodate this.

 

Signage such as ground markings will mark out required social distance areas to allow controlled flows of people.

 

We will aim to reduce congestion, for example, by having the shutter open as an additional entry point.

 

The outside area can be used to wait for your class to start.

 

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Reducing contact

 

Please arrive at the facility in sports kit and where possible to travel home to change/shower. Use of changing rooms and showering facilities should in general be avoided where possible.

 

We will take steps to avoid people needing to unduly raise their voices to each other. This includes - but is not limited to - refraining from playing music or broadcasts that may encourage shouting, including if played at a volume that makes normal conversation difficult. This is because of the potential for increased risk of transmission - particularly from aerosol and droplet transmission.

 

We will fix doors open that can be safely left open where feasible.

 

Sharing of equipment is not permitted.

 

Waste will be collected frequently.

 

 

Other

 

The opening up of the economy following the COVID-19 outbreak is being supported by NHS Test and Trace. We will assist this service by keeping a record of our customers and visitors in line with our Privacy Policy, and assist NHS Test and Trace with requests for that data if needed.