Identifying potential hazards in sporting facilities
Most sports facilities present their own set of hazards and safety risks. There are a number of things to consider for each type of facility.
Sports hall
- Floor well maintained and cleaned of slip hazards.
- Equipment stored safely, moved carefully and secured when being used.
- Equipment in good condition, not broken or damaged.
- Trip hazards minimised (such as dividing nets/curtains pulled back fully).
Fitness centre
- Appropriate level of supervision.
- Equipment/weights/machines well maintained and checked daily.
- Users given adequate training and safety advice, particularly with weight equipment.
- Correct hydration encouraged.
- Hygiene standards adhered to, such as wiping down equipment (affects grip).
- Slip hazards minimised, particularly in changing/shower rooms (wet floors/strewn belongings).
Playing field
- Well maintained pitches - even surface, no holes/ruts/mounds, short grass.
- Checked for debris – stones, bottles, litter.
- Equipment well maintained and secured (goalposts, nets pegged properly, corner flags).
Artificial outdoor areas
- Astroturf surface is smooth and wrinkle free, no joints/stitching visible, no bald patches.
- Adequate sand/water applied.
- Checked for debris – bottles, litter.
- Equipment well maintained and secured.
- Dividing nets in good condition and fully extended/pulled back to prevent trip hazard.
- Adequate run-out space (from stored equipment or boundary fence).
Swimming pool
- Lifeguards.
- Depth signs.
- Behaviour rules displayed and adhered to (running/shouting/bombing).
- Pool well maintained.
- Poolside well maintained and cleaned (no cracked tiles or trip or slip hazards).
- Equipment stored safely
- Changing rooms and showers well maintained and cleaned.
