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GrantI82  
#1 Posted : 09 November 2012 21:39:36(UTC)
Rank: New forum user
GrantI82

I have been asked to put together a RA for Disabled customers/etc who use the Leisure facility (briefly a large complex wet and dry facilities, sports hall, all weather pitches, squash courts, two gyms etc).

I have made a good start but could do with a few cross references. I'm worried I'll miss the obvious and go too complex, not that us safety professionals do that of course. Thanks. G
boblewis  
#2 Posted : 10 November 2012 21:13:48(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
boblewis

Grant

A single RA is unlikely to cover all your needs but you could approach this in a number of ways. In broad essence there are three prime areas

!) Ability to actually get to the facility - Access width, steps, ramps, lifts special lifts/hoists
2) Ability to undertake the activity - Physical restraints on performance of activity, special aids required
3) Ability to safely access and use the premises - Parking bays, pedestrian routes, external and internal doors, changing facilities

Add to this any specific control measures you have additionallly then you can be ready to face the individual.

Add to this any specialised training needs for staff assisting such people.

But a RA - perhaps NO as you willl always need to assess every person for a particular activity. I accept you can make general statements but you could lead yourself unwittingly into a discrimination claim if care is not taken. Generic decisions always have this potential.

Bob
KieranD  
#3 Posted : 11 November 2012 11:57:27(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
KieranD

May I add to the (useful) classification by Bob, signage including symbols (non-verbal) and pro-active attention for facility users with learning difficulties, dyslexia or other deficits that limit their ability to interpret verbabl warnings.

I go swimming regularly: while many people with psychological difficulties use the pool in groups, at times, solo swimmers behave in ways which indicate inability to understand standard written notices.
firesafety101  
#4 Posted : 11 November 2012 15:48:47(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
firesafety101

I recently found some resentment toward me as I was walking in the swimming pool. I had a total knew knee in June and part of my rehab was hydro and walking forwards, backwards, sideways etc.

You may consider some signage to inform users that the pool/s is/are not just for swimming.



boblewis  
#5 Posted : 11 November 2012 18:12:56(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
boblewis

Good assessments thus recognise the need for clarity as to whether it is general pool use or Lane Swimming. Centres should be making clear decisions that a fair to all. Centres I have advised also have such as Pool exercise times and Disabled reserved area during some sessions.

Bob
Jeff Watt  
#6 Posted : 11 November 2012 23:15:35(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
Jeff Watt

Make available a range of emergency evac plans for disabled customers as per http://www.communities.g...iresafetyassessmentmeans
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