Mullingar Garda Station                  

043 3350570

Athlone Town Council        

090 642100

Athlone Hospital

Mullingar Regional Hospital           

Tullamore Regional Hospital          

Portlaoise Regional Hospital

Portiuncla Ballinasloe         

090 647 5301

044 9340221

057 9321501

057 8621364

090 96 48200

Garden Vale Surgery

MIDOC GP Out of Hours Service

090 64 72595

1850 302 702

1850 205050 (Emergency)

Repairs                                              

Directory Enquiries                         

1902

11811

Headquarters                                   

Emergency call-out 24 hours                     

01 6765831

1850372999

          Athlone

0906483195

• Attend Reception immediately and take control of the situation

• Check the fire panel for location of alarm activation

• Mute Alarm Bell                 N.B . do not reset

• Instruct Reception to make an announcement “ The emergency alarm which you have just heard is being investigated – There is no immediate cause for concern , we will inform you of necessary action required as soon as possible.”
• Call the pool , gym , and crèche and inform them of the announcement

• Send other staff to search the premises  and to use the radios as communication or the internal telephone system and ask them to report back to you ASAP

• The duty manager should action a full search of the premises before deciding it is a false alarm

• In the event of a false alarm the Duty Manager is to instruct the receptionist to announce “ I am pleased to inform you that the emergency alarm is false . Please carry on with you activities . We apologies for any inconvenience caused.” Also call the pool , gym and Cafe and inform them of the false alarm

• If it is a false alarm reset the fire alarm system check the air handling is operational  and the turn style and open the doors from the changing rooms to poolside and close the smoke ventilation system outside the admin. Office .

• Contact the Duty Manager / Manager if they do not respond to the alarm

• Note the time of the fire alarm activation

• Stop all further admissions to the facility

• On the instruction of the Duty Manager make the necessary announcements over the PA system  “ The emergency alarm which you have just heard is being investigated – There is no immediate cause for concern , we will inform you of necessary action required as soon as possible.” and call the gym and the pool and the cafe  and inform them of the announcement ( Due  the poor sound quality in these areas ).

• Stand by for further instructions

• If it has been a false alarm on the instruction of the Duty Manager make the following announcement  “ I am pleased to inform you that the emergency alarm is false . Please carry on with you activities . We apologies for any inconvenience caused.” Also  call the pool , gym and cafe and inform them of the false alarm

• On the activation of the fire alarm listen for the announcements and stand by the phone

• If there is more than one lifeguard on duty and there is enough cover on pool side       ( ratio 40-1 or 80-2 ) go to reception and wait on instructions from the Duty Manager. 

• Keep customers informed of the situation

• On the activation of the fire alarm listen for the announcements

• Go directly to reception and wait on instructions from the Duty Manager

• Co-operate with Sports Centre Staff

• On the activation of the fire alarm listen for the announcements

• Keep customers informed of the situation

• On the activation of the fire alarm listen for the announcements and contact reception if unclear

• Keep customers informed of the situation

• Co-operate with Sports Centre Staff

• On the activation of the fire alarm listen for the announcements and go to reception

• Co-operate with Sports Centre Staff

• Instruct the receptionist to call the fire Brigade on 999 or 112 and say “This is Athlone Regional Sports Centre , I wish to report a fire alarm activation .

• Instruct the Receptionist to announce over the PA : Staff CALL code red ( then location of the fire ) and repeat . Call the pool , gym , and cafe  and inform the staff of the location of the fire and the necessary evacuation .

• Instruct the Receptionist to make the following announcement “ attention attention please , it has become necessary to evacuate the building . There is no need for panic , but all customers are requested  to leave the building using the nearest exit doors which are clearly marked.” repeat twice ………….

• Check with reception and with the gym, pool, fitness class studios, meeting room if there are any Customers or Staff members who need  assistance in the evacuation  and activate there (P.E.E.P)

• Switch on the Fire alarm

• Send staff  to check and  evac the astro changing rooms and reception toilets , and the training room .Check with the Snr Lifeguard all poolside areas are clear, check with the Gym staff that all the gym and studios are clear. Ask staff to close all fire doors that may be open       

• Remain at reception and check with all other members of staff that all areas are clear

• Direct all persons towards the Fire Evacuation Point at the car park

• If you can no longer contain the fire or it is not safe to stay in the reception area leave the building and close the doors behind you

• Proceed to the assembly point

• Confirm that all staff and customers / contractors are accounted for

• In the event of someone missing from the assembly group other than those accounted for , establish if that person or persons are in the building or area of emergency

• If it is likely that there are persons still in the building or emergency area then inform the emergency services personnel as soon as they arrive on site

• If required it may be necessary to move the location of the assembly point to a safer location .Asses wind direction in the event of gas leak/ smoke

• Ask the trained first aiders / fire wardens to come forward and make themselves available if instructed to do so by the fire brigade personnel.

• Delegate one member of staff to go to the entrance of the building and refuse entry to anyone except the emergency services

• In the event of a major oil spillage /gas  and only if it is safe to do so, organise for a staff member to shut off oil sources using emergency shut off valves , otherwise wait for the emergency services

• When the emergency services indicates you may then allow the assembly group to disperse in an orderly fashion and return to work or activities or finish for the day in the event of a major emergency

• Contact the Westmeath County Council safety adviser immediately and help with the investigation .

• Confirm the location of the fire and the Snr Lifeguard is to take control of the evacuation in wet side area including the changing rooms Male /Female / and Family changing / pool stores and pool plant room.

• Move all swimmers and customers in the Sauna / Steam room area to the emergency exit door away from the fire at the deep end of the pool
• Check if any persons need assistance with evacuation

• Provide swimmers and Sauna / Steam users with foil blankets available in the First Aid Room  and move as a group to the fire assembly point located in the car park

• Prevent members and public from returning to the changing rooms

• Check all changing rooms and toilet areas Male/ Female / Family changing/ pool stores and evacuate any remaining customers by the nearest exit.

• Confirm with the Duty Manager the area is clear and leave by the nearest exit closing all doors behind you and proceed to the assembly point .  

• Assist where necessary to evacuate any disabled personnel and assist the Duty Manager as requested

• Ensure traffic routes are kept clear and fire fighters are directed to the scene of the emergency

• Assist in putting out of small fires with extinguishers (only if safe and trained to do so)

• Confirm the location of the fire and the Gym instructor is to take control of the evacuation and make the following announcement  “ attention attention please , it has become necessary to evacuate the building . There is no need for panic , but all customers are requested  to leave the building using the nearest exit doors which are clearly marked.” repeat twice ………….
• Evacuate all from  the gym area including the stretching area, strength area and cardio 1 & 2  and Male and Female Changing rooms

• Move all customers to the nearest exit away for the fire and evacuate to the fire assembly point in the car park
• Check if any persons need assistance with evacuation

• Evacuate the changing rooms and Prevent members and public from returning to the changing rooms

• Evacuate the fitness studios  1 and 2 and the Spin Studio and Prevent members and public from returning to the changing rooms

• Confirm with the Duty Manager all areas are clear and leave by the nearest exit closing all doors behind you and proceed to the assembly point .  

• Assist where necessary to evacuate any disabled personnel and assist the Duty Manager as requested

• Ensure traffic routes are kept clear and fire fighters are directed to the scene of the emergency

• Assist in putting out of small fires with extinguishers (only if safe and trained to do so)

• Confirm the location of the fire and prepare to evacuate the studio

• Move all customers to the nearest exit away for the fire and evacuate to the fire assembly point in the car park, Check if any persons need assistance with evacuation

• Report to the Duty Manager 

• Assist where necessary to evacuate   disabled personnel and assist the Duty Manager as requested .   

• Admin/ Manager to assist in the evacuation  if  necessary.

• Ensure traffic routes are kept clear and fire fighters are directed to the scene of the emergency

• Assist in putting out of small fires with extinguishers (only if safe and trained to do so)

• Check the location of the fire

• Evacuate all customers to the nearest exit , Check if any persons need assistance with evacuation

• Check the area is clear including the kitchen, toilets and balcony and report to the Duty Manager

• Close all doors and proceed to the fire assembly point

• Check the location of the fire

• Evacuate all the people in your group to the nearest exit and report to the Duty Manager
• Check if any persons need assistance with evacuation

• Proceed to the fire assembly point

• Leave the building by the nearest exit and go to the fire assembly point located at the car park

• Inform the Duty Manager ( emergency coordinator ) of your presence

2. Medical Emergencies

Health Condition

Allegan Related Emergencies

All Staff

Staff Responding to PA system / or call from Reception

Duty Manager

Reception

3. SPINAL INJURY

SPINAL INJURIES MAY BE CAUSED BY DIVING INTO WATER OF INSUFFICIENT DEPTH. It is the policy of Athlone Regional Sports Centre to BAN all diving in the swimming pool. This rule must be strictly enforced by all staff.

The lifeguard may be faced with a need to give CPR when injury to the spine is suspected ,for example if the casualty has sustained a fall, been struck on the head or neck, or has been rescued after diving into shallow water. Particular care must be taken during handling and resuscitation to maintain alignment of the head ,neck, and chest . Support and assistance from other staff members will be needed . It is important to recognise that if the casualty has been rescued to a point of stability and is not breathing normally , urgent removal using a horizontal spinal lift is priority .

If the casualty appears to be breathing normally then the spinal board is to be used .

Resuscitation will always take priority over spinal injury management .

Successful resuscitation which results in paralysis is a tragedy but failure to get oxygen into the casualty who is not breathing will result in death

Incident Management

The first priority of the lifeguard is to save life. The casualty needs to be turned face up with the mouth and nose clear of the water as soon as possible and if not breathing ,  ventilation needs to start and this means opening the airway. A compromise may have to be made if the head can’t be tilted without consequences for the spinal cord.

There are five key point to remember:

• Your first priority is to save life
• The second priority is to stabilise the casualty’s head
• The third priority is to maintain their horizontal position
• Spinal injury can happen anywhere along the spine
• A casualty can have flexion , compression or extension injuries and it may be impossible to know which has actually occurred

Rescue Techniques

Rescues under such circumstances is based on the principal of keeping the casualty’s head in a stable position through the stabilisation of the whole spine. Two techniques can be used depending on the circumstances

It is unusual for a casualty to be discovered floating face up. The body’s natural centre of gravity normally turns into a face down position.

As always your first priority ,is to them face up and clear the airway.

RESCUE FROM DEEP WATER (GREATER THAN 0.7M) : VICE GRIP  Main Pool

Ø  If the casualty is face down, approach the casualty from the side and reach under the casualty, taking care to go around the casualty’s near arm. Place your forearm along the casualties sternum supporting the casualties chin with your hand. Place your other arm along the casualties spine with your hands on their head, fingers spread out. Keep your fingers, hands, wrists and elbows rigid and arms pressed together. Slide beneath the casualty and gently roll the casualty onto their back. Keeping the casualty in this position, make your way to shallow water using a front crawl kick.

If the casualty is face up approach them, secure the casualty and make your way to shallow water as described above.

RESCUE FROM SHALLOW  WATER : HEAD SPLINT

Slide into the water and approach the casualty from the side and stop when facing the casualty’s head

Gently grasp their right and left arms with your corresponding righ and left hands, placing them midway between the casualty’s elbows and shoulders . Gently move their arms to the water surface to finish in a position where their ears are covered by their upper arms. Carefully squeeze their arms against their head and prevent any movement . Position your thumbs on the back of their head, maintain the pressure on the arms.

Gently move them head first through the water to raise the legs towards the water surface . As you do this ,roll them towards you by pushing the arm nearest to you downwards and pulling on the arm furthest away from you towards you ; continue to roll them until they’re face up .

Once the casualty is face up ,maintain the pressure on their arms and support the back of their head on your submerged forearm. 

Staff Roles and Responsibilities

Lifeguard/ Lifeguards / staff trained in use of the spinal board . 

Duty Manager

Reception

All Other Staff Members

Group Bookings ( Swimming Club  / Suba Aqua )

• If at any stage water clarity scores a 2 the Duty Manager must be notified immediately

• Lifeguards must cooperate with the Duty Manager

• Lifeguards must assist in the evacuation of the pool

• The Duty Manager must report to pool side and carry out a water test and carry out any appropriate remedial action. Also bleed filters for air 

• It may be necessary to draft additional staff into the pool area

• If the clarity of the water worsens so that there is difficulty in seeing the bottom of the pool the Duty Manager must carry out a visibility test by placing the pool manikin in the bottom of the pool in the deepend and if this not visible the pool must be closed .

• Contact reception and stop all further admissions to the pool .( the sauna and Steam room may still be used) .

• Evacuate the pool

• Check the plant system is operating properly and carry out any necessary remedial action if possible .

• Monitor the clarity of the pool and carry out regular tests and only open the pool when the water clarity has reached a score of 3 .

• Contact the Duty Manager 

• Contact Pool Lifeguards if requested

• Stop admissions to the pool on request of the duty Manager

• Keep Members and customers informed of the situation

• Before entering the water to recover a casualty attract the attention of the other Lifeguard Team or activate the pool alarm

• The other lifeguards on duty are to back up the lifeguard who has entered the water by contacting reception by internal telephone or if safe by going to reception and requesting an Ambulance be called and returning with the di-fib .

• The lifeguard entering the water must enter the water in safe manner and land the casualty in the most suitable point if a spinal injury is suspected the Spinal Injury EAP  must come in to operation

• If breathing has ceased commence EAR  immediately whilst in the water . Land the casualty and commence CPR

• Clear the pool of all other swimmers 

• If necessary move the casualty to a dry position and dry the casualty before fitting the pads for the di-fib .   CPR must continue while this is going on .

• Continue with CPR and the di-fib as a team changing every 2mins if possible on the compressions until the emergency services arrive and take over control of the incident

• Cooperate with the Duty Manager

• After the incident all staff should attend a debriefing and help out with any investigation

• No statements should be made to the press or the public

• Proceed directly to the incident

• On arrival at the scene of incident assess the situation and take control of the management of the incident

• Contact Reception by radio or internal phone or by sending another member of staff to reception to call an Ambulance and give the receptionist the following information
• Nature of the injury
• Number of casualties
• Current condition
• Gender of injured person
• Approximate age of injured person
• Any known existing medical conditions of injured person

• If the  AED  or First Aid bag  has not arrived ,verbally instruct a member of staff to collect them from reception . If necessary move the casualty to a dry position and dry the casualty before fitting the pads for the di-fib .   If no member of staff is trained in the use of the AED you must operate the AED on the casualty 

• Clear the pool.   If available ,verbally instruct a member of staff not involved in the incident to tend to other members and customers and move them away from the area . In addition get a member of staff to take care of family and friends .

• If available ,verbally instruct a member of staff not involved in the incident to meet the Ambulance and escort the Paramedics to the location of the casualty

• Fill out the Accident / Incident report form and help with any investigation

• Arrange for a de-briefing of the staff members involved in the incident and watch for signs of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and arrange for help if needed

·         Reception

• If you are informed by the Duty Manager that there has been a serious injury and an Ambulance is required  he will pass on the location of the incident and the following information
•   Nature of the injury
• Number of casualties
• Current condition due to injury
• Gender of injured person
• Approximate age of injured person
• Any known existing medical conditions of injured person

• Immediately call the emergency services by dialling 8 for an outside line then 999 or 112 and ask for an Ambulance and pass on all vital information that was given to you by the Duty Manager and inform the operator that a member of staff will meet the Ambulance upon arrival

• Use the PA system to contact all other members of staff to inform them that assistance is required and make the following announcement “will all available staff proceed to    
• ( Location ) to support the Duty Manager

• Use the internal phone to contact the gym and poolside if the incidents are not in these areas

• Stop all further admissions to the area of the incident .

• No statements should be made to the press or the public

• Staff made aware of suspicions, allegation or actual abuse are responsible to take the appropriate action according to the Child Protection Procedures

• The primary responsibility of the person who first suspects or who is told of abuse is to report it to ensure that their concern is taken seriously

• The incident should be reported immediately to the Child Protection Officer at the time of the incident who is then responsible for dealing with allegations or suspicions of abuse

• Staff should never try to deal with a suspicion ,allegation or allegation or actual incident of abuse by him/herself

• The welfare of the child /vulnerable Adult must be paramount and you therefore have a duty to report suspicious ,allegations or actual incidents to the designated member of staff (                             ) 

• Information should also be reported if you yourself have concerns that a child /vulnerable Adult may be suffering harm or at risk of abuse even if you are unsure about your suspicions

• Once the initial report has been made the Child Protection Officer  (                    ) will proceed with the matter

• Deal with allegation against staff members sensitively and professionally ,as with cases involving non staff members . Ensure to keep the welfare of the child /vulnerable adults at your utmost concern at all times

• If you witness or are aware of any breaches to the Staff Code of Behaviour you must make a Child Protection Officer aware

• Complete the Child Protection Reporting Form and go to the Child Protection Officer
• Alternatively if the Officer is not available or cannot be approached on the matter bring it to the attention of the Manager . The relevant Child Protection Officer has an obligation to let the staff member in question know that there is a Report made to the Health Service Executive . The Child Protection Officer will decide as to weather or not internal internal disciplinary procedures or suspension need to be implemented

• When recording suspected or actual incidents , complete a Child Protection Concern Form which is available at reception with our Child Protection Policy

• Ensure that each section is completed fully ,is clearly written and the incident is outlined fully

• Recording should always be factual ,that is no reference to your own subjective opinions

• Records should be kept completely confidential and secure and only shared with those who need to know about the situation

• Give the form to the Child Protection Officer who will deal with matter appropriately

• Make a decision on how you want to proceed with the matter
• If you feel the matter is serious enough call the HSE without delay or alternatively the local Gardai during out of hours (6498550 which is the Gardai barracks and will have the necessary contact number )

• Complete the Standard Reporting Form as clearly and accurately a possible bearing in mind that this document may be used throughout the investigation of the incident . 

• Recording should always be factual ,that is no reference to your own subjective opinions

• Records should be kept completely confidential and secure and only shared with those who need to know about the situation

• It is good practice to inform the parents that a report has been made to the HSE if it does not put the child at further risk

• Like wise if an allegation has been made about a Staff Member he/she too have a right to be aware of any allegations

• If you feel the incident is minor and is not serious enough to warrant contact with the HSE complete the Child Protection Concern Form and file safely and securely

• When in doubt contact the HSE who will provide you with advice as to how to proceed .

• If the pool area exceeds the numbers as laid out above the overcrowding EAP must be implemented immediately

• Contact reception by the internal phone and ask for the DutyManager and ask reception to stop all further admissions to poolside

• Remain at your lifeguard station and cooperate with the Duty Manager

• Return to pool side if requested

• Record the numbers in the pool

• Be aware of the order of colours of bands   given to customers if this system is implemented and when they must leave the pool area

• Call out the different coloured bands on request of the Duty Manager and collect them

• Report to pool side and check numbers in pool area get the pool staff to fill the            ( RECORD OF BATHERS IN THE WATER ) sheet

• Ask reception to temporarily stop admissions to the pool side

• If there are any lifeguards on break or off poolside ask reception to contact  them to report back for duty.

• If the Duty Manager has a current pool lifeguard cert then you must stay on poolside to supervise

• If the number of customers still is higher  than the lifeguard ratios then customers who have been in the wetside area more than 1 hour 30mins must be identified and asked to leave . Also some customers may be asked to leave the pool and go to the spa pool or sauna and steam room if numbers allow .
• If it becomes necessary some customers can be asked ( that due to the overcrowding and for safety reasons ) would they  leave the facility and be given a refund and a further free admission.

• Keep reception informed of when it is likely to begin admissions again .After numbers have declined advise the staff in the affected area and reception to re-start admitting members and customers .

• If numbers waiting admission are large it may become necessary to introduce the coloured band system .

• Inform reception the number of people that can be safely admitted and the colour of band to be logged on the band control sheet .

• Inform the pool team the colours of bands used and when they are to be called out

• Stop any further admissions to pool side at the request of the Duty manager or Snr Lifeguard .

• Contact any pool staff who are on break or off poolside to return to pool side at the request of the Duty Manager

• Inform members and customers on arrival that their may be a delay in gaining entry to certain parts of the facility

• Re-start admissions when requested .

•          Clear the fouled pool of users
•          Ask all users to shower
•         Contact the Dutymanager   

Dutymanager

• If it is the toddlers pool or the spa pool that is fouled the pools are closed down and only the main pool can be used after customers shower thoroughly.
• If  the main pool is fouled then the pool must be evacuated and the above procedure must be followed
• The Duty Manager must advise all customers who were using the affected pool to contact reception when leaving and leave there name and contact number.
• Reception to be contacted and stop all further admissions and advise that customers will be contacting reception and to take their names and numbers.

• The Dutymanager is to notify the EHO as to the contamination in the pool and the actions that were carried out.
• A cryptosporidium test is to be carried out on the next quarterly test

Reception

• To stop admissions and take names and contact numbers

Pool Lifeguard

• If the lighting is not sufficient ie. Night time then the pool area must be evacuated and this is to include the spa pool and sanua and steam room . If the power failure occurs during the day customers will have to be evacuated in a controlled manner

• The lifeguards are to assist people to the changing rooms and help any customers with poor eyesight and direct all customers to the car park using torches in a controlled manner

• If there is a power cut at night time the gym staff are to assist with the evacuation of customers to the car park.
• The gym staff are to check and evacuate the astro turf using torches if the lighting levels are not good enough to carry on playing .

• Stop any further admissions and assist any customers who need to arrange a lift and aid with the evacuation to the car park

• The DutyManager is to take control of the situation and deicide if lighting levels are not good enough the pool area is to be evacuated
• The DM is to go to the pool plant room and  switch the pool motors on the main panel for the main pool and toddlers pool to the off position and close the  inlet and outlet valves for the motors .
• Close valves 9 and 13 on filter one and 14 and 18 on filter 2 for the main pool and valves 8 and 12 for the toddlers pool .

• The Duty Manger is to contact the ESB on 6472611 and report the power failure and determine how long we will be with out power 

• The Duty Manger is to coordinate the staff in the different areas to get everybody safely out of the building.

• The Duty Manager is to remain on the premises with another member of staff until the power returns and then is to carry out the following

• Open valves 9 and 13 on filter 1 and 14 and 18 on filter 2 on the main pool . start of the motors for the  main pool  from the main switch board  one at a time opening the inlet and outlet valves and check you have circulation by checking the pressure gauges
• Open valves 8 and 12 on the toddlers pool and  switch on 1 pool motor and open the inlet and outlet valves and check for circulation   

• Check the air conditioning is operational

• Check pool water readings to determine when it is ok to open the pools

• If power returns outside of normal hours then carry out normal lock up procedure

• Follow the procedure above

• Call the Duty Manager

• Call the emergency services as instructed by the Duty Manager

• Follow the procedure for evacuation

• Take charge of the situation

• Duty Manager inform all staff to turn off radios and avoid  – as  these can inadvertently detonate a bomb.  The public address system may normally be used but not a radio microphone – whistles and hand signals should be used instead.

• Instruct reception to call the emergency services and ask for there assistance

• A search of the building should be made looking for any suspicious objects or parcels.  In liaison with the emergency services the Duty Manager  will decide whether to evacuate the building.

• If the decision is made to evacuate this will be in accordance with the fire procedure

• Once the building is evacuated a thorough search will be made by the Duty Manager and the emergency services

• As soon as possible after the incident the Duty Manager  will fill out an accident /Incident report form   No statements will be made to the media or members of the public.

• Assist the DutyManager  as requested

• Follow the evacuation Procedure

14. Swimmer in Difficulty  

Lifeguard Team

Duty Manager

          15. Personal Threat

           Physical, Verbal, Emotional, Financial or Sexual Abuse

           Robbery and Theft

Physical, Verbal, Emotional, Financial or Sexual Abuse including Assault and Battery

1.         All Staff receiving abuse will…

·         The Company has a ZERO TOLERANCE of all kinds of abuse and you must contact the  Dutymanager as soon as it is safe and you are able to do so.

·         Keep calm, speak clearly and firmly so far as is reasonably practicable instructing the Staff member, customer or contractor to stop what they are doing.

·         Keep reactions, hand movements, and gestures to a minimum and firmly maintain a reasonable distance from the Staff member, customer or contractor so far as is reasonably practicable.

·         In the event that the abuse becomes physical or there is a risk of it becoming physical then activate your nearest panic alarm. If the person tries to restrain you then the use of reasonable force to escape is permitted by law. Try to escape to a place of relative safety or into a busy or crowded area.

·         Upon the Manager on Duty’s arrival, allow them to handle the situation and stand behind the Dutymanager.

·         Once the incident is over, ensure you tell the Dutymanager the relevant information about the incident. It is very important you tell them everything at this stage whilst it is fresh in your memory. Please be aware that it is the duty of the  Dutymanager to rely this information to the General Manager and where required, to the relevant authorities.

·         Consider taking yourself to be medically examined by a medical professional for any injuries and to ensure you get access to any post-incident care you may require.

·         Be aware that some effects may take time to materialise and after the event you may consider taking some time away from the business to recover. This is something you can discuss with the General Manager 

2.         All Staff witnessing the abuse of another person will…

a.         Contact the Manager on Duty as soon as it is safe and you are able to do so.

b.         Keep calm, speak clearly and firmly so far as is reasonably practicable instructing the Staff member, customer or contractor to stop what they are doing.

c.         Keep reactions, hand movements, and gestures to a minimum and firmly maintain a reasonable distance from the Staff member, customer or contractor so far as is reasonably practicable.

d.         In the event that the abuse becomes physical or there is a risk of it becoming physical then activate your nearest panic alarm. If the person tries to restrain you then the use of reasonable force to escape is permitted by law. Try to escape with the affected person to a place of relative safety or into a busy or crowded area.

e.         Upon the Manager on Duty’s arrival, allow them to handle the situation and stand the affected person behind the Manager on Duty. Provide assistance to the Manager on Duty and make attempts to defuse the situation.

f.          Call the relevant emergency services if the situation escalates or if any harm occurs to affected persons. Evacuate the facility if the threat becomes a risk to Staff, customers or contractors.

g.         Once the incident is over, provide any First Aid and compassionate support to the affected person.

h.         Ensure you tell the Manager on Duty the relevant information about the incident. It is very important you tell them everything at this stage whilst it is fresh in your memory. Please be aware that it is the duty of the Manager on Duty to rely this information to the Contract Manager, General Manager and/or Operations Manager and, where required, to the relevant authorities.

i.          Consider taking yourself to be medically examined by a medical professional for any injuries and to ensure you get access to any post-incident care you may require.

j.          Be aware that some effects may take time to materialise and after the event you may consider taking some time away from the business to recover. This is something you can discuss with the Contract Manager, General Manager and/or Operations Manager.

2.         In addition, the  Dutymanager will…

·         Make concerted efforts to defuse the situation and protect the safety of Staff, customers and contractors without putting themselves at risk of physical harm.

·         Stand between the person causing the abuse and the recipient of the abuse. 

·         Try not to take the abuse personally, even when it is made personal so far as is reasonably practicable. Make attempts to calm the person down and de-escalate the situation.

·         Call the relevant emergency services if the situation escalates or if any harm occurs to affected persons. Evacuate the facility if the threat becomes a risk to Staff, customers or contractors.

·         Once the incident is over, provide First Aid and compassionate support

·         Ensure you take down all the information from the affected persons including Staff who dealt with the incident and appropriate bystanding customers and contractors.

·         Ensure you tell the General Manager all of the relevant information about the incident. It is very important you tell them everything at this stage whilst it is fresh in your memory. Please be aware that it is the duty of the General Manager to rely this information to, where required, the relevant authorities.

Consider taking yourself to be medically examined by a medical professional for any injuries and to ensure you get access to any post-incident care you may require.

·         Be aware that some effects may take time to materialise and after the event you may consider taking some time away from the business to recover. This is something you can discuss with the Contract Manager, General Manager and/or Operations Manager.

·         Provide a post-incident debrief to Staff before returning them to normal duties.

3.         In addition, the General Manager will…

·         Assist the Manager on Duty with their duties provided they are on Site, available and able to do so.

b.         Ensure the Dutymanager provides a post-incident debrief to Staff before returning them to normal duties.

c.         Provide a post-incident debrief with affected staff members and offer access to medical help for any persons who have been negatively affected by the incident. Refer affected Staff members to counselling services if they require it.

d.         Pass on all relevant information about the incident and any evidence acquired as part of the investigation to the Garda and ask for the case to be investigated.

3.13.2  Robbery and Theft

1.         All Staff will…

·         Follow all aspects of the Physical, Verbal, Emotional, Financial or Sexual Abuse including Assault and Battery Procedure and in addition make reasonable attempts to talk the person down but to comply with demands when threatened with force.

·         Sound your nearest panic alarm as soon as you are able.

2.         In addition, the Dutymanager will…

·         Instruct their Staff to comply with demands when threatened with force.

16.    Sauna and Steam Room Emergency

Sauna and Steam Room

The following are incident,accidents or emergencies that may occur in the sauna or steam room .

Disorderly Behaviour

Unfortunately saunas / steam rooms have on occasion been known to provide the location for bullying and harassment that is unacceptable in a public facility.

Instances of misconduct cannot be condoned and action must be taken immediately in order to preserve the reputation of the facility and to reinforce the message that action will be taken where appropriate.

Bullying: is defined as any form of repeated,unwelcome and unacceptable conduct that could be regarded as offensive, humiliating or intimidating.

Harassment: Harassment occurs if any person feels intimidated, humiliated ,patronised or embarrassed by the derogatory ,offensive or discriminatory remarks or actions by others.

Sexual Harassment : Unwanted  behaviour of a sexual nature by one person towards another, for example – Insensitive jokes or pranks, lewd comments about appearance ,unnecessary body contact,request for sexual favours , treat of actual sexual violence.

Outbreak of Fire

All patrons are to be immediately evacuated from the area.

If the fire cannot be extinguished the EAP for Fire evacuation is to go in to operation .

Serious Injury or illness to a customer

1.         All Staff will…

·         Attend any emergencies in the Sauna/Steam Facilities.

·         Where possible, move the affected person(s) from the Sauna/Steam Room for treatment.

·         Where moving the affected person is not possible, isolate the power to the Sauna/Steam Room and prop open the door to allow ventilation to the area.

·         Be conscious of the effects of hazardous environments upon the health of the affected person(s) and take actions to mitigate these effects.

·         Provide First Aid and compassionate support to affected person(s). 

·         Request the emergency services when the situation requires it.

2.         The Dutymanager will…

·         Isolate the power to the Sauna/Steam Room upon arrival to an emergency located in the Sauna/Steam room or remove the affected person from the area into a well ventilated area.

·         Inform the General Manager where the emergency services are called in relation to an incident involving the Sauna/Steam Room and inform them of the relevant details of the situation. 

·         Assist with the arrangement of an appropriately qualified and approved repair or maintenance contractor to rectify any service issues.

17. Safe Handling of Sharps and Bio Hazardous Materials

Policy

Athlone RSC endeavours to protect staff ,members and visitors so far as is reasonably practicable ,from the risks arising from contact with needles, sharps and body fluids arising from the careless or malicious disposal of needles or any other reason. This policy and procedure outlines the prevention measures and the actions necessary in the event of such an injury to ensure the proper management of injuries.

Scope

This policy applies to all staff, members, visitors contractors/service providers and any other users of the facility . All needles, sharps and body fluids will be treated as being potentially contaminated and the procedures documented in this document will be followed thoroughly on each occasion.

Facility users who clean ,service , or use the facilities services  may be at risk.

Services and areas where the risk of needle stick injury may arise include the following:

·         Toilets

·         Changing Rooms

·         Rubbish bins/bags

·         Waste ground

·         Lift shafts/ stairwells

·         Car par areas

·         Disused Areas

·         Sewers/ gullies

·         Waste storage areas

·         Playground

·         Skate park

·         Astro Turf

The above list is not exhaustive.

Definitions

Needle stick injury: A penetrating stab wound from a needle or syringe that may result in exposure to blood or other body fluids

Sharps :Includes scissors ,razors, lancets ,broken glassware, or other items stained by blood or other body fluids.

Body Fluid Exposure: Splashes   of blood or other body fluids into the eyes ,nose or mouth. Exposure of non-intact skin(e.g. open wounds , cuts abrasions )to blood or other body fluids.

Blood- bourne viruses: are able to spread in the blood. Several types of hepatisis are caused by blood-bourne viruses: Hepatitis B, Hepatitis c and also HIV. This means that you can become exposed to these viruses (and the infections they cause) if you come in contact with blood that is infected with one of these viruses .

Responsibilities 

Manager / Dutymanagers

·         Ensure that the safe handling of sharps and Bio hazardous materials Policy and Procedure is communicated to all staff.

·         Determine whether any operations within their area of responsibility present a risk of infection arising from exposure to needles/ sharps /body fluids, to any of their staff or members or visitors.

·         Ensure risk assessments are carried out in their areas.

·          

·         Identify members of staff that will provide the necessary response when needles/sharps/body fluids are discovered

·         Ensure that staff members receive sufficient training to carry out their work safely

·         Arrange for adequate supplies of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and other equipment required for the safe removal and disposal sharps/needles/body fluids 

·         Ensure that all staff are aware of the risks and have received instruction in dealing with needle stick injuries

·         Ensure that staff identified as being provided with sufficient information, instruction and training to carry out their work safely.

·         Ensure arrangements are in place for the supply and safe disposal of sharps boxes and bio hazardous material boxes.

·         Follow the Emergency Procedure below in the event of assisting an injured person.

·         Ensure that counselling is arranged immediately for anyone who may have received a needle stick injury

·         Report all incidents

Health & Safety Officer:

·         Provide information and guidance to staff and students on any matters relating to needle-stick/sharp injuries, as when requested to do so.

·         Investigate all injuries that occur and if necessary advise on controls to prevent other injuries

·         Insure that all injuries are reported and a root cause analysis carried out.

·         Report details of any injuries to the Health and Safety Authority where necessary.

Staff ( Trained )

·         Staff must undertake the training necessary for them to carry out their work safely

·         All suitable trained staff are responsible for responding to calls for assistance when needles /sharps/body fluids have been discovered.

·         Be responsible for dealing with each incident safely by following the training they have received and following the procedures set out in this document

All other Staff

·         Ensure you are aware and understand the safe handling of sharps and Bio hazardous materials Policy and Procedure

·         Be responsible for immediate reporting of discovery of any needle/sharp/body fluids to the Dutymanager.

·         Do not attempt to remove the needle/sharp/body fluids unless trained and equipped to do so

·         Ensure appropriate PPE is worn when required

·         Where possible use a picker to clear rubbish or reach into covered areas where you cannot see, including bins

·         If exposed to a needle stick injury, attend a hospital A&E department for urgent medical treatment

·         While at work ,cover cuts and abrasions with a suitable dressing

·         Before taking food ,drink or smoking ,always wash hands thoroughly

·         Report  and log all incidents

 Procedures

Reporting Procedure

·         Do not attempt to touch the object

·         Report the situation to the Dutymanager giving an accurate description of the object and its location

·         Where possible arrange for the object to be guarded (but no concealed ) until a trained member of staff arrive to deal with the situation

Removal and Disposal Procedure

·         Staff members should carry out their duties in line with their responsibilities dection of this document and training received.

Guidelines for Dealing With Needles / Sharps /Bio Hazardous waste

·         Assess the situation and decide what PPE and other equipment will be required

·         Obtain PPE and equipment which is stored in the poolside cleaning store.

·         Ensure that cuts or open wounds are adequately covered before starting removal operations

·         Put on PPE and ensure that a sharps container is available

·         Identify the location/presence of the sharp /needle /  bio hazardous material

·         Place the sharps container as close as possible to the sharp/needle and open it

·         Do not hold the sharps container or ask another person to hold it while you are disposing of the object.

·         Use the picker to pick up the object and place in the sharps container

·         Keep the sharp end of the needle /sharp facing away from you at all times

·         DO NOT ATTEMPT TO RE-CAP ANY NEEDLES. The can be disposed of separately

·         Do not break ,bend or otherwise try to render the syringe useless

·         Close and seal the container and hold it by the handle when carrying

·         Close and seal the sharps container in a safe place for collection

·         Contact Initial Medical(Rentokill) to arrange collection on 1800303268

·         Disinfect area and work equipment (with bleach solution ) as required

·         Remove gloves carefully and dispose of (disposable gloves) as clinical waste

·         Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water

PPE may include disposable gloves , needle stick resistant gloves , safety goggles

Other equipment may in clued litter picker, sharps container, Bio Bin, bleach solution (1 part bleach to 10 parts water)

Guidelines for Dealing with Spillages of Blood/BodyFluid

·         Restrict access to the area until the clean up and disinfection is complete

·         Wear disposable gloves to protect your hands. Torn gloves should be replaced immediately

·         Use towels disposable paper towels to soak up most of the spill

·         Clean the affected area thoroughly with an appropriate disinfection solution ( Bleach )

·         After cleaning ,promptly disinfect  mops and any other cleaning equipment, otherwise you may contaminate other areas

·         Put all the paper towels in the BIO-bin

Emergency First –Aid Action in the event of exposure to needle stick/sharps injury & exposure to blood /body fluid

·         If You are assisting an injured person, put on gloves

·         For punctured or non-intact skin, encourage the wound to bleed by squeezing skin together

·         Do not scrub or suction the wound

·         Wash the area well with soap and water

·         Cover the wound with a dry sterile dressing

·         Splashes to the nose or mouth should be flushed with water

·         Splashes to the eyes should be irrigated with sterile eye wash . If contact lenses are worn ,irrigate the eyes before and after the removal of the lenses

·         Contaminated tissues ,dressings gloves etc. Should be treated as clinical waste and disposed of in the BIO-bin

 Action by Dutymanager

·         Arrange for transport for the injured person immediately to the nearest A&E

·         Complete an incident report form

Post-incident Support

·         All occurrences will be treated sensitively and the confidentiality of the individual concerned will be assured

·         Affected individuals will be given access to appropriate information and counselling

Immunisation

Immunisation may be recommended to individuals who are at increased risk of hepatitis B because of regular exposure to blood or other body fluids.

It is important to note that immunisation does not substitute for good infection procedures. At present there is no vaccine for hepatitis C or HIV

Training

Athlone RSC will provide education and training to all staff to increase awareness and knowledge of the risks associated with needle-stick injuries and blood-borne infections

18.Indecent Exposure

1.         All Staff will…

            a.         Report indecent exposures to the Dutymanager immediately.

2.         The Dutymanager will….

·         For intentional exposures, it is at the discretion of the Dutymanager whether to call the Garda. If the Garda are called, ask the individual to come to an appropriate area and wait until the Garda arrive. Ensure there are always two members of staff present while the individual is in the office. Ask any witnesses to wait and give a statement to the Garda or to take a statement from the individual if they have to leave the premises.

·         If the act was unintentional, provide the individual with a warning as to the status of appropriate dress whilst using the facility and warn them that intentional exposures may result in the Garda being called and is a criminal offence.

19.     Road Traffic Accident

1.         All Staff will…

·         Ensure to report any instances of collisions in the car park to the Dutymanager.

·         Assist the Dutymanager with accident management. 

·         Attend a follow-up meeting with the General Manager if you have been negatively affected by the events of the accident.

·         Return to normal duties when informed to do so by the Dutymanager

2.         In addition, the Dutymanager will…

·         Check to see whether the drivers or passengers in the cars need medical attention and provide First aiders to assist where required.

·         Check with the drivers to find out what happened and determine whether a statement from any of the staff members is required.

·         Provide any diversion signage or safety fencing/tape to ensure that other members of the public are not injured or inconvenienced.

·         Complete an accident form with all the details of the injuries and any treatment provided if the accident occurred within the boundary of the facility.

·         Ensure that as soon as the drivers have exchanged details and are able to move their vehicles that they move them to one of the marked bays or drive them out of the car park. If a vehicle needs recovery, then ensure that the recovery vehicle can manoeuvre in the car park.

·         Ensure that any damage to customer’s vehicles is reported to the respective owner so that they can exchange details.

·         Ensure that in the event that one of the drivers flees the scene of the accident, call the Garda and cooperate with the Garda investigation (including the provision of CCTV footage if it covers the site of the accident).

h.         Ensure that after the accident, ensure that members of staff clear the site of the accident of any material which may cause damage or harm.

i.          Offer Staff a follow-up meeting with the General Manager  if they have been negatively affected by the events of the accident.

j.          Ask Staff to return to normal duties when the accident has been dealt with.