As a gym operator, you manage a public area that sees bodies coming in and out all day long. Keeping your facility fully disinfected is essential at this time to protect the health of both your staff and your members. In this article, we provide some valuable guidelines on how to disinfect your gym equipment during the Coronavirus pandemic.
1. COVID-19 Transmission
According to the sixth edition of China’s Treatment on COVID-19, the main infection source is patients infected with COVID-19. Asymptomatic carriers can also be a source of infection. The identified modes of transmission are:
- Respiratory droplets
- Close contact with an infected person
There is also the possibility of aerial transmission in confined environments.
At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, all public places, including gyms, came under strict governmental controls. Many were closed down all together.
As the situation eases in various regions, restrictions will be lessened and normal life will resume. This will see people returning to gyms. It is imperative that your facility be ready to accept them back by having in place a rigorous, scientific, disinfecting and cleaning regimen.
2. Disinfection of Fitness Centers
Before you re-open your fitness center for business, you will need to carry out a thorough cleaning and disinfecting operation. When the doors are open, you should disinfect yourself every four hours. This includes all contact areas, including equipment, facilities, the service desk, group training areas and changing rooms. You should also ensure that there is maximum ventilation through the entire facility by opening windows.
3. Disinfection of Fitness Equipments
Cardio Equipment
Handrails, shields, and screens need to be specifically sterilized. Hand and skin contact areas should be regularly cleaned with alcohol disinfectant and alcohol cotton. Turn the machine off to avoid electrical accidents while cleaning.
Strength Equipment
For strength equipment, cushions, backrests, sheathing, and frames need to be regularly disinfected.
Free Weights
All free weight should be carefully sterilized. Be sure to include the actual weight plates as well as the handles, as sweat and other body fluids often collect on them.
4. Daily Staff Management
In addition to keeping your facilities clean and disinfected, it is vital to ensure that all of your staff are following epidemic prevention and control standards. This should include wearing masks and gloves, and monitoring staff and member temperatures.
Set up an entry system by which members have their temperature taken and sanitize their hands. Only then will they be allowed to enter the gym. Staff should also encourage all members to wash their hands with soap or hand sanitizer after exercise.
This will obviously require a plentiful supply of thermometers and disinfectant.
5. How To Choose Effective Disinfectant
The main disinfectants on the market are medical alcohol, chlorine-containing disinfectants, glutaraldehyde disinfectants, quaternary ammonium disinfectants.
So, which disinfectants are best for fitness equipment?
Most fitness equipment is made of metal, so alcohol and acidic disinfectants (such as chlorine-containing disinfectants) can cause some damage to the metal paint. We recommend neutral disinfectants, such as glutaraldehyde disinfectants, and quaternary ammonium disinfectants.
Once you have sprayed, let it sit for 20 minutes, then wipe it off with a soft wet cloth. Be sure to strictly follow the product instructions regarding the dilution and use of the disinfectants.
Conclusion
As you look forward to receiving your members back, it is your responsibility to ensure that they remain in a safe environment as they exercise to improve their health. By following through on all of the guidelines provided here, you can be confident that your gym is fully disinfected against COVID-19.
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