Health and Safety
Health and Safety Act 1974:
According to the Health and safety at work act 1974, This can be seen as the primary piece of legislation covering occupational health and safety within Great Britain. Moreover, this encourages and promotes high standards of health and safety in the workplace. Because of this, both the employer and the employee have a duty of care towards all others on the premises and therefore must provide:
. Safe handling, transportation and storage of substances i.e. oils and creams.
. Safe working systems i.e. beds and support rolls.
. Safe equipment.
. Safe access and exit.
. Information, training and supervision.
. Free of charge personal protective equipment.
Safe working environment free of toxic fumes with adequate facilities.
. Ensure all staff are aware of safety procedures by providing safety information and training.
By complying to the statements above, we can ensure that no one is put at risk and any solution (oils and creams) used with the conducting of a massage, are made sure to be stored correctly and that there is information on these in case of an emergency.
Sterilization of Equipment:
The equipment we use within our profession of sports massage are Massage beds, Multi-sized towels (large, medium and small), white paper towels, oil, cream and a diluted non-abrasive, non-alcohol based disinfectant cleanser to disinfect the beds pre and post use.
We take pride in ensuring efficiency is taken when sterilizing equipment used for sports massage for our clients. Moreover, massage beds are wiped down between sessions with the above stated solution as well as ensuring that used towels are replaced with fresh/clean towels after each session. All towels are then washed in hot water with soap and bleach and are then dried on high heat. In addition, all massage therapists make it priority to ensure the washing of hands and forearms are achieved before and after massage with hot water and plain (non-antimicrobial) soap. Furthermore, all oils and cream tubs are thoroughly cleansed and are rendered free from any harmful organisms by applying a bactericidal agent. These tubs (oils and creams), towels and cleaning agents are all kept in separate and locked cabinets/shelves and are situated in a clean and organised manner as well as being in optimal repair ready to be used for the following clients. Finally, soap and clean towels are provided by the therapist for the client to use when needed.
Sterilization kills bacteria and viruses that may be on equipment that could spread onto the sports masseuse or client, sterilization reduces the chances of the bacteria spreading and also reduces the risk of infection to a client.
Below are the Equipment that a sports therapist should sterilize before a massage and things that need sterilization (premier Sports, 2017).
COSHH 1988:
COSHH stands for Control of substances hazardous to health and can be seen as the law that demands employers to control substances that pose to be hazardous to one’s health. In addition, one can prevent or decrease workers exposure to hazardous substances by ensuring the following elements are adhered to:
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Finding out what the health hazards are;
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Deciding how to prevent harm to health (risk assessment);
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Providing control measures to reduce harm to health;
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Making sure they are used;
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Keeping all control measures in good working order;
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Providing information, instruction and training for employees and others;
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Providing monitoring and health surveillance in appropriate cases;
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Planning for emergencies.
In regards to sports massage COSHH refers to the substances/liquids used when conducting a massage with a client. Such substances would be oil and cream. In addition, all substances involved within a sports massage must be recorded in such a way:
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The name of the liquid and what chemicals are within the liquids.
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How to store the substance, for example, what temperature or material used to store the liquid.
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The health and safety of the liquids, how to correctly apply the liquids.
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The quantity of liquid to be applied on the client.
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A list of symptoms that you may get if used incorrectly.
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How to act if a client reacts negatively to treatment, for example, if too much pressure is being applied.
“Hazardous substances must be carefully controlled and stored in order to prevent harm to others. These may include chemicals that are used to sterilize equipment" Mills and Bennett (2004).
