Infectious Diseases Policy

For members of the Queensland Weightlifting Association Inc.

In this age of increasing awareness of the potential threat of acquiring blood-borne pathogens in our modern society, it is vitally important that all coaches, referees, team managers, administrators, volunteers, athletes and parents be informed of this policy and adopt its commonsense recommendations.

A number of blood-borne pathogens can be acquired through contact with infected bodily fluids, these include Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and HIV.

ALL OPEN CUTS and ABRASIONS must be REPORTED and TREATED IMMEDIATELY. All open cuts and abrasions must be covered with an occlusive (air-tight) dressing if the participant wishes to continue lifting.

All clothing, equipment and surfaces contaminated by blood or bodily fluids MUST be treated as potentially infectious and handled accordingly i.e. handled with gloves and disposed of into a plastic bag which is sealed before being put into general waste receptacles.

The contaminated EQUIPMENT must be DECONTAMINATED. Individuals have a responsibility to ensure that any of their own blood or bodily fluid spills are dealt with immediately in the recommended manner, so as not to pose a health risk to others. It is of paramount importance that coaches at training, and officials and loaders at competitions, are vigilant in their duty to observe and deal with blood or bodily fluid spills, as athletes at times may not be aware that this has occurred.

The recommended method of decontamination is for the person cleaning the equipment to wear a pair of disposable gloves and scrub the equipment with a nail brush and ISOCOL ANTISEPTIC (gloves to be disposed of after single use). It is also recommended that all bars (area between collars) be cleaned at least weekly with detergent and warm water followed by Isocol.

All clubs MUST possess a "DECONTAMINATION KIT" and all club members MUST be made aware of it’s location. At competitions, loaders, the Competition Director and Qualified First Aider MUST have ready ACCESS to a DECONTAMINATION KIT.

All participants with prior evidence of blood-borne infectious diseases are strongly advised to obtain confidential advice and clearance from a Doctor prior to participation.

It is possible to be vaccinated against Hepatitis B – members should speak to a Doctor if they require further information.

It is the responsibility of all members to maintain strict personal hygiene as this will minimise the potential for the spread of infections and diseases. The sharing of drink containers, bandages, wrist straps, towels, etc, must not occur.