Organization and Administration: Facility Risk Management
Organization and Administration covers facility layout, supervision, emergency planning, maintenance, and records. Exam items often describe a facility problem and ask for the most defensible administrative control.
Layout and supervision
- Separate free-weight areas from high-traffic walkways. Racks need clear approach and spotting space; bars must not be dumped into a walkway.
- Maintain line of sight from the supervisor's position. Free-weight areas should never be left unsupervised.
- Keep exits, fire equipment, and access routes unobstructed.
Emergency and maintenance systems
- A written emergency action plan (EAP) should be posted, rehearsed, and include AED location, activation, and incident reporting.
- Staff should hold current CPR/AED and first-aid credentials appropriate to the facility and local rules.
- Log equipment inspection and maintenance; remove damaged equipment from service immediately.
Records and policy
- Store consent, screening, attendance, and incident reports securely and confidentially.
- Follow local building, accessibility, and employment regulations; do not rely on memory for occupancy or signage rules.
Worked example
A new rack is placed so the bar can be dumped forward into the main walkway. The correct control is not a warning sign alone; relocate the rack or install a platform with a clear drop zone and barriers. The reasoning: administrative controls are weaker than eliminating the hazard, and an obstructed walkway also violates fire egress requirements.
Traps
Blocking exits with equipment; an EAP that is written but never rehearsed; no maintenance log; unsupervised youth in the free-weight area; assuming a sign fixes a layout hazard.