Potential Hazards

1
Potential Hazards

• performers need to be aware of potential hazards,
  both to yourself and to others
• the environment in which you are playing could
  potentially be a danger
• there are potential hazards in the following, in
  which you need to be aware of

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• THE GYMNASIUM
• THE SPORTS HALL

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• THE GYMNASIUM
• potentially the gymnasium can be the most
  hazardous activity areas
• wall bars, window ladders and beam uprights can
  often project into the working area even if they
  are stored away correctly
• all of the equipment that may appear around the
  gymnasium could potentially be very hazardous if
  not used appropriately
• sometimes pupils will need to remove
  shoes/trainers before entering the gym. The
  reason for this is it can leave dirt on the floor
  that can unsafe and dangerous
• before a lesson in the gym you should check

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• the floor is clean and dry
• if portable apparatus items have been stored away
• If items of fixed apparatus such as beams, ropes,
  etc have been stored away in their fixed position
• check wall fixing to ensure they are safe and
  have not come away
• that fixed bolts or catches are securely in place
  on equipment to be used and that the equipment is
  safe to use

5

• THE SPORTS HALL
• the sports hall potentially has many hazards
• like the gymnasium it is important to wear the
  correct footwear
• sports halls often have more than one means of
  access and the number of students entering or
  leaving during activities may be greater than in
  a gymnasium
• you need to check its safe to enter before
  entering the room
• potential hazards in the sports hall are
• apparatus and other equipment which is not in use
  must be safely stored or fastened away in order
  to minimise obstacles
• walls and other surfaces should be smooth and
  free from projections or jagged/sharp objects

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All playing areas need to be checked that they
are safe
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• INJURIES
• you should know about the following
• cuts/grazes
• dehydration
• exhaustion
• RICE

8

• CUTS AND GRAZES
• a cut is the breaking of the skin with the
  release of blood from the damaged blood vessels
• a graze is the scraping of the skin
• both can occur during physical activity

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• DEHYDRATION
• dehydration often occurs in sport as a result of
  excessive perspiration combined with an
  inadequate fluid intake
• conditions usually found in endurance events -
  e.g. marathon
• signs are usually that the person looks exhausted
  and are weak on their feet
• symptoms are dry and tacky feel in the mouth,
  dizziness, sickness and problems with their
  balance/co-ordination
• fluid intake is the best course of action, if
  this does not help get medical advice
• serious dehydration which is untreated can cause
  seizure, brain damage or even death in really
  extreme cases

10
Martin Johnson taking in plenty of fluid
(isotonic drink)
Isotonic drinks are ideal for rehydrating and
refuelling Steven Gerrard, Liverpool
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• EXHAUSTION
• can be associated with activities in extreme
  environments
• signs can be similar to dehydration
• problems co-ordinating their movement
• low temperature
• dilated pupils
• weak pulse
• pale, moist skin
• fainting spells
• they could also complain of headaches, dizziness,
  sickness and physical weakness
• if the exhaustion is related to the heat or cold,
  then the person should be either cooled down or
  heated up

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• RICE
• the RICE method is recommended for all minor
  injuries. It stands for
• R EST
• I CE
• C OMPRESSION
• E LEVATION

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• REST - allow the injury time to recover. Activity
  too soon will cause further damage and increase
  the recovery time
• ICE - cover the injured part in ice for 10 to 20
  minutes. The coldness results in less blood
  flowing to the injured part reducing bleeding and
  swelling
• COMPRESSION - wrap a bandage not too tightly
  around the injured part, this provides support
  and immobilisation. Preventing further damage and
  reduce swelling

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• ELEVATION - raise the injured part. Gravity will
  reduce the amount of fluid collecting in the
  injured tissue and the flow of blood to it