Mandatory use of Personal Protective Equipment. Rules and implementation

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1 Mandatory use of Personal Protective Equipment Rules and implementation

2 Background 2 The coroner s report into the tragic death of Saxon Bird at the 2010 Australian Championships recommended that: SLSA collaborate with the designers of such devices (floatation vests) with a view to making the wearing of them compulsory once the organisation is satisfied they are suitable. Consideration should also be given to the use of helmets by competitors in surf craft events. The tragic death of Mathew Barclay at the 2012 Australian Championships reinforces the need to make decisions on key safety issues that protect the health of SLSA members.

3 Mandatory use of Personal Protective Equipment 3 SLSA has announced the following additional safety initiatives that will be compulsory for all SLSA members: 1. IRB patients to wear helmets in all competitions (from 1 October 2013) 2. all surf boat crew members to wear helmets (from 1 January 2014) 3. IRB lifesavers to wear lifejackets at all times (from 1 October 2014). These initiatives are all about Safety!

4 IRB PATIENTS TO WEAR HELMETS 4

5 IRB patients to wear helmets 5 From 1 October 2013 all IRB patients must wear helmets. IRB patients participating in IRB competitions face a significant risk of head injuries occurring form a collision between the patient and the IRB. Making helmets compulsory will help to reduce this risk.

6 Rules regarding IRB patients wearing helmets 6 This rule applies: to all patients in all competitions and in all training. As per SLSA Bulletin 5/12-13, April 2013

7 Helmet specifications 7 The helmets: must meet SLSA s specifications (EN1385: Helmets for Canoeing and White Water Sports) must be properly secured at all times by an adjustable under chin strap and must not slip on the wearers head must have no sharp edges will be subject to competition scrutineering and Must be in an SLSA approved high visibility colour. The cost of the helmets is: approximately $ per helmet and to be funded by clubs. As per SLSA Bulletin 5/12-13, April 2013

8 SURF BOAT CREWS TO WEAR HELMETS 8

9 Surf boat crews to wear helmets 9 From 1 January 2014 all surf boat crew members must wear helmets. This rule has been brought in for a number of reasons, including: 15.8% of all SLS sports head injuries occur in surf boats head injuries are the leading cause of injury in surf boats 68% of all surf boat head injuries occur during training and surf boats are the 3 rd leading cause of overall SLS competition injuries.

10 Rules regarding surf boat crews wearing helmets 10 This rule applies: to all crew members, including sweeps in all competitions in all training where there are breaking / cresting waves in the surf zone and may be optional in still water conditions, on the determination of the designated Safety Officer. As per SLSA Bulletin 02/13-14, August 2013

11 Helmet specifications 11 The helmets: must meet SLSA s specifications must be properly secured at all times by an adjustable under chin strap and must not slip on the wearer s head must have no sharp edges will be subject to competition scrutineering and from 1 January 2015, must be in club colours or have a club cap fitted over the helmet. The cost of the helmets is: approximately $ per helmet or $ per crew and to be funded by clubs. As per SLSA Bulletin 02/13-14, August 2013

12 IRB LIFESAVERS TO WEAR LIFEJACKETS 12

13 IRB lifesavers to wear lifejacket 13 From 1 October 2014 all IRB lifesavers must wear lifejackets. This rule has been brought in for a number of reasons, including: SLSA s desire to be a leader in coastal safety and boat safety modern lifejacket designs are suitable for IRB use Lifejackets are a major risk mitigation tool and SLS states and territories will no longer seek the current exemptions from jurisdictional maritime / boating safety organisations.

14 Rules regarding IRB lifesavers wearing lifejackets 14 Under this rule, lifejackets must be worn: by both the IRB driver and crewperson/s at all times (competition, training and lifesaving) and in the correct manner clipped/zipped up etc. Lifejackets may be removed when entering the water to perform an in-water rescue, and must be back on upon re-entry to the IRB. As per SLSA Bulletin 02/13-14, August 2013

15 Lifejacket specifications 15 The lifejackets: must meet SLSA s specifications must not obstruct the throat, neck or face or ride up on the user must be easy and quick to put on and remove must have no sharp edges will be subject to competition scrutineering if used for lifesaving, must conform with SLSA s Equipment and Uniform Branding Guidelines and if used for competition, may be any colour if a high visibility vest is also worn. The cost of the lifejackets is: between $ per lifejacket and to be funded by clubs. SLSA will provide clubs with suitable supply options. As per SLSA Bulletin 02/13-14, August 2013