SIST-TS CEN/TS 17676:2023

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
kSIST-TS FprCEN/TS 17676:2021
01-julij-2021
Smernice za varno delovanje fitnes centrov med izbruhom nalezljivih bolezni
Guidelines for the safe operation of fitness centres during an infectious outbreak
Leitlinien für den sicheren Betrieb von Fitness-Studios während des Ausbruchs von
Infektionskrankheiten
Directives pour le fonctionnement sécurisé des centres de remise en forme pendant une
épidémie infectieuse
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: FprCEN/TS 17676
ICS:
03.080.30 Storitve za potrošnike Services for consumers
97.220.01 Športna oprema in Sports equipment and
pripomočki na splošno facilities in general
kSIST-TS FprCEN/TS 17676:2021 en,fr,de
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

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kSIST-TS FprCEN/TS 17676:2021


FINAL DRAFT
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION
FprCEN/TS 17676
SPÉCIFICATION TECHNIQUE

TECHNISCHE SPEZIFIKATION

April 2021
ICS
English Version

Guidelines for the safe operation of fitness centres during
an infectious outbreak
Fonctionnement sécurisé des centres de remise en
forme pendant une épidémie infectieuse


This draft Technical Specification is submitted to CEN members for Vote. It has been drawn up by the Technical Committee
CEN/TC 136.

CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia,
Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway,
Poland, Portugal, Republic of North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey and
United Kingdom.

Recipients of this draft are invited to submit, with their comments, notification of any relevant patent rights of which they are
aware and to provide supporting documentation.

Warning : This document is not a Technical Specification. It is distributed for review and comments. It is subject to change
without notice and shall not be referred to as a Technical Specification.


EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION

EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG

CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Rue de la Science 23, B-1040 Brussels
© 2021 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. FprCEN/TS 17676:2021 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.

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Contents Page
European foreword . 3
Introduction . 4
1 Scope . 5
2 Normative references . 5
3 Terms and definitions . 6
4 Risk assessment of the fitness centre’s facilities . 9
5 Users, staff and contractors using the fitness facility . 10
6 Cleaning and hygiene control . 21
7 Ventilation . 22
8 Protocols in the facility . 24
Annex A (informative) Guidance on undertaking a risk assessment . 26
A.1 General. 26
A.2 Occupational risk assessment in the context of operating during an infectious
outbreak . 26
A.3 The start and conduct of a risk assessment study . 26
A.4 Risk overarching principles . 27
A.5 Risk assessment study . 28
Bibliography . 29

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European foreword
This document (FprCEN/TS 17676:2021) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 136
“Sports, playground and other recreational facilities and equipment”, the secretariat of which is held by
DIN.
This document is currently submitted to the Vote on TS.
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Introduction
The COVID-19 pandemic experience of 2020-21 showed a mixed picture of how fitness facilities were
able to open and operate under varied national and sometimes legal restrictions. A review of the guidance
offered by European governments, health officials and experts from the fitness and sport sectors showed
variation in their application of approaches. With the benefit of the practical experience from the COVID-
19 pandemic, it has been possible to draft this document containing European guidelines and
recommendations that help implement the safest possible health and hygiene measures at fitness centres,
so that they are potentially able to operate in the event of future infectious outbreaks.
These guidelines can be used as a tool to:
— minimize the spread of a pandemic virus;
— keep users, staff and contractors as risk free as possible, and,
— bring clarity and to establish user confidence.
When deemed appropriate by health authorities, keeping fitness facilities open during an infectious
outbreak will help to:
— maintain levels of health-enhancing physical activity, which will also mitigate longer-term healthcare
costs and the effects of mental welfare and social isolation;
— underpin the financial security of the business;
— keep fitness facility staff in employment;
— keep a community resource operating.
Allowing people to exercise safely and effectively considerably adds to their social, mental and physical
wellbeing.
This document can be used to reduce the risk of infectious transmission so that if possible, and within
national government requirements, fitness facilities could remain open during an outbreak. The expertise
of independent external experts from the following fields of work has been considered in the
development of this document:
— Virology
— Public health
— Membership systems (incl. data protection issues)
— Control of aerosol transmission
Additionally, national guidance documents published during the COVID-19 pandemic from across Europe
have been widely consulted in the preparation of this document.
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1 Scope
This document specifies guidelines and recommendations for the safe operation and management of
fitness centres during an infectious outbreak. This document sets out guidelines relative to the wide
range of operating models for fitness centres with a framework of good practices for operators to use.
This includes the operational and managerial procedures for offering and delivering the service covering
users, staff, and contractors whilst on the premises.
The guidelines of this document cover, but are not limited to:
a) overall risk reduction;
b) the practise of physical distancing and control of users;
c) air treatment and ventilation;
d) cleaning, hygiene and health protocols;
e) management and training of staff and use of personal protective equipment.
This document is applicable to all publicly accessible fitness centres where physical activity for groups
and/or individuals is delivered to all its users in order to provide a safe and controlled environment.
This document does not cover fitness centres where physical activity is exclusively secondary business.
Requirements of operations and supervision as described in
— EN 17229 Fitness centres - Requirements for centre amenities and operation - Operational and
managerial requirements, and
— prEN 17229-2 Fitness centres - Requirements for centre amenities and operation - Part 2: Requirements
for supervision and staff
fully apply to this document.
WARNING Fitness instructors stay within the scope of their professional practice. Users of fitness
facilities who have recovered from or have suffered mental or psychological implications from an
infection may need higher skilled fitness instructors to supervise them exercising. EN 17229 defines the
requirements for higher skilled fitness instructors such advanced fitness instructor or exercise for health
specialists which are referenced to Level 5 or above of the European Qualification Framework (EQF) [1].
Possibly, there may also be the need for fitness instructors to seek the advice and guidance of other
healthcare professionals.
2 Normative references
There are no normative references in this document.
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3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminological databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
• IEC Electropedia: available at https://www.electropedia.org/
• ISO Online browsing platform: available at https://www.iso.org/obp
3.1
fitness centre
publicly accessible place where diverse physical fitness activities for groups and/or individuals is
delivered
Note 1 to entry: A fitness centre can comprise of an exercising area with equipment-based strength training, free
weights, portable/fixed equipment and/or most often also cardiovascular training equipment/machines and/or
frequently also group fitness training in specific rooms or in a studio.
3.2
infectious diseases
diseases caused by pathogenic microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, parasites or fungi
3.3
disinfection
removal, destruction or de-activation of microorganisms on objects or surfaces
[SOURCE: ISO 14644-5:2004; definition 3.1.4 [2]]
Note 1 to entry: Alternatively, the process to reduce the number of microorganisms, but not usually of bacterial
spores, without necessarily killing or removing all organisms. This definition is taken from ISO 15190:2020;
definition 3.9 [3].
3.4
physical distancing
the practice of maintaining a greater than usual physical space between oneself and other people or of
avoiding direct contact with people or objects in public places during the outbreak of a contagious disease
in order to minimize exposure and reduce the transmission of infection
[SOURCE: based on Merriam-Webster [4]]
3.5
face mask
tight-fitting respiratory interface covering the mouth, nose, eyes and chin
[SOURCE: ISO 16972:2020, definition 3.96 [5]]
Note 1 to entry: Alternatively,covering for the mouth and nose that is worn specially to reduce the spread of
infectious agents, such as viruses or bacteria
Note 2 to entry: The covering can be made of materials such as polypropylene fibre or cotton fabric, as defined by
Merriam-Webster [6]
Note 3 to entry: CE marked medical device intended to limit the transmissions of infective agents from the user,
based on EN 14683:2019+AC, definition 3.9 [7]
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3.6
face covering
facepiece covering the mouth, nose and chin fitted with the head harness which can be head or ears
attachment
Note to entry 1: Face coverings are mainly intended to protect others and not the wearer. When used correctly, they
cover the nose and mouth. A face covering minimizes the projection of user's respiratory droplets saliva, sputum or
respiratory secretions when talking, coughing or sneezing. This face covering may also limit penetration in the
user’s area of nose and mouth of the respiratory droplets from external origin without claiming the user protection.
It also prevents this user’s area from any contact with the hands
Note to entry 2: Face coverings are not classified as PPE with the meaning of Regulation EU/2016/425
[SOURCE: based on CWA 17553:2020, definition 2.3 [8]]
3.7
biocidal product
any substance or mixture, in the form in which it is supplied to the user, consisting of, containing or
generating one or more active substances, with the intention of destroying, deterring, rendering
harmless, preventing the action of, or otherwise exerting a controlling effect on, any harmful organism
by any means other than mere physical or mechanical action
Note to entry 1 This also includes any substance or mixture, generated from substances or mixtures which do not
themselves fall under the first indent, to be used with the intention of destroying, deterring, rendering harmless,
preventing the action of, or otherwise exerting a controlling effect on, any harmful organism by any means other
than mere physical or mechanical action.
[SOURCE: Regulation (EU) No 528/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 May 2012
[10]]
3.8
aerosol particle
small infectious particle that can remain in the air for a long period of time
Note to entry 1: A long period of time can range from at least 5 min to, in many cases, hours
Note to entry 2: The size of aerosol particles should be below 100 micrometres in i.e. their aerodynamic diameter
[SOURCE: based on Merriam-Webster [11]]
3.9
droplet
larger respiratory particle that carries virus, typically deposited on people or surfaces less than 2 m from
the source and will normally settle out of the air in less than 5 minutes.
Note to entry 1: Most respiratory droplets are between 10 and 100 µm in diameter, but a small number can be up
to 1,500 µm
3.10
ventilation
designed supply and removal of air to and from a treated space, replacing, supplying or removing air by
either natural or mechanical means to or from a space
Note 1 to entry: Movement of air within a space
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Note 2 to entry: Volume of air entering or leaving the lungs in one respiratory cycle
[SOURCE: EN 12792:2003, definition 3.19.31 [12]]
3.11
air conditioning
control of the temperature in a space
3.12
personal protective equipment
PPE
device or appliance designed to be worn or held by an individual for protection against one or more health
and safety hazards
[SOURCE: ISO 15384:2018, definition 3.12 [13]]
Note 1 to entry: Equipment that will protect the user against health or safety risks at work and will provide
adequate protection against the risks against which it is intended to protect
Note 2 to entry: PPE shall be designed and manufactured so that, in the foreseeable expectations of its usage, the
end-user will be able to perform the risk-related activity normally whilst experiencing the highest level of protection
possible
[SOURCE: Regulation (EU) 2016/425 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 9 March 2016 on
Personal Protective Equipment [14]]
3.13
competent person
individual who has acquired through instruction, qualifications or experience, or a combination of these,
the essential skills enabling that person to perform specified tasks
[SOURCE: based on EN-ISO 20380:2017, definition 3.6 [15]]
3.14
special needs
any of various difficulties, such as a physical, emotional, behavioural, or learning disability or impairment,
that causes an individual to require additional or specialised services or accommodations
[SOURCE: based on Merriam-Webster [16]]
3.15
vulnerable person
individual who is at higher risk of severe illness from infection, or a greater risk of harm from products,
services or systems, due to age, level of literacy, physical or mental condition or limitations, or inability
to access fitness facility
[SOURCE: ISO 20607:2019, definition 3.4 [17], Modified]
3.16
at risk group
certain groups of people at greater risk of severe illness if contracting an infection of a virus or bacteria
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3.17
perturbation
disturbance of motion, course, arrangement, or state of equilibrium
[SOURCE: based on Merriam-Webster [18]]
4 Risk assessment of the fitness centre’s facilities
4.1 General
An infectious outbreak is a public health emergency. It is the responsibility of the fitness facility operator
to assess and to manage the risks in the event of an infectious outbreak, especially in terms of minimizing
the risk to the health of its users, staff and contractors.
This requires a risk assessment of the relevant operational procedures of the facility. The risk assessment
shall be properly documented and held available for inspection. Any revisions or updates, e.g. changing
of national public health guidance or requirements, are to be properly documented as well.
4.2 Purpose of risk assessment
The risk assessment shall focus on identifying appropriate and considered measures to control the risks
of the spread of an infectious outbreak in the fitness facility.
The risk assessment shall help the operator to decide on what precautions and procedures are necessary
to apply when considering public health guidance and any requirements or restrictions of the use of the
facility
Operators of the fitness facility shall comply with any specific documentation or auditing (e.g. by public
health/environmental control officer) that is in force.
NOTE The failure to complete a fill risk assessment, or the failure to put in place sufficient measures to manage
the risk of an infectious outbreak and its consequences after completing a risk assessment, can heighten the risk to
the health of users, staff and contractors of a fitness facility. Such failure might, potentially, constitute a breach of
other national health and safety law.
The risk assessment shall allow for expected additional advice and guidance to be issued by other
authorities, together with any advice or notices issued by other enforcing authorities.
4.3 Execution of risk assessment
The risk assessment shall be completed by a competent person who shall record the findings and actions,
to include:
— identification of hazards or conditions which need to change in the event of an infectious outbreak;
— covering the risks posed by the layout of the fitness facility and the directions in which users move
through the facility;
— audit of touch points before the fitness facility (re)opens after a period of closure, to reduce all
contacts to the minimum;
— assessment of how the health of the users, staff and contractors need to be further protected and
controlled to reduce potential harm during an infectious outbreak;
— assessment of what needs to be undertaken to control the increased risks.
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Each operator shall make its own assessment and implement the measures that they believe are
necessary, based on:
— the layout of the premises;
— the size of the centre;
— the type of users, and;
— on practical considerations.
After the identification of the hazards and conditions in the fitness facility which may heighten the risk of
infection to the users, staff and contractors, the assessment shall help decide on how likely it is that harm
(infection) will occur. This is the level of risk which determines what needs to be done about reducing it.
It is unlikely to fully eliminate all risk, but everything reasonably practicable shall be done to protect the
users, staff, and contractors in the fitness facility from contracting an infection.
The results of the risk assessment relevant for staff shall be shared with all staff.
Guidance on undertaking a risk assessment is given in Annex A.
Operators shall undertake a thorough inspection of all systems and services as part of an initial check of
operational readiness following a period of shutdown or prolonged closure.
NOTE 1 In the event of an infectious outbreak, fitness facilities can be instructed by national governments or
public health officials to close at short notice and without the possibility of fully de-commissioning the services and
systems within the fitness facility.
NOTE 2 A pre-reopening check can include the ventilation systems, water systems, especially in the control of
water-borne infections such as legionella, and electrical installations before staff and users return to the facility.
4.4 Follow up on risk assessment
Regular reviews and evaluations of operational practice, whilst the infectious outbreak exists, may be
necessary.
Each fitness centre shall ensure that management measures are understood and strictly adhered to.
5 Users, staff and contractors using the fitness facility
5.1 General
Users, staff, and contractors shall feel comfortable and confident that they are safe to be in the fitness
facility, with their health and wellbeing being of paramount importance. Consideration and planning for
the delivery of safe operations in the event of an infectious outbreak shall include the guidance given in
the following paragraphs.
Hand wipes/sanitisers and cleaning towels will be on offer to all users, staff and contractors upon arrival
and exit at the fitness facility. Alternatively, users, staff and contractors shall be directed to where they
can thoroughly clean their hands.
5.2 Communication
5.2.1 Goal of communication
Clear communication to users, staff and contractors is critical to ensure that they take all reasonable
measures to comply with physical distancing and hygiene measures (e.g. wiping-down, waste disposal)
etc. before after and during their visit to the fitness facility.
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5.2.2 Basic messages of communication
Advice for and guidance to users, staff and contractors shall be given to reinforce basic messages. These
basic messages can include the following:
— Stay home if they have any symptoms or if they are considered to be a ‘vulnerable’ or ‘at risk’ group
as defined by prevailing national public health guidelines;
— Follow national public health guidance to stay home if they have been in contact with persons that
were infected or were later shown to be infected;
— Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 s, or to use alcohol/disinfectant hand sanitisers:
— when entering the building;
— at regular intervals;
— after using equipment and plant machines, etc.
— Be respectful of all other people in the facility and to keep minimal physical distance as defined by
prevailing national public health guidelines;
— Where possible, cough or sneeze into a clean tissue which is safely discarded;
— Follow guidance on cleaning machines, equipment and ancillary services before and after use, and to
consider using protective gloves on equipment;
— Respect and follow written or verbal instructions, notices and guidance on the use of the fitness
facility, including covering any temporary closures, restrictions or use of space and/or equipment;
— Respect physical distancing when talking to another user, member of staff or contractor;
— Consider wearing a face covering, if not already a public health requirement, for added safety;
— Conduct personal interviews, training reviews etc. virtually where possible to reduce unnecessary
close contact between staff and users.
Users, staff, and contractors shall be encouraged to bring their own pre-filled drinks.
5.3 Preventive safety measures and their implementation
5.3.1 General safety measures
It is the responsibility of the operational management of the fitness facility to prevent users, staff, or
contractors who have symptoms of the infection from entering with the intention to use it, or to be in it
for work reasons.
All users, staff, and contractors entering the facility shall adequately clean their hands by washing with
soap and water, drying them with single use tissues/cleaning towels and/or using a hand sanitiser
(70 %–85 % alcohol).
NOTE 1 Physical barriers, such as stretch/retractable belts and stanchions, queue guard screens, portable
partitions and barriers, can need to be installed together with clear markings to ensure that contact between users,
staff, and contractors is kept to a minimum. These barriers are meant to ensure that queues or bottlenecks do not
form between people as they move through or wait to use facilities.
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Physical distancing is set at the minimal physical distance between people, as defined by prevailing
national public health guidelines. National guidance may vary on this requirement.
NOTE 2 Floor markings can be used to ensure the minimal physical distance as defined by prevailing national
public health guidelines.
5.3.2 People flow management
Operators shall consider people flow systems to reduce congregation in any area of the facility where
possible.
Operators shall ensure that physical distancing is maintained at all times, including transition time,
before or after classes/activities. The operator shall design internal flows to reflect this.
NOTE 1 In case the facility has more than one entry point, a one-way system can be implemented to have one
door as the entrance and another as the exit only.
NOTE 2 Ensuring any changes to entries, exit and queue management, operators could consider reasonable
adjustments for those who need these, including disabled users (e.g. maintaining pedestrian and parking access for
disabled users and ramped access).
5.3.3 In-place communication of preventive safety measures
To ensure that users are well-informed and reminded on what is required, advice on the safety measures
to be observed shall be displayed in visible locations. An example is the use of posters on display at
regular spacing throughout the fitness facility, informing users about basic requirements such as physical
distancing and cleanliness/hygiene protocols.
The issuing of guidance and requirements for use of the facility by users, staff, and contractors shall be
repeated at regular intervals during the time the infectious outbreak exists, and before the public health
emergency is ended.
Operators shall pay especial attention to anyone who may require additional assistance and support in
reading and understanding instructions
Operators shall put a response plan in place outlining details of how they will deal with a suspected case
of a user, staff, or contractor becoming infected whilst in the fitness facility
5.3.4 Use of face masks
If national guidelines require face masks, these shall be worn throughout the facility by users, but not
when exercising.
The face masks used shall be compliant with prevailing national government guidance. The operator shall
inform users on correct protocols for the wearing and removing of face masks and coverings. The
following protocol shall be recommended:
— Clean hands properly before putting on a mask;
— Practise putting it on and taking it off;
— Cover mouth and nose making sure there are no gaps between the mask and face;
— Ensure it stays in place, adjust straps, ties as necessary;
— Carry unused masks in a sealable clean waterproof bag;
— Dispose of used masks in a hygienic way;
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— Do not touch a mask or face covering while wearing it, but if this happens to clean and sanitise hands
properly,
— Do not use a damp or wet medical mask or reuse a medical mask;
— Do not share masks;
— Do not lower a mask to speak;
— Do not discard masks in public places;
— Take off the face covering by:
— Removing it from behind without touching the front of the mask;
— Not touching the eyes, nose or mouth;
— Cleaning and sanitising hands properly;
— Putting disposable masks in a bin straight away.
Where ‘spotting in weights’ is being undertaken, face coverings shall be worn.
5.3.5 Accessibility
Operators shall maintain a commitment to equality, inclusiveness and legal obligations to ensure that the
decisions made in response to the infectious outbreak restrictions on operations do not discriminate
against users or staff with protected characteristics.
Instructions shall be accessible to people with special needs.
Special consideration shall be given to those
...