Back to Work Safely: Guidance for Gyms and Workout Facilities - Version 1 | July 6, 2021
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Back to Work Safely:
Guidance for Gyms and
Workout Facilities
Guidance Document, 2nd edition
Version 1 | July 6, 2021
aiha.org
Photo courtesy of Getty ImagesGuidance Document
Back to Work Safely:
Guidance for Gyms and Workout Facilities, 2nd edition
Overview • How do we handle high-traffic crowd manage-
ment throughout the facility, including during peak
Gyms and workout facilities have been impacted by
times?
the COVID-19 pandemic. Many of these businesses
were viewed as “nonessential” by state governments • How do we deal with cleaning and disinfecting
and either closed or operated at reduced capacity. high-contact surfaces, such as check-in desks,
Some gyms adapted by offering group classes out- computer keyboards, and door handles, regularly
doors. More recently, these businesses are moving during the day?
to reopening or operating at an increased capacity. • What can on-site vendors do to minimize COVID-19
Thus, there is a need for guidance on reducing the transmission?
risk of transmission for both gym employees and In addition to the questions asked by employers and
customers. This document is intended to provide companies, gym and workout facility employees and
guidance and considerations for gyms and workout customers are also thinking of ways that they can
facilities. While the scope of these guidance docu- protect themselves.
ments does not cover workplace testing or vaccina-
tion guidance, please refer to state, local, and feder- The current scientific evidence indicates that SARS-
al guidance on these topics, such as the Centers for CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, is spread pri-
Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)’s COVID-19 marily by airborne transmission, through exposure to
testing and vaccine webpages. respiratory aerosols or droplets in air that carry the
virus. These respiratory aerosols and droplets are
As some restrictions have lifted and continue to generated by the human respiratory system during
be lifted, many uncertainties still remain. Gym and normal activities, including breathing, speaking,
workout facility companies and employers are faced shouting, singing, coughing, and sneezing. Exposure
with difficult questions that must be addressed as to these respiratory droplets in poorly ventilated or
they reopen, resume normal operations, or continue crowded indoor spaces is particularly of concern,
normal operations, such as: and infection can occur through exposure to mucus
membranes, such as the eyes, nose, and mouth. In
• How can we best protect the health and safety of
addition, while not the primary route of exposure,
our employees and customers?
people may also become infected from touching sur-
• What communication is needed to keep everyone faces contaminated with the virus. It has also been
informed of the preventive steps being taken? shown that the virus can survive in aerosols for hours
• What steps can we take to minimize the risk of dis- and on surfaces for days, depending on the type of
ease transmission? surface. Measures can be taken to reduce the risk
of spreading COVID-19 from person to person or by
• What training is needed for our employees? contact with potentially contaminated surfaces.
• What health and safety measures do we need to
take regarding new virus variants? The purpose of this guidance document is to provide
clear and actionable steps towards the safe oper-
• What do we do if an employee or customer has test- ations of gyms and workout facilities through pre-
ed positive for or is suspected to have COVID-19? vention, early detection, and control of COVID-19.
• What do we do if an employee or customer is sick This document offers practical guidance for gym and
or not following guidelines? workout facility owners and employers to implement
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Always follow local, state and federal laws and guidelines.Guidance Document
Back to Work Safely:
Guidance for Gyms and Workout Facilities, 2nd edition
multiple layers of risk mitigation strategies through and dining halls.
the hierarchy of controls, a system used to minimize
or eliminate exposures to hazards. The hierarchy of Any relaxation or modification of the recommenda-
controls ranks hazard control approaches in order of tions herein (e.g., based on employee vaccine status)
most effective to least effective—through the elimi- should be based on and comply with federal, state,
nation of a hazard, substitution of a hazard, use of and local requirements, as well as best practices.
engineering controls, use of administrative controls,
and correct use of personal protective equipment What should an Employer do to reduce
(PPE). Specifically, to reduce the risk of transmitting
risk for themself, their employees, and
COVID-19, the controls we focus on in this docu-
ment are engineering controls, such as ventilation; their customers?
administrative controls, such as physical distanc- Gym and workout facility owners and employers are
ing, enhanced cleaning and disinfecting practices, encouraged to continually monitor global (WHO),
and personal hygiene; and PPE, such as gloves and federal (CDC), state, and local guidelines for changes
face coverings. Aside from the hierarchy of controls, or updates in recommendations, disinfection strate-
we also focus on mitigation strategies to use within gies, worker protections, and other COVID-19 best
restrooms and on contact surfaces, employee well- management practices. Employers should also con-
ness, training, waste and laundering, and communi- sider developing a knowledgeable team to monitor,
cation. No single mitigation strategy will be sufficient assess, and implement new strategies as they be-
to address COVID-19 health and safety risks; rath- come available and as knowledge evolves regarding
er, a multilayered risk management approach using SARS-CoV-2 transmission, vaccines, new virus vari-
controls, which can include vaccines, is recommend- ants, and other aspects of the virus.
ed to limit the spread of COVID-19.
Employers are also encouraged to complete a task-
It is important to continue to monitor the global based risk assessment or job hazard analysis to best
(World Health Organization or WHO]), federal (CDC), determine, by job task, where engineering or admin-
state, and local guidelines for changes or updates in istrative controls can be implemented to reduce or
recommendations, disinfection strategies, worker eliminate virus transmission. Refer to the OSHA Job
protections, and other COVID-19 risk management Hazard Analysis document.
best practices. It is also important that gyms and
Due to the wide variety of types and sizes of build-
workout facilities consistently monitor and evaluate
ings and spaces, it may not be possible for all gym or
the effectiveness of implemented mitigation strate-
workout facility owners or employers to implement
gies and alter their approaches as needed.
all of the following guidelines. However, implement-
The following document addresses aspects of gyms ing as many as possible through a multilayered risk
and workout facilities that have not been previous- management approach can help reduce health risks
ly evaluated in other AIHA guidance documents. and risk of transmission.
Please refer to the “Resources” section for links to Ventilation
AIHA guidance documents concerning other areas
that may have characteristics in common with and • Encourage outdoor activity and classes, if feasible.
guidance applicable to the fitness industry, including • Keep heating, ventilation, and air conditioning
office settings, childcare facilities, and restaurants (HVAC) systems operational to maintain thermal
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Always follow local, state and federal laws and guidelines.Guidance Document
Back to Work Safely:
Guidance for Gyms and Workout Facilities, 2nd edition
comfort and maximize outdoor air based on sys- employees on enhanced cleaning and disinfect-
tem design. ing practices or to track when and how cleaning
– Strive to maintain the relative humidity at 40- and disinfecting is conducted, including cleaning
60%. and disinfection of spaces previously occupied by
someone confirmed to have had COVID-19. Refer
– Refer to AIHA’s Indoor Environmental Quality to AIHA’s guidance document on workplace clean-
document. ing for COVID-19.
• If you need assistance on HVAC issues, ask an – Make Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for cleaning and
HVAC professional and see the American Society disinfection products available and ensure em-
of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning ployees are aware of the hazards of use. Incor-
Engineers’ (ASHRAE) COVID-19 preparedness re- porate new hazards into the existing OSHA Haz-
sources for more information. ard Communications Program.
– AIHA occupational and environmental health – Use disposable wipes or rags when available.
and safety (OEHS) science professionals and in- Ensure reusable rags are maintained, handled,
dustrial hygienists are also well-versed in gener- and cleaned per manufacturers’ instructions. For
al dilution ventilation. AIHA has a consultants list more information, see the “Laundering” section
of such qualified professionals. below.
• Consider using portable high-efficiency particulate – All items should be allowed to dry thoroughly af-
air (HEPA) filtration units with variable flow control ter cleaning.
or other ventilation-related engineering controls
to accommodate differing room sizes and ventila- – Establish a disinfection routine and ensure disin-
tion needs. Refer to AIHA’s Indoor Environmental fection protocols follow product instructions for
Quality document for more information. Consider application and contact time.
whether the noise of these units when they are • Select appropriate disinfectants.
turned on is appropriate for the particular applica- – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
tion. has developed a list of products that meet EPA’s
• If fans, such as pedestal fans or hard mounted fans, criteria for use against SARS-CoV-2, EPA List N.
are used, take steps to minimize air blowing from – Do not mix different EPA-registered chemicals
one person directly at another individual. If fans together. The combination could be toxic by in-
are disabled or removed, it is important to remain halation. Be particularly careful when using any
aware of and take steps to prevent heat hazards. products containing ammonia, sodium hypochlo-
– Be mindful of using portable pedestal or over- rite (bleach), or hydrogen peroxide.
head ceiling fans, as these may contribute to – Review product labels and SDS and follow man-
spread of the virus. ufacturer specifications for cleaning and disin-
• Use natural ventilation by opening windows and fecting.
doors to increase air flow, if possible. – Allow for appropriate ventilation during cleaning
Enhanced Cleaning and Disinfecting Practices and disinfecting.
• Consider developing a standard operating proce- • Provide appropriate signage regarding cleaning
dure, checklist, or audit system to consistently train and disinfecting measures being taken, if needed.
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Always follow local, state and federal laws and guidelines.Guidance Document
Back to Work Safely:
Guidance for Gyms and Workout Facilities, 2nd edition
• Ensure any commonly used items and high-touch alcohol.
surfaces (e.g., doorknobs and shared exercise – If providing neither a station nor a dispenser is
equipment) are cleaned and disinfected on a fre- feasible, then at a minimum, consider providing
quent or regular basis and after each use. hand sanitizer at high traffic locations. This sani-
– Promote these practices to gym or workout fa- tizer should contain at least 60% ethanol or 70%
cility customers by making this action visible and isopropyl alcohol.
using signage. – Post signs at each hand sanitizer station to en-
• Provide materials and signage to remind custom- courage proper use and illustrate proper hand
ers to wipe down or disinfect equipment before sanitizing techniques.
and after exercising at each location, workout sta- Physical Distancing
tion, or piece of equipment. Trained staff should
• Physical distancing can help limit transmission.
also routinely clean equipment instead of assum-
Employers should follow all local, state, or federal
ing that customers are performing this task ade-
physical distancing requirements.
quately.
• Modify or adjust workstations to minimize close
• Consider consulting an occupational and environ- contact (e.g., within six feet or less for a cumula-
mental health and safety (OEHS) science profes- tive 15 minutes over a 24-hour period) of employ-
sional or industrial hygiene expert if additional ad- ees with other employees, customers, and others,
vice is needed. AIHA has a consultants list of such when possible.
qualified professionals.
• Use methods to physically separate employees
• The employer should evaluate the gym or workout and customers in the facility (e.g., break rooms and
facility to determine the most appropriate applica- entrance and exit areas), when possible.
tion method for disinfection. Please refer to EPA’s
– Use visual cues, such as floor markings and signs,
guidance on use of different methods for applica-
to encourage physical distancing.
tion of disinfectants to learn more.
– Space chairs at least six feet apart. Use barriers,
– Currently, CDC does not recommend fogging, fu-
such as screens, when possible.
migation, or wide-area or electrostatic spraying
as a primary method for surface disinfection in – Be mindful that barriers can disrupt ventilation
most cases. Refer to CDC’s COVID-19 webpage and airflow.
on cleaning and disinfecting facilities. • Post signs around the facility as reminders to main-
Personal Hygiene tain physical distancing at all times.
• Establish a “before and after work” handwashing • Consider limiting the number of customers in the
or sanitizing protocol for all employees. gym at one time.
• Provide handwashing stations or, if not feasible, • Take into consideration physical distance guide-
touch-free automated hand sanitizer dispensers lines for equipment layout and activities.
at high-traffic locations (e.g., at the front of the – Consider distancing equipment at least six feet
establishment, at exits, near elevators, and out- apart, with greater distancing for treadmills and
side restrooms). These should contain hand san- other aerobic fitness equipment where high ex-
itizer with at least 60% ethanol or 70% isopropyl ertion is common.
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Always follow local, state and federal laws and guidelines.Guidance Document
Back to Work Safely:
Guidance for Gyms and Workout Facilities, 2nd edition
– Aerobic fitness equipment can be arranged in an • Physical distancing requirements should be moni-
“X” pattern to provide greater distancing. tored in large whirlpools or swimming pools in out-
door or well-ventilated spaces. Limit the number of
– Physical barriers can also be helpful to create
customers admitted based on the size of the pool.
distancing or segregate exercise areas.
• Personal trainers and employees assisting custom-
• Mark increments of six feet for customers using
ers should physically distance from their clients.
tape, markers, paint, or signage.
• Cloth or disposable face coverings should be worn,
– Videos, photos, and markings are ideal to demon- especially if physical distancing is not possible.
strate physical distancing measures.
Face Coverings
• Train gym personnel on physical distancing guide-
lines and ways to communicate them to custom- • Face coverings can help limit transmission. Em-
ployers should follow all local, state, or federal face
ers.
covering requirements.
• Use social media and other communication meth-
• Cloth or disposable non-medical face coverings
ods, such as signage, emails, and texts, to educate
are NOT PPE but do offer some protection to the
customers on the physical distancing guidelines
wearer and others. Use of face coverings is not
and procedures. a substitute for physical distancing, engineering
• Use a self-check-in procedure or place barriers or controls, cleaning and disinfecting, proper hygiene,
partitions between front desk employees and cus- or staying home while sick.
tomers. • Train employees on the proper way to maintain,
• Consider developing online sign-up systems (i.e., wear (covering both the nose and mouth), handle,
first come, first serve), with set-duration (one hour) and clean face coverings, as discussed by CDC.
workout periods. Refer to the graphic below and to CDC’s guidance
on how to wear masks.
• If needed, consider creating specific hours for old-
er customers that are reservation-only and with a • Encourage gym or workout facility employees and
capacity limit. customers to wear cloth or disposable face cov-
erings at all times, particularly when physical dis-
• Consider offering planned circuit-type workouts tancing cannot be maintained.
that facilitate physical distancing and allow for
wiping down or disinfection of equipment during
recovery between exercises.
• Group exercise classes should only be offered if
physical distancing requirements can be main-
tained and there is no person-to-person physical
contact.
• Basketball courts and other areas where sports
with physical contact are played should be closed.
• Saunas and steam baths should be closed or limit-
ed to one guest or family unit at a time. CREDIT: CDC
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Always follow local, state and federal laws and guidelines.Guidance Document
Back to Work Safely:
Guidance for Gyms and Workout Facilities, 2nd edition
• Encourage employees to wear cloth or disposable If implementing partitions or proper distancing is
face coverings if using public transportation to get not possible, these facilities should remain closed.
to work. Refer to CDC’s guidance on safe use of • If feasible, work with HVAC professionals to ensure
public transportation during COVID-19. that bathrooms are well ventilated and, if filtration
• Additional information on cloth face coverings can is used, that proper filtration practices are being
be found in CDC’s guidance for using masks to followed.
slow the spread of COVID-19. • Increase frequency and efforts to keep bathrooms
Restrooms, Showers, and Locker Rooms clean and properly disinfected and maintain a re-
• Post signage limiting restroom occupancy, to allow cord of sanitary work practices.
for proper physical distancing, and to remind cus- – Take precautions when cleaning or maintaining
tomers and employees to wash their hands before showers, sinks, and toilets (i.e., avoid creating
and after using the restroom. aerosols, close toilet lids before flushing, and use
• Minimize touchpoints when entering and exiting disposable gloves).
restrooms, if possible. Waste and Laundering
– If the door cannot be opened without touching • Single-use items and used disinfection materials
the handle, provide paper towels and a trash can can be treated as regular waste, following regular
by the door so that a paper towel can be used safety guidelines.
when touching the handle and then discarded. • Any reused cloth materials should be washed and
– Consider controlling access to bathrooms with a dried on the highest temperature setting allowable
key so that disinfection measures can be better for the fabric.
managed. If a key is used, consider disinfecting it • When handling dirty laundry, wear gloves and a
after each use. mask and do not shake.
• If possible, allow doors to multi-stall restrooms to • Clothes hampers or laundry baskets, if used, should
be opened and closed without touching handles. be cleaned according to manufacturers’ instructions.
• Place signs as reminders to close toilet lids (if pres- • Wash hands after handling dirty laundry.
ent) before and after flushing.
Training
• Use no-touch faucets, towel dispensers, soap dis-
pensers, and waste receptacles, when possible. • Provide awareness training to employees on clean-
ing and disinfection products used in the gym or
• Hand soap should be readily available for use by workout facility following OSHA’s Hazard Commu-
occupants. nication Standards.
• Provide paper towels in restrooms. – For employees who will use cleaning and dis-
– Refer to AIHA’s guidance document on using infecting products, training should also include
hand air dryers during COVID-19 for more infor- proper use, PPE, disposal, and relevant precau-
mation. tionary measures.
• Only allow shower and locker room use if there are • Provide instruction and training to employees on
partitions or signage placed so that proper physi- how to correctly maintain, handle, wear, clean, and
cal distancing can be maintained in these spaces. dispose of cloth or disposable face coverings.
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Always follow local, state and federal laws and guidelines.Guidance Document
Back to Work Safely:
Guidance for Gyms and Workout Facilities, 2nd edition
• Provide appropriate training and education for all eral workplace laws. For more information on
PPE, including disposable and reusable gloves. employer responsibilities, visit the Department of
– NOTE: If an employer chooses to provide or the Labor and Equal Employment Opportunity Com-
employee supplies their own N95 respirator, mission websites.
please fully consider all the potential OSHA re- – Provide employee assistance programs and
quirements. community resources to help employees manage
– Use videos and in-person visual demonstrations stress and receive support.
of proper PPE donning and doffing procedures, – Offer special accommodations upon request for
while maintaining physical distancing during employees at increased risk for severe illness,
these demonstrations. to allow them to perform their job duties safely,
– Emphasize that care must be taken when putting while also protecting sensitive employee health
on and taking off PPE, to ensure that the worker information.
or the item does not become contaminated. • Post signs and reminders at entrances and in stra-
– PPE should be: (1) disposed of; or (2) properly tegic places to provide instructions on hand hy-
disinfected and stored in a clean location when giene, respiratory hygiene, and cough etiquette.
not in use. Include signs with images for non-English readers,
– Stress hand hygiene before and after handling all as needed.
PPE. • Train employees on new or modified working
– Correct maintenance on handling, wearing, schedules, how they can stay up to date on new
cleaning, and disposing of PPE. scheduling requirements, and how to make re-
quests for schedule changes if a need arises.
• Make SDS for cleaning and disinfection products
available and ensure employees are aware of the Other Control Measures
hazards of use. Incorporate new hazards into your • Employees and customers should be encouraged
existing OSHA Hazard Communication Program. to stay home if they are symptomatic.
• Implement and inform employees of supportive • Employers are encouraged to explore work-from-
workplace policies, as applicable. home options (if feasible, such as for administra-
– Provide flexible sick leave policies consistent with tive staff), staggered work shifts or hours, and oth-
public health guidance. Providing paid sick leave er flexible approaches for employees.
is important to encourage employees to stay
• If employees commute to work using public trans-
home when sick.
portation, consider asking them to:
– Refer to CDC’s guidance for businesses and em-
– Use other forms of transportation, if possible.
ployers regarding COVID-19 test results from
employees. – Maintain physical distancing and wear cloth or
disposable face coverings.
– Offer employees the flexibility to stay home to
care for sick family members. – Commute at off-peak times, if possible.
– Implement human resources policies consistent – Wash their hands before the trip and as soon as
with public health guidance and state and fed- possible after arriving.
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Always follow local, state and federal laws and guidelines.Guidance Document
Back to Work Safely:
Guidance for Gyms and Workout Facilities, 2nd edition
• Educate employees on recognizing the symptoms • If the gym or workout facility is in a multi-tenant
of COVID-19 and provide instructions on what to location, consider establishing a communication
do if they develop symptoms. pathway with other tenants to inform each other
• Although perhaps not necessary if handwashing of confirmed COVID-19 cases present in the build-
protocols are rigorously followed, consider provid- ing.
ing disposable gloves to employees, especially for – Communicate ventilation concerns and response
cleaning and disinfecting, removing waste materi- with other tenants (e.g., HVAC systems can be
als, and cleaning the restrooms. shared by multiple tenants and therefore adjust-
ing the system in one area may have negative
– If gloves are worn, change them regularly; wear-
effects in another area).
ing gloves is not a substitute for handwashing.
Employee Wellness
– If worn, inspect gloves frequently. Remove or re-
place any gloves that are torn, damaged, or con- • Communicate to employees the importance of
taminated. being vigilant when monitoring personal health
symptoms and contacting their employers or man-
• Plan for employee absences by developing flexible
agers if or when they start to feel sick.
attendance and sick leave policies, plan for alter-
native coverage, and monitor and track employee • Revisit your sick leave program to allow for time
absences related to COVID-19. off and follow all HR policies and HIPAA or other
regulatory requirements.
• Stay informed of local and state COVID-19 infor-
mation and updates in your geographic area. • Conduct employee temperature screenings and
wellness checks before each shift. (NOTE: Comply
Communication
with OSHA’s Access to Employee Medical and
• Communication and training should be easy to un- Exposure Records Standard for confidentiality.)
derstand, in languages preferred to be spoken or
– Temperature screening methods can include a
read by the employees, and include accurate and
manual thermometer(use non-contact infrared
timely information.
thermometers) or thermal camera meeting FDA’s
– Methods for communicating with employees recommendations. Additional screening informa-
could include emails, texts, automated phone tion and guidance can be found on CDC’s web-
calls, websites, and signage. site.
• Adopt a communication strategy that is custom- – Assign an employee to manage and conduct
ized to your organization and emphasizes trans- temperature screenings while following CDC
parency. guidelines. If this is not possible, employees can
– Communicate to employees what is being done self-check their own temperatures.
to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 (e.g., dis- – Screening should be done in a manner such that
infection routines, health policies for staff, and the privacy of employees is respected.
health and safety measures in place). – Perform visual inspections for other signs of
– Establish formal and informal routes of com- illness (e.g., flushed cheeks, rapid or difficult
munication for employees to express concerns, breathing without recent physical activity, fa-
questions, comments, and feedback. tigue, or coughing).
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Always follow local, state and federal laws and guidelines.Guidance Document
Back to Work Safely:
Guidance for Gyms and Workout Facilities, 2nd edition
– Employees who have a fever of 100.4 degrees – For disinfection, use only EPA-registered disin-
Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) or above or oth- fectants on List N.
er signs of illness should not be admitted into the • Encourage employees who are sick to stay home.
facility. This includes:
• Employers can consider incorporating a wellness – People with flu-like symptoms or who live with
questionnaire similar to CDC’s general screening someone with these clinical symptoms.
survey. However, we encourage checking your re-
gional health department websites. For example, – People with COVID-19, people who live with
there is a personnel screening form available on someone with COVID-19, or people who have
the San Francisco Department of Health’s website. been exposed to someone with COVID-19.
• Refer to CDC’s guidance for businesses and em- • Employers are encouraged to educate employ-
ployers regarding employees who have symptoms ees to recognize the symptoms of COVID-19 and
or signs of COVID-19 (i.e., fever, cough, or short- provide instructions on what to do if they develop
ness of breath) or who have had close contact with symptoms.
someone who has COVID-19.
• If an employee tests positive for COVID-19: What should an Employee do to reduce
– Follow federal, state, and local recommenda-
risk to themself and customers?
tions for reporting and communicating cases, • Employees should evaluate their health continu-
while remaining compliant with regulations and ously; if they are sick, have a fever or symptoms,
guidelines pertaining to protecting private health or have someone sick at home, then they should
information, such as confidentiality required by remain home.
the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). See – NOTE: Employer HR policies, HIPAA guidelines,
OSHA for guidance on reporting workplace ex- and other laws should be followed at all times.
posures to COVID-19.
• Disinfect shared equipment and high-touch sur-
– Engage HR immediately and enforce all applica- faces frequently, after each use at least.
ble HR rules and regulations.
• Maintain a clean cloth or disposable face covering.
– Follow federal, state, and local recommendations Replace frequently, if needed, and replace after
for any individuals that had close contact with contamination.
the employee.
– When wearing a face covering, ensure both your
– Use trained personnel to perform enhanced nose and mouth are covered.
cleaning and disinfecting of any surfaces that
the employee may have come into contact with. – Change face covering if it becomes wet, dam-
aged, or contaminated.
o Encourage the trained personnel to wear face
coverings and gloves, dispose of their gloves – Wash your hands before touching your face cov-
after use, and wash their hands and faces ering.
when complete. Visibly dirty surfaces should – Wear a cloth or disposable face covering while
be cleaned using a detergent or soap and wa- using public transportation.
ter PRIOR to disinfection. – Additional information on cloth face coverings
can be found on CDC’s website. (NOTE: Cloth or
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Always follow local, state and federal laws and guidelines.Guidance Document
Back to Work Safely:
Guidance for Gyms and Workout Facilities, 2nd edition
disposable non-valved face coverings primari- to use them. CDC has recommended sequences for
ly protect other people but can also protect the donning and doffing PPE.
wearer. When wearing a face covering, ensure – NOTE: If an employer chooses to provide an
both your nose and mouth are covered. Use of a
N95 respirator, please fully consider all the po-
cloth or disposable face covering is not a substi-
tential OSHA requirements.
tute for physical distancing.)
Worker Rights
– Have extra face coverings on hand.
This document presents and supports workplace
• Maintain good hygiene practices by washing your
protections that are essential components of occu-
hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
or using a hand sanitizer with at least 60% ethanol pational health and safety systems and programs.
or 70% isopropyl alcohol. For more information, re- These basic protections are worker rights, as well
fer to CDC’s handwashing guidelines. as essential ingredients of occupational health and
safety systems.
• If you are an employee who tests positive for
COVID-19, or who has come in close contact with
someone who has COVID-19, follow CDC’s guide- What can a Customer do to reduce the
lines. risk of transmission of COVID-19?
• At minimum, wash your hands after each custom- • Comply with instructions regarding COVID-19 pre-
er interaction; after being in a public place; after cautions set forth by the facility, including but not
touching your face covering; after blowing your limited to physical distancing requirements and
nose, coughing, or sneezing; after using the re-
use of face coverings.
stroom; after touching any common contact sur-
faces; and before eating. Avoid touching your eyes, • Evaluate your own health and your family’s health
nose, or mouth with unwashed hands. continuously. If you are sick, stay home. If you have
an elevated temperature, stay home. If someone in
• Wash your hands when you arrive at work,
your house is sick, stay home. If you have allergies
throughout the day during various activities (e.g.,
after using shared equipment, after handling gar- and uncontrollable sneezing, stay home.
bage, or after using the bathroom), after touch- • Check with the facility, prior to going, regarding
ing your face covering, when you leave work, and any current requirements for customers to follow
when you arrive home. specific to COVID-19.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when • Use online and electronic services in place of
you cough or sneeze and throw used tissues in the in-person services, if feasible.
trash. If you do not have a tissue, cough or sneeze
– If you anticipate needing to complete paperwork,
into your elbow, not your hands. Immediately wash
consider filling this out at home prior to your visit
your hands after blowing your nose, coughing, or
or bringing your own pen.
sneezing. Learn more about coughing and sneez-
ing etiquette. • Wear a cloth or disposable face covering as you
• Let your employer know if you have concerns about enter and leave the facility and while inside.
PPE or face coverings that may be provided to you • Remember to adhere to physical distancing re-
and ensure that you are properly instructed on how quirements in locker rooms.
AIHA | 3141 Fairview Park Dr., Suite 777 | Falls Church, VA 22042 | aiha.org
©aiha 2021 DISCLAIMER: These are meant to be general guidelines to help you re-open your establishment. Page 11 of 13
Always follow local, state and federal laws and guidelines.Guidance Document
Back to Work Safely:
Guidance for Gyms and Workout Facilities, 2nd edition
• Wash your hands before and after you leave the AIHA: Employers’ Guide to COVID-19 Cleaning and
building, if possible, especially if touching common Disinfection in Non-Healthcare Workplaces Guid-
high-touch surfaces. If not feasible, use hand san- ance Document
itizer that contains at least 60% ethanol or 70%
isopropyl alcohol when you enter and before you AIHA: Joint Consensus Statement on Addressing the
leave the building. Aerosol Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 and Recom-
mendations for Preventing Occupational Exposures
• If using public transportation to get to and from
the facility, wash your hands when you enter and AIHA: Reducing the Risk of COVID-19 Using Engi-
before you leave the building. If not feasible, use neering Controls Guidance Document
hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% ethanol
or 70% isopropyl alcohol. AIHA: Worker Rights White Paper
• Maintain a distance of at least six feet from other AIHA: Workplace Cleaning for COVID-19
customers and employees when walking through
the gym, whenever possible. ASHRAE: Coronavirus (COVID-19) Response Re-
sources from ASHRAE and Others
• Use online gym or workout services, if feasible.
• Pre-plan your workout routine to avoid lingering or CDC: COVID-19 – Cleaning and Disinfecting Your
socializing and to allow other customers to work Facility
out due to reduced occupancy and physical dis-
tancing requirements. CDC: COVID-19 – COVID-19 Testing Overview
• Limit the items you touch within the gym to only CDC: COVID-19 – General Business Frequently
items you will use. Asked Questions
• Avoid using lifting gloves and other items that are CDC: COVID-19 – Guidance for Businesses and Em-
not easily cleaned. ployers Responding to Coronavirus Disease 2019
• Use a disinfecting wipe to wipe down each piece (COVID-19)
of equipment you use before and after use and dis-
pose of the wipe appropriately. CDC: COVID-19 – Guidance for Operating Child Care
Programs During COVID-19
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when
you cough or sneeze and throw used tissues in the CDC: COVID-19 – How to Wear Masks
trash. If you do not have a tissue, cough or sneeze
into your elbow, not your hands. Immediately wash CDC: COVID-19 – Protect Yourself When Using
your hands after blowing your nose, coughing, or Transportation
sneezing. Learn more about coughing and sneez-
CDC: COVID-19 – Use Masks to Slow the Spread of
ing etiquette.
COVID-19
Resources CDC: COVID-19 – Vaccines for COVID-19
AIHA: Effective and Safe Practices, Guidance for CDC: Facilities COVID-19 Screening
Custodians, Cleaning, and Maintenance Staff Guid-
ance Document Department of Labor: Coronavirus Resources
AIHA | 3141 Fairview Park Dr., Suite 777 | Falls Church, VA 22042 | aiha.org
©aiha 2021 DISCLAIMER: These are meant to be general guidelines to help you re-open your establishment. Page 12 of 13
Always follow local, state and federal laws and guidelines.Guidance Document
Back to Work Safely:
Guidance for Gyms and Workout Facilities, 2nd edition
EPA: Can I Use Fogging, Fumigation, or Electrostatic OSHA: Heat
Spraying or Drones to Help Control COVID-19?
OSHA: Job Hazard Analysis
EPA: List N
OSHA: Recording Workplace Exposures to COVID-19
FDA: Non-Contact Temperature Assessment Devic-
es During the COVID-19 Pandemic OSHA: Safety Management – Recommended Prac-
tices for Safety and Health Programs
Fitness Business Association: Crisis Management
Resources – Coronavirus Resource Center San Francisco Department of Public Health: Attach-
ment A-1 – Personnel Screening Form
IHRSA: Coronavirus Resources for Health Clubs
U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission:
OSHA: Access to Employee Medical and Exposure Coronavirus and COVID-19
Records
U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission:
OSHA: Hazard Communication Standards What You Should Know About COVID-19 and the
ADA, the Rehabilitation Act, and Other EEO Laws
Disclaimer
AIHA is not legally responsible and shall be held harmless from all claims, causes of action, and demands,
whatsoever, any third party may incur on account of damage, loss or injury resulting from adhering to these guidelines.
These guidance documents were primarily developed for those smaller business that don’t have readily available
occupational health and safety resources, and designed to help business owners, employers, employees and consumers
implement science-backed procedures for limiting the spread of the coronavirus. They are subject to any local, state, or federal
directives, laws, or orders about operating a business and should only be used if they do not conflict with any such orders.
These documents are subject to revision and shall be updated accordingly.
AIHA makes no representations or warranties of any kind concerning its Copyrighted Material, either express or implied,
including without limitation any implied warranties of merchantability, title, infringement or fitness for a particular purpose.
AIHA shall be indemnified, defended and held harmless by all third parties and their directors, officers, agents, employees
and assigns, and anyone authorized by any of them, from and against any and all claims, liabilities, losses and damages,
including reasonable attorneys’ fees, caused by or arising wholly or in part from the use of the Copyrighted Material.
| backtoworksafely.org
Periodically scan this QR Code to check if any
new versions of AIHA’s guidance documents
have been posted, as well as to find guidance
documents for other businesses and industries.
AIHA | 3141 Fairview Park Dr., Suite 777 | Falls Church, VA 22042 | aiha.org
©aiha 2021 DISCLAIMER: These are meant to be general guidelines to help you re-open your establishment. Page 13 of 13
Always follow local, state and federal laws and guidelines.You can also read
