Assessment Date: June 27, 2025
Location: Gym 1 – Commercial Gym Environment
1. Activity Description
Use of the Torque Fitness TANK M1 Push Sled, a compact, three-wheeled sled with Mag-Force™ magnetic resistance for pushing and pulling exercises to enhance strength, speed, endurance, and conditioning. Features include three resistance levels (plus neutral), removable performance handles, all-surface wheels, a weight horn for optional plates (up to two 45-lb plates for traction), and optional accessories like a console, tow rope, V-strap, and dumbbell cradle. Suitable for indoor and outdoor use on surfaces like turf, concrete, grass, or pavement.
Risk Assessment Matrix
• Likelihood: Rare (1), Unlikely (2), Possible (3), Likely (4), Almost Certain (5)
• Severity: Insignificant (1), Minor (2), Moderate (3), Major (4), Catastrophic (5)
• Risk Level: Low (1-4), Medium (5-9), High (10-15), Extreme (16-25)
3. Hazards, Risks, and Control Measures
Hazard: Improper Use
Potential Risk : Muscle strains (e.g., quadriceps, hamstrings, shoulders) or joint injuries (e.g., knee, lower back) due to incorrect pushing/pulling form, improper resistance settings, or misuse of accessories (e.g., tow rope, V-strap).
Likelihood: Possible (3)
Severity: Moderate (3)
Risk Level: Medium (9)
Control Measures:
- Provide user manual and instructional signage/videos for proper form and resistance adjustment.
- Offer training sessions for correct pushing, pulling, and accessory use.
- Ensure gym staff (if applicable) monitor technique.
- Advise starting with neutral or low resistance (Level 1) for beginners.
Residual Risk Level: Low (4)
Hazard: Equipment Failure
Potential Risk : Mechanical failure (e.g., wheel detachment, handle breakage, or magnetic brake malfunction) causing falls, collisions, or injuries.
Likelihood: Rare (1)
Severity: Major (4)
Risk Level: Low (4)
Control Measures:
- Conduct regular maintenance checks (e.g., monthly) on wheels, magnetic brake, and handles.
- Inspect tyres for air pressure (inflate 4-5 times every 3 years) and chain lubrication monthly.
- Display last maintenance date on sled.
- Remove faulty equipment immediately.
Residual Risk Level: Low (2)
Hazard: Pinching / Crushing
Potential Risk : Fingers or clothing caught in moving parts (e.g., front wheel, magnetic brake system, or tow rope attachment points).
Likelihood: Unlikely (2)
Severity: Moderate (3)
Risk Level: Medium (6)
Control Measures:
- Install guards around magnetic brake and wheel axles.
- Place warning labels on pinch points and tow hooks.
- Advise users to avoid loose clothing and keep hands clear during operation.
Residual Risk Level: Low (3)
Hazard : Overexertion
Potential Risk : Cardiovascular strain, dizziness, or fainting from high-intensity pushing/pulling, especially at higher resistance levels (Level 3) or with accessories like tow ropes. Cardiovascular strain, dizziness, or fainting from excessive intensity, especially during heavy lifts or high-rep cable exercises.
Likelihood: Possible (3)
Severity: Moderate (3)
Risk Level: Medium (9)
Control Measures:
- Display health warnings (e.g., consult a doctor for medical conditions).
- Encourage gradual progression in resistance (neutral to Level 3).
- Use optional console to monitor watts, calories, and distance to avoid overexertion.
- Ensure staff (in gyms) are trained in first aid and CPR.
Residual Risk Level: Low (4)
Hazard : Collision with Sled
Potential Risk : Bumping into sled’s frame, handles, or weight horn causing bruises or cuts, especially in confined spaces or during group training.
Likelihood: Unlikely (2)
Severity: Minor (2)
Risk Level: Low (4)
Control Measures:
- Ensure adequate space (min. 10 ft x 5 ft) for operation and turning.
- Use removable handles and wall-mounted bracket for compact storage.
- Design with rounded edges and electrostatic paint coating for durability.
Residual Risk Level: Low (2)
Hazard : Slipping / Falling
Potential Risk : Slipping or falling during pushing/pulling due to uneven surfaces, sweat on handles, or loss of grip, especially during high-intensity sprints.
Likelihood: Unlikely (2)
Severity: Minor (2)
Risk Level: Low (4)
Control Measures:
- Use high-impact plastic housing and rubber-coated grips on handles for better traction.
- Encourage closed-toe athletic footwear and use of chalk for grip.
- Provide towels and cleaning stations for sweat management.
- Advise checking surface for hazards (e.g., loose gravel, wet grass) before use.
Residual Risk Level: Low (2)
Hazard : Tyre Wear or Surface Issues
Potential Risk : Front tyre skipping or excessive wear during pulling (especially backwards) on loose surfaces, causing instability or falls.
Likelihood: Unlikely (2)
Severity: Moderate (3)
Risk Level: Medium (6)
Control Measures:
- Add one or two 45-lb plates to weight horn for traction on loose surfaces or during pulling.
- Advise pulling uphill or adjusting tow strap angle to increase front wheel friction.
- Regularly inspect tires for wear and replace as needed (minimal maintenance reported).
Residual Risk Level: Low (3)
Hazard :Assembly Errors
Potential Risk : Instability or component failure due to incorrect assembly of handles, tow bar, or optional accessories, leading to falls or injuries.
Likelihood: Unlikely (2)
Severity: Moderate (3)
Risk Level: Medium (6)
Control Measures:
- Provide clear assembly instructions with diagrams and video tutorials (e.g., via Torque Fitness website).
- Recommend two-person assembly for safety.
- Advise checking all bolts, tow bar, and handle connections before use.
Residual Risk Level: Low (3)
4. Additional Control Measures
- Emergency Procedures: Ensure first aid kits and emergency contact numbers are accessible. Train gym staff or home users in basic emergency response.
- User Education: Provide access to Torque Fitness training videos or gym inductions covering safe operation, resistance settings, and accessory use (e.g., tow rope, V-strap, dumbbell cradle). Use optional console for real-time feedback on performance metrics (calories, watts, distance, Push Force Energy™).
- Cleaning Protocols: Regular cleaning of handles, tow bar, and console to prevent sweat-related slips and bacterial infections.
- Age Restrictions: Restrict use to users over 16 unless supervised by a trainer.
- Storage Safety: Use optional wall-mounted bracket to store sled vertically, saving space and reducing tripping hazards. Ensure bracket is securely installed to prevent sled from falling.
5. Monitoring and Review
- Monitoring: Instructors to conduct daily visual inspections and monthly detailed checks of wheels, magnetic brake, chain, and structural components.
- Incident Reporting: Maintain a log for all accidents or near-misses to identify recurring issues.
- Review Date: Annual review or after any reported incident (next review: June 27, 2026).