Equipment Hygiene Protocols Update

Updated Equipment Hygiene Protocols published as we move to providing general best practice guidance for cleaning and sharing equipment in the fencing community, rather than advice specifically focussed on COVID.

Updated Equipment Cleaning and Sharing Protocols

Cleaning protocols are one way to reduce infection transmission risk so the information in this document may be useful within your Club Risk Assessment.

The best way to reduce transmission of respiratory viruses is to regularly clean/sanitise hands, fence in a well-ventilated space, avoid close contact as much as possible and avoid touching your face.

Fencers where possible should use their own personal clothing, gloves, masks, lames and chest protectors.  Items can be purchased or rented if your club has a scheme. Weapons, swords and bodywires can be shared within a session.

Equipment can be shared as follows:

Jacket/ Breeches/ Plastron – Can be shared between sessions. Good practice is that kit is clean and dry before use.

Gloves Can be shared between sessions with
• use of disinfectant (outside) OR
• wash with detergent OR
• quarantine for 1 day, OR
• wearers must sanitise/wash hands before and after.

Glove must be dry before use. Strongly recommended that members purchase their own gloves if they can or have exclusive use of a club glove.

Chest protectors – Can be shared between sessions.

Lames – Can be shared between sessions. Good practice is that lames are dry before use.

Masks:
Disinfection procedure inside is recommended for all masks being shared within a 24hr period. Any removeable padding should also be washed regularly according to manufacturer instructions.

Body Wires – No specific recommendations or protocols.

Spools, scoring boxes, ground wires – No specific recommendations or protocols.

Weapons (metal or plastic) – Consider using disinfection procedure on handles in same day, multi-user situations.

Coaching Plastrons /Sleeves – Can be shared between sessions. Good practice is that kit is clean and dry before use. Please follow the manufacturer instructions for cleaning/wiping down.

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