Safety Protocols & Risk Management Flashcards
7 cards from real AFC practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Safety Protocols & Risk Management flashcards as text
A student discloses pregnancy at 10 weeks before joining a beginner aerial class. What is the most appropriate instructor response?
Answer: Require physician clearance and advise that most aerial inversions and abdominal compressions are contraindicated during pregnancy
Pregnancy is a significant contraindication for many aerial movements, particularly inversions and compression; physician clearance and individualized modification are mandatory.
How often should steel aerial apparatus (hoops, trapeze bars) be formally inspected by a qualified rigger?
Answer: At least annually, or more frequently based on usage volume and manufacturer recommendations
Annual formal inspection by a qualified rigger is the industry standard minimum, with more frequent checks required for high-use or high-impact apparatus.
What is the purpose of a 'dead man's switch' or load-rated quick-release in some aerial rigging setups?
Answer: To enable fast, controlled lowering or release of a suspended performer in an emergency
A quick-release or lowering system allows an instructor or rescue personnel to safely lower a distressed performer rapidly without requiring them to self-rescue.
A student has just recovered from a concussion and presents a physician's note stating 'cleared for light activity.' Should they participate in aerial class?
Answer: Consult with the physician specifically about aerial's inversion and impact risks, as 'light activity' likely does not encompass aerial fitness
Post-concussion clearance must be specific to aerial's unique demands (inversions, potential falls, cognitive load); general 'light activity' clearance is insufficient.
Which knot is most commonly used and recommended for securing aerial fabric (silks) to a rigging point?
Answer: Lark's head (cow hitch)
The lark's head (cow hitch) is the industry-standard knot for attaching aerial fabric to a rigging point due to its load distribution and ease of inspection.
When assessing a new aerial fitness space for safety, which structural element is most critical to verify first?
Answer: The load-bearing capacity of the ceiling beams or rigging points
Rigging point structural integrity and rated load capacity is the most critical safety factor, as failure results in catastrophic falls.
What documentation should every aerial fitness studio maintain for each piece of apparatus?
Answer: Purchase records, inspection logs, incident reports, and any manufacturer safety bulletins or retirement dates
Comprehensive apparatus documentation tracks the full lifecycle of equipment and provides evidence of due diligence in the event of an incident.