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Weight training and weightlifting

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​​​​​​Guideline review date: 24 September 2025

This guideline is provided to support schools in implementing the managing risks in school curriculum activities procedure.

The CARA planner (DOCX, 232KB) must be used for the specific school context in conjunction with this guideline considering additional risks, hazards and controls and including environmental, facility, equipment and student considerations.

For activities beyond the scope of this guideline, complete a CARA record using the CARA generic template (DOCX, 98KB).

Activity scope

This guideline demonstrates the minimum safety standard for student participation in weight training and/or weightlifting as an activity to support curriculum delivery.

The Department of Education is committed to ensuring that curriculum activities are planned for and managed in accordance with the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Qld), to ensure, as far as is reasonably practicable, the safety of students, staff and others.

Depending on the scope of this activity, other risk assessments may be required when planning. Curriculum activities encompassing more than 1 CARA guideline (e.g. boxing ​training, rugby league activities) must comply with the requirements of all CARA guidelines appropriate to the activity.

For activities conducted at a non-Department of Education venue, and/or when engaging external expertise, request written risk assessment advice and attach it to this CARA record.

For activities conducted off-site, schools must comply with the school excursions procedure.

For activities conducted as part of representative school sport programs, schools should consult with Queensland School Sport.

Risk level

High risk
Weight training and weightlifting activities involving specialised movement skills using weight training and weightlifting equipment.

Activity requirements

If any requirement cannot be met, the activity must not occur.

A registered teacher must be appointed to maintain overall responsibility for the activity.

Teachers, in collaboration with other adult supervisors of the planned activity, determine additional risks, hazards and control measures relevant to the activity and the specific school/group circumstances in order to lift the safety standard above the minimum identified in the CARA guideline.

Consult review comments from previous CARA records to improve safety standards based on the advice from the previous supervisors of the activity at the school.

Prior consultation and collaboration with local expertise (e.g. venue manager) is required for local advice, emergency support mechanisms and additional supervision requirements to ensure participant and public safety.


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Supervision

Principals, in consultation with the qualified adults, make final supervision decisions for the activity that considers the local context.

Appropriate adult supervision must be provided to manage the activity safely (i.e. prevent an incident from occurring and manage an incident if one were to occur, including managing emergency situations). The principal must give active consideration to the minimum standards set in the CARA guideline for the activity, the CARA planner and the risk assessment when determining the appropriate level of supervision.

See number of adult supervisors below.

Participants must adhere to all rules and advice communicated by the facility operator/owner and any safety signage at the facility/location.

Before the activity, all adult supervisors:

  • must be familiar with the contents of the CARA record, including the emergency and supervision plans.

During the activity, all adult supervisors:

  • be experienced in teaching/coaching the activity when complex, technical skills are performed
  • must provide active and direct supervision—be constantly vigilant, attentive and rescue ready
  • comply with control measures from the CARA record and adapt as hazards arise
  • must not rely on students to recover a person in difficulty at any time
  • not allow participants to participate alone
  • closely supervise students during participation. Beginners must use light weights/resistance and receive individual instruction and feedback on safe techniques
  • consider student size and skill level when determining appropriate weights for the activity.

The activity must be suspended if the conditions become unfavourable (e.g. extreme temperatures).

Number of adult supervisors

Principals, in consultation with the qualified adults of the activity, determine the final number of supervisors to fulfil instructional, emergency and supervision roles for the local context that consider the nature of the activity, students' ages, abilities and specialised learning, access and/or health needs. In some instances, the final supervision ratio may be 1:1.

If the minimum safety standard cannot be met, modify the activity (or elements of it) and use the hierarchy of controls to implement alternative control measures to meet or exceed the minimum safety standard (e.g. reduce the number of students participating at any one time).

See frequently asked questions (FAQs) for further support.

Supervisor qualifications

Qualifications support the minimum safety standard for this activity. Principals make final decisions* in determining supervisor capability (competence, relevance and currency) and whether the activity leader meets an appropriate teaching standard.

*See FAQs for further support.

All adult supervisors must comply with the working with children authority—blue cards procedure.

Qualified adults for the activity

Recovery/emergency—CPR, first aid, rescue

An adult with current emergency qualifications is required to be quickly accessible to the activity area.

Supervisors must have CPR and first aid qualifications relevant to the activity. Emergency qualifications may include:

For weight training activities:

  • a registered teacher with qualifications in Health and Physical Education (HPE) (or equivalent demonstrated capability) and with competence (knowledge and skills) in teaching the weight training activity (e.g. Certificate IV in Fitness, exercise science degree or any other suitable weight training qualification)
    or
  • an adult supervisor, working under the direct supervision of a registered teacher, with Australian Strength and Conditioning Association (ASCA) level 1 strength and conditioning coach accreditation, Certificate IV in Fitness or similar that considers the age of participants.

For weightlifting activities:

  • a registered teacher with qualifications in HPE (or equivalent demonstrated capability) and with competence (knowledge and skills) in teaching the weightlifting activity (e.g. QWA certificate course in weightlifting)
    or
  • an adult supervisor, working under the direct supervision of a registered teacher, with current accreditation as club coach (level 1) from the Australian Weightlifting Foundation.

See FAQs for further support.

Facilities and equipment

The qualified adults of the activity, in consultation with the principal, determines the requirements for facilities and equipment appropriate to the local context.

Confirm sport structures (e.g. squat racks, weight stations) are regularly inspected to assess and maintain structural integrity. See safety alert—risks associated with metal sporting equipment.

All equipment must be used in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.

A process for checking for damage for all equipment used in the activity must be established and employed.

A maintenance schedule (e.g. checking for damage, repairing, sharpening) must be established and enacted for all equipment used in the workspace. Consult Equipment Maintenance Records (EMR) template.

A retirement schedule must be developed to replace plant and equipment by manufacturers' nominated expiry date or when significant wear causes a hazard.

Equipment must be sized to match the ability and strength of students, considering the participants' progressive training program.

Each student must provide their own towel.

Paper towels, antiseptic spray or antiseptic wipes for equipment hygiene.

Participants must wear personal protective equipment appropriate to the activity (e.g. footwear for support and stability).

Common hazards and controls

Further to those listed, include any additional hazards and control measures considering the local context of the activity.

Environmental hazards Control measures

Biological hazards
Body fluids (e.g. blood, saliva, sweat)

Manage open wounds before, during and after the activity. Consult infection control guidelines and Queensland Health's exclusion periods for infectious conditions poster (PDF, 1.5MB) for first aid and hygienic practices

Environmental conditions
Weather, sun, humidity

Follow the managing excessive heat in schools guidelines when participating in very hot or extreme heat conditions.

Dry equipment (including barbell) before each lift if conditions cause dampness.

Facilities and equipment hazards Control measures
Activity location

Location must be suitable for the activity being undertaken to ensure safe participation and that safety rules and procedures can be followed. Undertake a reconnaissance of new or infrequently used venues to ascertain suitability.

Consider heights, pathways, apparatus arrangements and number of students

Electricity

If power is required, ensure electrical or extension leads do not pose a tripping hazard

Faulty or dangerous equipment

Use only fit-for-purpose equipment (e.g. free weights have tight collars, weightlifting barbell can revolve within the sleeves).

Check equipment for damage before and during the activity.

Clean and store all equipment safely and securely when not in use

Playing surface

Clear the playing surface from loose items or debris. Do not participate on a surface that is slippery.

Cover/fill playing surface hazards (e.g. gym post holes) to be level with the surrounds.

Identify changes in surface level (e.g. high-visibility tape between matting and floor) to reduce trip hazards.

Keep drinking equipment (e.g. drinking fountain, bottles, cups) clear of the workout area. Manage spills immediately.

Student considerations Control measures

Manual handling
Lifting and carrying equipment

Use correct manual handling processes when lifting, lowering, pushing, pulling or carrying equipment

Physical exertion
Exhaustion and fatigue

Match equipment to the size, ability and strength of students.

Conduct warm-up/cool-down activities.

Continually monitor participants for signs of fatigue and exhaustion.

Ensure drink breaks occur regularly. Make water available for individual participants between drink breaks

Injury Students aware of the location of emergency and first-aid equipment

Student issues

Consider age, maturity and skill level of students when planning individualised programs.

Consult the qualified adult supervisor for spotter requirements and student considerations during more complex technical skills or heavier weights.

Remove accessories (e.g. jewellery, lanyards) before participating.

Ensure fingernails and hair and clothing (e.g. pockets) do not interfere with the activity

Additional links

Disclaimer

This information is developed and distributed on this website by the State of Queensland for use by Queensland state schools only.

Use or adaptation of, or reliance on, this information by persons or organisations other than the State of Queensland is at their sole risk. All users who use, adapt or rely on this information are responsible for ensuring by independent verification its accuracy, currency and appropriateness to their particular circumstances. The State of Queensland makes no representations, either express or implied, as to the suitability of this information to a user's particular circumstances.

To the full extent permitted by law, the State of Queensland disclaims all responsibility and liability (including without limitation, liability in negligence) for all expenses, losses, damages and costs arising from the use or adaptation of, or reliance on, this information.

Links to external websites are for convenience only and the State of Queensland has not independently verified the information on the linked websites. It is the responsibility of users to make their own decisions about the accuracy, currency, reliability and correctness of the information at these external websites.

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Last updated 24 September 2025