A new inspector general report found that several facilities employed within the Consumer Product Safety Commission violated Americans with Disabilities Act regulations on access, as well as other safety and security policies.

THE management alertreleased Nov. 8, claims three CPSC fitness facilities intended to serve agency employees lacked an access control system, did not include required pre-activity screening for employees who need medical clearance to use the facilities, and did not require employees to sign. waivers for access or, at a facility, have not provided sufficient floor space for wheelchair access as required by the ADA.

These problems were also compiled by CPSC officials who produced only one report on the inspection, maintenance and repair of fitness equipment over a three-year period, while they did not also did not include certain custodial services required by regulations issued by the General Services Administration in their cleaning contracts. .

“To promote equity, inclusion, and accessibility for all of its employees, CPSC must comply with the ADA,” the report states. “Similarly, the CPSC must ensure that it complies with regulations applicable to agency-operated fitness centers to ensure the health and safety of its employees. Failure to comply with health and safety regulations may also result in violation of the agency’s occupancy agreement with GSA.

The OIG examined three fitness facilities – a 3,000 square foot facility at CPSC headquarters, a 220 square foot facility at the National Product Testing and Evaluation Center and another 100 square foot facility – revealing multiple violations of GSA and Office of Personnel Management Regulations.

NPTEC and the 100-square-foot facility lacked the required access control system, and the report noted that although the GSA prohibits contract staff from using the fitness centers, between May 2022 and June 2023, “25 entrepreneurs have accessed the head office. fitness center, including the number one fitness center user who accounted for ten percent of all usage during the period.

The CPSC also failed to require employees to sign waivers and informed consent forms at any of its fitness centers or to obtain a pre-activity screening to identify medical risks facing employees might face while using fitness equipment.

The ADA also requires a minimum of 30 inches by 48 inches of floor space to allow equal access to the facilities, but the NPTEC gym did not provide enough space to access its free weights, which were blocked by other equipment.

The OIG also found that CPSC cleaning contracts for fitness facilities did not include provisions required by GSA for above-standard custodial services, such as:

• Group Fitness Room Floor Maintenance – if the wood requires periodic stripping, polishing and waxing
• Clean, disinfect and dust fitness equipment, including free weights, machines, mats, steps, balls, etc.
• Cleaning and disinfection under equipment such as cardiovascular equipment, free weights and circuit machines
• Clean and disinfect floor-to-ceiling FC mirrors where ladders are needed
• Cleaning and disinfection inside lockers
• Provision of shower gel
• Provide cloth napkin service

The report notes that CPSC failed to provide cleaning contracts for NPTEC and the 100-square-foot facilities.

In their response to the OIG, CPSC officials said they intended to “ensure compliance with the OPM Employee Health Services Manual and the Americans with Disabilities Act accessibility standards in the future operation of all CPSC fitness centers,” while reiterating its promise to comply with GSA. Fitness center policies.