VAULT

Private · Master Plan · v1.0
VAULTSAFETY LIABILITY

VAULT SAFETY AND LIABILITY

Owner: General Manager, with Director of Facilities and Director of Training co-signed Standard: exceeds industry minimum. Every safety protocol is auditable. Applies to: pole rigging, aerial rigging, sauna, steam, cold plunge, contrast showers, gym floor, private studios, main floor broadcast events.

1. PHILOSOPHY

At VAULT, safety is not a hedge against lawsuits. It is a component of the guest experience. A member who trusts the club is a member who trains harder, recovers deeper, and refers friends. Every protocol below exists so that trust is earned before it is ever tested.

Nothing in this document reduces our legal exposure. It raises the operational floor. Legal exposure is managed through insurance, waivers, and the incident response protocol in Section 8.

2. RIGGING, POLE AND AERIAL

2.1 Design and installation baseline

  • All poles are installed by a qualified stage and structural rigging contractor with documented load calculations sealed by a licensed structural engineer.
  • Static poles rated for a minimum 1,500 lbf working load, tested at 2x working load at installation.
  • Spinning pole bearings sourced from a documented manufacturer with published load ratings, replaced on manufacturer cadence or every 24 months, whichever comes first.
  • Aerial rigging points designed for dynamic load, not static. Minimum design factor 10x anticipated maximum dynamic load per point, following industry practice for performer rigging.
  • Every rigging point is independently certified. No shared attachment for two apparatus.
  • Ceiling structure reinforced with steel beams tied into the building’s primary structure. Documentation stored with the Director of Facilities and with the AV/rig integrator (see 04_VENDOR_ROSTER.md).
  • Fall zones under aerial apparatus are 12 feet minimum radius, clear of hard obstructions, matted with impact absorbing crash mats at any hoop or silk station.

2.2 Inspection cadence

Three tiers. All logs are retained for the life of the building plus 7 years.

Daily visual inspection. Executed by floor lead before doors open and again before evening peak. - Poles: no marks, no bent hardware, spin action smooth, no play at ceiling collar or floor plate. - Aerial: no fraying, no chemical damage, hardware seated, karabiners locked, load rating tags legible. - Mats: no tears, no compression damage, no exposed foam. - Logged in the ops system with initials. Anything flagged pulls the apparatus out of service immediately.

Monthly hands-on inspection. Executed by the Director of Facilities with a certified rigger present. - Torque check on all bolted connections to spec. - Bearing check on spinning poles, replacement if any grit. - Load rating tag audit. - Aerial hardware cycled through range of motion under bodyweight test by rigger. - Written report signed and filed. Any deficiency corrected before the studio returns to service.

Annual load test and structural review. Executed by the licensed structural engineer and rigging contractor of record. - Proof load test on each rigging point at 1.5x maximum anticipated dynamic load, held for the standard interval per the engineer’s method. - Visual inspection of structural steel, welds, and attachment points. - Written report sealed by the engineer, filed with the GM. - Any point failing proof test is decommissioned until repaired and re-tested.

2.3 Apparatus retirement

  • Any pole sleeve is retired at 5 years of service or on any visible damage, whichever comes first.
  • Aerial silks retired at 3 years of service, or immediately on any chemical exposure, tear, or fall event.
  • Hoops and trapeze bars retired at manufacturer’s stated interval.
  • Retired apparatus is destroyed on site. Not resold, not donated, not repurposed.

2.4 Class-level safety

  • No first time member on aerial without an intro session and a skills screen.
  • Spotter present for any inversion drill by a member below intermediate.
  • Instructor-to-student ratio capped: pole 8 to 1, aerial 6 to 1, private studios 2 to 1 maximum.
  • No jewelry, no lotion, no oils on the training floor. Grip aids sold at the concierge desk.
  • Water on the pole surface is a stop-training condition. Studio pauses, pole is dried, member is dried, class resumes.

3. SAUNA

3.1 Environmental control

  • Temperature range 175 to 195 F, monitored continuously by wall probe with digital log.
  • Humidity 5 to 15 percent for traditional dry sauna. Infrared cabin per manufacturer spec.
  • Bench, floor, and wall surfaces cleaned per 03_HVAC_CLEANING.md cadence.
  • Fresh towels at entry, hand-delivered by recovery attendant. Members sit on personal towel over the bench towel. Never bare skin on bench.

3.2 Session protocol

  • Recovery attendant briefs first time users on session length and warning signs.
  • Standard session length capped at 20 minutes. Attendant tracks entry time on the deck log.
  • Sand timer at each door as a visible session marker.
  • Members with cardiovascular conditions, pregnancy, or on medications altering blood pressure regulation are screened at membership onboarding and their profile is flagged. Attendant checks profile before entry.
  • Cold water and cool towels at exit, no exceptions.

3.3 Warning signs and response

  • Dizziness, nausea, disorientation, chest tightness, or shortness of breath: attendant assists exit, cool towel, water, seat in cool zone, monitor for 15 minutes.
  • If symptoms do not resolve in 5 minutes, escalate to MOD, apply O2 kit as needed, dial 911.
  • Any suspected cardiac event: 911 immediately, deploy defibrillator, begin CPR by CPR certified staff.

4. STEAM ROOM

  • Temperature 110 to 115 F, humidity 100 percent.
  • Session cap 15 minutes per entry.
  • Same medical screening as sauna. Same warning signs and response protocol.
  • Aroma canister dosed with medical grade eucalyptus and cedar blend from the spa oil vendor (see 04_VENDOR_ROSTER.md). Never member-supplied oils.
  • Floor and bench surfaces cleaned every 30 minutes during operating hours with an EPA registered quaternary disinfectant safe for steam environments.

5. COLD PLUNGE

5.1 Water quality

  • Temperature 38 to 45 F.
  • Circulation 24/7 with UV plus ozone treatment. See 03_HVAC_CLEANING.md for chemistry specifics.
  • Chemistry logged 4 times daily: open, midday, evening peak, close.
  • Free chlorine 1.0 to 3.0 ppm, or bromine equivalent per system, pH 7.2 to 7.6, ORP above 650 mV.
  • Any parameter out of spec closes the plunge until corrected. No exceptions.

5.2 Session protocol

  • Medical screening at membership onboarding. Contraindications include uncontrolled hypertension, Raynaud’s, recent cardiac events, pregnancy without physician clearance, cold urticaria, arrhythmias.
  • First time user briefed by attendant on breath control and exit signals.
  • Session cap 5 minutes per entry, 3 rounds per session with contrast.
  • No solo entry. Attendant always within line of sight when a member is in the plunge.
  • No alcohol in the 4 hours preceding a plunge. Bar tender is briefed to soft-flag any member seen ordering wine before a booked recovery session.

5.3 Warning signs

  • Loss of coordination, slurred speech, confusion, blue lips beyond initial minute, or panic response: attendant assists exit immediately, seat member in the warming zone, warm towel, monitor, hot beverage.
  • Prolonged shivering beyond 15 minutes post-exit: escalate to MOD.
  • Cardiac symptoms: 911, defibrillator, CPR as needed.

6. CONTRAST SHOWERS

  • Presets: warm 100 F, cool 65 F, cold 55 F.
  • Standard protocol: 3 minutes warm, 30 seconds cool, 3 rounds, finish cool.
  • Preset panels tamper resistant. Members do not adjust plumbing.
  • Grab bars at every station. Non-slip floor surface, drainage checked at every close.

7. GYM FLOOR AND PRIVATE STUDIOS

  • Free weights limited to 100 lb dumbbells maximum on the open floor. Heavier loads only in the strength studio with a coach present.
  • Barbells inspected weekly for sleeve wear, collar function, knurl integrity.
  • Racks bolted, safety pins in place, no free standing squat without a spotter.
  • Cardio equipment on preventive maintenance contract, quarterly per vendor.
  • Private studio bookings require member acknowledgment that no unaccompanied training on aerial in private studio.

8. INCIDENT RESPONSE

8.1 Immediate response

For any injury or medical event:

  1. First responder is the nearest CPR certified staff. Every floor and recovery staff member is CPR certified. See Ops Manual Section 8.2.
  2. Radio MOD immediately, code word for medical event trained during onboarding.
  3. MOD dials 911 for anything more than a minor scrape.
  4. Defibrillator brought to scene by nearest staff.
  5. O2 kit brought to scene for any respiratory or cardiac symptom.
  6. Clear the area, maintain member dignity, screen from other members.
  7. Attend to the member until EMS relieves.

8.2 Documentation

  • Written incident report within 24 hours. Filed by MOD, reviewed by GM, forwarded to insurance carrier.
  • Photos of the scene where relevant, no photos of the injured member.
  • Witness statements collected on the day.
  • Report includes: date, time, location, activity, apparatus if any, staff present, action taken, EMS involvement, follow up plan.

8.3 Follow up

  • Personal call from GM to member within 24 hours.
  • Personal note from Taj within 72 hours.
  • Follow up call at 7 days to check on recovery.
  • Referral to medical partner if the member does not have a preferred provider (see 04_VENDOR_ROSTER.md).
  • Any equipment involved is pulled from service pending inspection.

9. LIFE SAFETY EQUIPMENT

Placement and cadence, cross-referenced to floor plan on file with Director of Facilities:

  • Defibrillator (AED). One at the concierge desk, one on the recovery deck, one at the training floor mezzanine. Monthly self-test log signed off. Pads replaced per manufacturer.
  • O2 kit. One at the concierge desk, one on the recovery deck. Cylinders logged monthly for pressure. Regulators serviced annually.
  • First aid kits. Fully stocked at each floor level. Restocked weekly.
  • Fire extinguishers. ABC in every zone per code plus additional K in cafe. Inspected annually by third party, tagged.
  • Sprinkler system. Inspected quarterly by fire protection vendor, annual certification.
  • Fire alarm panel. Monitored by third party, tested per code, log stored at GM desk.
  • Emergency lighting and exit signage. Tested monthly.
  • Evacuation plan. Posted at every zone entry, rehearsed with staff quarterly.

10. CLASS WAIVER TEMPLATE

Every member and every guest signs a waiver at first visit. Guests re-sign every visit. Template stored in the ops system and reviewed annually by legal counsel. Required elements:

  1. Acknowledgment of inherent risk in pole, aerial, dance, gym, sauna, steam, and cold plunge activities.
  2. Attestation of physical fitness to participate, and obligation to disclose changes.
  3. Medical disclosures relevant to sauna, cold plunge, and aerial (cardiovascular, pregnancy, recent surgery).
  4. Media release for on premises photography, opt out available.
  5. Emergency contact information.
  6. Consent to receive first aid if incapacitated.
  7. Assumption of risk and release of liability, drafted by counsel per North Carolina law.
  8. Arbitration clause per counsel’s guidance.
  9. Signature, date, and staff verification.

Waivers are stored digitally with tamper evident timestamps and mirrored to encrypted backup. Retained per counsel’s guidance, minimum 7 years past last visit.

11. MEDICAL PARTNER REFERRAL

VAULT does not diagnose or treat. Referral partners on file with the GM include:

  • Sports medicine physician group in Charlotte metro (contract on file).
  • Pelvic floor and women’s health physical therapist practice (contract on file).
  • Aerial and dance specific PT (contract on file).
  • Cardiology consult for any member wanting sauna or plunge clearance beyond baseline screening.
  • 24 hour urgent care partner within 3 miles.

Referral is offered, never required. Member decides whether to engage.

12. STAFF TRAINING AND CURRENCY

  • CPR and first aid certification current for 100 percent of floor, recovery, and concierge staff.
  • Rigging inspection training for Director of Facilities and floor leads, refreshed annually.
  • Water chemistry certification for recovery attendants working the cold plunge, refreshed every 2 years.
  • Fire evacuation drill every quarter.
  • Incident response tabletop exercise every 6 months.
  • All training logged, all certifications tracked in the ops system with expiry alerts 60 days out.

13. AUDITS

  • Internal audit by GM every quarter against this document. Findings logged.
  • Third party operational and safety audit annually. See 00_OPERATIONS_MANUAL.md Section 7.
  • Insurance carrier walkthrough at renewal.
  • Any Level 4 incident triggers an immediate audit of the specific system involved, before that system returns to service.

14. NEVER

  • Never open a training studio with an outstanding rigging deficiency.
  • Never open the cold plunge with chemistry out of spec.
  • Never let a member into sauna or plunge without a completed medical flag on file.
  • Never delegate incident notification to Taj.
  • Never publicly discuss an incident. All external communication runs through the GM and, where required, counsel.