Section 8: Safety Considerations
- Spotter/loaders (Sections 6.2(g), 4.1(6)): between two and five spotter/loaders must be on the platform at all times. They may help remove the bar from the racks and replace it, but may not touch the lifter or the bar during the actual attempt. The only exception is when the lift is in jeopardy and likely to result in injury, in which case they may step in at the request of the Chief Referee or the lifter and relieve the lifter of the bar.
- Safety racks (Section 2.6): attached safety stands must be used in all bench press events, and their height can be adjusted by the Jury for safety reasons (Section 4.2(9)).
- "Replace" command (Sections 4.1(2), 4.2(6)): for reasons of safety the lifter is asked to "Replace" the bar if they are not in the correct position to begin after five seconds.
- Medical (Sections 1(15), 6.3(11)): at all IPF events, the organizer must provide a qualified medical person on duty throughout the championships. If a lifter suffers injury or exhibits a condition that may significantly jeopardize their health, the official doctor has the right to examine them. If the doctor considers it inadvisable for the lifter to continue, they may, in consultation with the Jury, insist that the lifter retire from the competition.
- Blood and bodily fluids (Section 6.3(11)): a solution of one-part household bleach to 10 parts water is recommended to clean blood or tissue from the bar or platform.
- Lifter substances (Section 3.14): oil, grease or other lubricants on the body or equipment are forbidden. Adhesives on the underside of footwear are forbidden.
- Medical tape (Section 3.11): two layers of medical tape may be worn around the thumbs. Elsewhere on the body it needs permission from the Jury or Chief Referee, and it must not be used as an aid to the lifter in holding the bar.
- Equipment inspection (Section 3.12): a minimum of two referees inspect all personal equipment for each lifter before the lifter's category starts, and any item that is unclean or torn is rejected.
- Jewellery and hair (Sections 3.14(f), 6.3(9)): no part of a necklace or accessory may be placed in the mouth on the platform, and a referee may require a pendant to be secured under the T-shirt or removed if it creates a safety concern. Hair must be fixed so as not to interfere with the referees' ability to judge the lift.