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Conducting a Risk Assessment

6. VENTILATION SYSTEMS

The cold ice surfaces, boards, and plexiglass trap pollutants at the ice surface. To effectively ventilate the space ice, arenas should implement the following strategies:
  • Ensure the exhaust fans and makeup louvres operate during resurfacing activities and continue running for at least 15 minutes afterward.
  • Ensure ventilation systems are activated when the ice resurfacer enters the ice pad, rather than relying on a manual switch, to avoid the need for human intervention.
  • Open all gates around the ice surface during resurfacing to enhance air circulation, provided operational policies permit this practice.
  • Ensure the ventilation system is programmed to turn on when the gas sensor or continuous air monitoring system detects elevated levels of air pollutants.
Ice arena operators should maintain ventilation maintenance records and make them available on-site.
SAMPLE VENTILATION MAINTENANCE RECORD
Sample ventilation record template
Arenas may have a combination of heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and dehumidification equipment for air management. However, there is no accreditation or obligation for the operation and maintenance of this equipment. The required ventilation rate should maintain carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide levels within recommended standards.
It is essential to note that outdoor air pollutants can also enter arenas and impact indoor air quality, particularly from vehicles idling near the facility’s entrances.