Before continuing, please watch this video featuring public health inspector Vittoria Vecchiarelli as she walks through how she conducts an indoor air quality inspection in an ice arena. This step-by-step overview will help you understand the key areas of focus during an inspection and the role of public health in ensuring safe air quality.

Inspection checklist:

The following checklist provides examples of items that may be considered during an inspection of an ice arena. The items are presented in no particular order and are not intended to represent a complete or exhaustive list of inspection considerations. Inspectors should use their professional judgment to determine which items are applicable based on the facility, equipment, and circumstances.

• Determine fuel source for all ice resurfacers, edgers and radiant heaters in the spectator area (if available)
• Observe a recent ice resurfacer service record
• Observe a recent ice resurfacer emissions test, and note the emission levels
• Observe a recent edger maintenance record (i.e., filters changed)
• Observe a recent record of a ventilation system service check (exhaust fan/make-up louvers)
• Observe how the ventilation system is activated (exhaust fans and make-up louvers)
• Sensor triggers the ventilation system when the ice resurfacer enters the ice pad
• CO sensor triggers the ventilation system when CO levels reach a pre-determined level
• Manual switch only
• Ventilation continuously active during operational hours
• A combination of the above
• Observe if the exhaust fan and make-up louvers are turned on when operator floods the ice (exhaust fan blades spin and make-up louvers open)
• Observe any CO and/or NO2 sensors installed around the ice pad area
• Determine if sensor(s) is equipped with a digital display
• Determine what level(s) the alarm will activate
• Determine the last and next calibration date (found on a sticker affixed to the sensor)
• Observe daily logs of CO and NO2 air quality readings
• Air Quality Testing
• Take a baseline CO and NO2 air quality measurement anywhere around the ice pad
• Request the operator to turn on any fuel-powered radiant heaters in the spectator area and flood the ice
• Take a CO and NO2 air quality reading after the ice is flooded at the player’s bench
• Take a CO and NO2 air quality reading in the spectator area if fuel-powered radiant heaters are available
• Repeat the above air quality testing procedure for each ice pad