AIR QUALITY IS YOUR RINK SAFE? by Dean Mulso A

t the recent ISI/PSA Conferences & Trade Show, I presented a session on “Air Quality and Rink Safety.” While only three states — Massachusetts, Minnesota

and Rhode Island — have rules or laws pertaining to indoor air quality specific to ice rinks, any arena manager or operator can use the following information as a guide to keep their facility safe and from becoming the next negative news headline. Tis information is based on the Minnesota Department of

Health’s Air Quality Rule for Enclosed Sports Arenas, known as Minnesota Rule, Chapter 4620, parts 4620.3900 to 4620.5950.

Carbon Monoxide & Nitrogen Dioxide

For starters, let’s answer some important questions. What are Carbon Monoxide (CO) and Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2

)? What are

the risks of being exposed to moderate to high levels of these gases? Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas, which reduces the oxygen carrying capacity of blood. It is the product of incomplete fossil fuel combustion. Common symptoms of exposure to moderate levels of carbon monoxide are severe headache, drowsiness, mental confusion, dizziness, nausea and vomiting. High levels of carbon monoxide can cause loss of consciousness and death.

ISI EDGE FALL 2016 Nitrogen dioxide is a highly reactive oxidant and corrosive gas. a highl

It is an unwanted by-product of fossil fuel combustion. Exposure to elevated levels of nitrogen dioxide can irritate the eyes, nose, throat and respiratory tract, as well as cause shortness of breath. Low-level exposure of nitrogen dioxide can cause increased bronchial reactivity in asthmatics and increases the risk of respiratory infections in children. Continued exposure to high levels can lead to acute or chronic bronchitis. As you can see, it’s imperative to monitor and control the air quality in your arena for the safety of customers and employees. Te biggest misconception is that poor air quality is due to the

ice resurfacer or ice edger. While these machines might be the source of the air being produced, the cause of the poor quality air is generally due to lack of regular equipment maintenance. Having a preventative maintenance plan and keeping logs of such work will go a long way in preventing your equipment from producing high levels of CO and NO2

. Te purpose of the Minnesota Rule is to protect public

health by ensuring acceptable air quality in the operation and maintenance of indoor ice arenas. Per these rules, the owner or operator of an indoor ice arena must maintain acceptable air quality conditions at all times in areas of the building that are

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