Every year there are a handful of incidents at ice rinks in North America and around the world where people become sick due to elevated levels of Carbon Monoxide (CO) and/or Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2). These incidents have been commonly linked to the following factors:
The headlines always seem to point the finger at ice resurfacing equipment as the primary culprit of poor indoor air quality. However, ice resurfacing equipment manufacturers must meet stringent EPA emissions standards in order to sell their products within the United States. In reality, it is usually the lack of proper maintenance of the equipment after it is purchased that is the root cause of the problem.
Ice resurfacing and ice maintenance equipment are not the only potential contributors to poor indoor air quality in ice rinks. Any equipment that burns fossil fuel (gasoline, diesel, propane, natural gas) such as infrared bleacher heaters, hot water heaters and boilers, furnaces, dehumidifiers, forklifts, scissor or boom lifts, generators and idling vehicles outside the rink can all contribute to unacceptable levels of Carbon Monoxide and/or Nitrogen Dioxide.
Carbon Monoxide is a colorless, odorless, tasteless gas, which reduces the oxygen carrying capacity of blood.It is the product of incomplete fossil fuel combustion. Common symptoms of exposure to high levels of Carbon Monoxide are headaches, drowsiness, rapid breathing, nausea and vomiting.
Nitrogen Dioxide is a noxious gas that can be dark brown or reddish brown in color at elevated levels, and has a pungent, acrid odor. It is an unwanted by-product of fossil fuel combustion.Common symptoms of exposure to elevated levels of Nitrogen Dioxide are irritation to eyes, nose, throat and respiratory tract or shortness of breath.
Currently there are no federal indoor air quality regulations specific to indoor ice rinks for Carbon Monoxide and Nitrogen Dioxide exposure. However three states: Massachusetts, Minnesota and Rhode Island have put regulations in place for indoor ice rinks within their states. Each state’s regulations are similar, and are enforced by their departments of health. These regulations outline air sampling requirements, record keeping requirements, action levels and required corrective measures that must be taken by the rink operator. These state regulations can be found in links below.
The United States Ice Rink Association recommends the following minimum guidelines for maintaining acceptable indoor air quality in ice rinks.
The safety
of customers, employees and co-workers needs to be a top priority at your ice
rink.
If you have questions or need help please contact us at 719-538-1149 or
email us
Carbon Monoxide Fact Sheet –Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
OSHA - Indoor Air Quality in Commercial and Institutional Buildings
Indoor Air Quality and Ice Arenas - Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
EPA - Building Air Quality - Action Plan (1998)
EPA - Building Air Quality (1991)
World Health Organization (WHO) IAQ Guidelines (2010)
ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 62.1-20xx -Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality
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