O.R.F.A. E-NEWS - VOLUME 7 ISSUE 4

ELIGIBLE VOTERS - PLEASE TAKE THE TIME TO SUBMIT YOUR BALLOT

The voting deadline of noon, November 13, 2008 is quickly approaching and members are encouraged to review the candidate profiles and vote according to instructions. [more...]

ORFA CHANGE OF ADDRESS NOTICE
Please take a moment to update your contact information for the Association. Our new mailing address as of December 1, 2008 will be:

1 Concorde Gate, Suite 102
Toronto, Ontario, M3C 3N6

All phone and fax numbers remain unchanged. [more...]

SEASON OPENER

Another artificial ice season is now upon us. Here’s your 10 point season reminder. See full resource Season Opener [more…] Consider how current you are in each of these operational responsibilities as you begin the 2008-2009 season:

Protective Netting
Fire Exits
Air Quality Tests
Alcohol Consumption
Ice Thickness
Ice Depth Checks
Refrigeration Room
Ice Resurfacer Operational Safety
Public Skating
Dressing Room Area Care and Control

MINISTRY OF LABOUR INDUSTRIAL PROGRAM BLITZ 2008-2009

Ministry of Labour inspectors will check for electrical hazards during a blitz of industrial workplaces in November. Inspectors will take a “zero tolerance” approach to any contraventions found under the Occupational Health and Safety Act and its regulations.

The increased enforcement is part of the province’s Safe At Work Ontario strategy, launched in June 2008.

Generally the blitz is to last for a period of two weeks in the allocated months. Though the main focus for the blitz is on electrical hazards, in all industrial sectors, the inspectors may also be monitoring for other workplace hazards. The inspectors should also be insuring that Health and Safety Representatives or Joint Health and Safety Committees are in place where appropriate and that they are functioning as required. [more...]

GET ENERGYWISE THIS SEASON!

ORFA members are encouraged to review the patterns of energy consumption directly related to arena operations. Many of the ice-in procedures for our industry were developed at a time when electrical costs were not an issue and some inefficient practices have been passed along to the next generation of ice makers. Updating your operational practices will save energy and help to provide optimal ice quality. Facility energy management requires firm commitment by all facility staff. Start now and work towards operational efficiencies and lowering costs. Review ORFA’s new resource Energy Efficient Arenas: It’s in our Power. [more…] and see how you can be part of the solution.

TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR FLOOD: IT MAKES $EN$E
Review existing flooding practices and find out that you can control heat and water loss through smarter maintenance practices. [more…]

ORFA IN SEARCH OF AQUATIC FACILITATORS

To meet the growing demands from the membership, the ORFA is seeking aquatic industry leaders to facilitate aquatic facility operations training and development. [more...]

Be a member in good standing with the ORFA
Knowledge of applicable legislative requirements including, but not limited to, the Occupational Health and Safety Act and the Health Promotions Act
Current with First Aid/AED/CPR-C and WHMIS
Proven work experience in an aquatic recreation setting
Ability to facilitate groups of industry professionals in an adult learning environment
Strong presentation skills with a working knowledge of Powerpoint

A valid driver’s licence and access to a reliable vehicle
Related education in pool maintenance, building operations and energy conservation

TRAINING TO GO
The Town of Petawawa recently played host to ORFA’S new Building Housekeeping and Sanitization training. Participants learn the science of cleaning, chemical use/differences, cleaning schedules, maintenance techniques as well as green cleaning. Students review the variety of equipment and tools required safe and effective cleaning through hands on practice. [more...]

CLOSING THE POOL (Seasonal Checklist)
ORFA’s Seasonal Maintenance Checklist is another useful resource to use when opening and closing your pool for the season [more…]