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Technical Corner

ORFA Recreation Facility Environmental Systems Management (RFESM) Course Explores Facility Air Management Awareness and Best Practices

August 25, 2025

The ORFA Recreation Facility Environmental Systems Management (RFESM) professional development course is considered essential education for todays facility manager and HVAC/D operator. The evolution of recreation facility air management design and equipment has exploded over the past 10 plus years. Facility managers are strongly encouraged to comprehend the risk of inadequately managed heating, ventilation, air conditioning and dehumidification (HVAC/D) systems to both energy costs and human safety.

HVAC/D systems can pose a variety of risks from microbiology growth to circulation of cleaning chemicals or toxic exhaust fumes. In addition, the balancing of HVAC/D equipment to harmonize with industrial refrigeration systems to ensure both are working together vs. consuming excess energy while increasing or decreasing humidity levels can impact building materials and projected lifecycle of all assets.

Poorly operating HVAC/D equipment can circulate allergens and infectious airborne microorganisms. Too low of humidity levels can dry out mucus membranes in the nose and throat which can then affect how well the body prevents bacteria from entering the body. Facility managers must learn to monitor staffing sick days as often headaches, dizziness, congestion can be a sign of sick building syndrome.

The ORFA RFESM course uses a variety of industry leading presenters to guide today’s recreation facility practitioners in better understanding the subject which will lead to better performing buildings. This improved performance is achieved by understanding what facility staff can undertake while managing service contractor relationships. It is considered essential professional development for ice, aquatic and building managers and operators. Please refer to ORFA - Recreation Facility Environmental Services Management (RT-IP).

    Comments and/or Questions may be directed to Terry Piche, CRFP, CIT and Director, Training, Research and Development, Ontario Recreation Facilities Association

    Note: The publisher, (Author(s)/General Editor(s)/Licensor(s)) and every person involved in the creation of this communication shall not be liable for any loss, injury, claim, liability or damage of any kind resulting from the use of or reliance on any information or material contained in this communication. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the contents of this communication, it is intended for information purposes only. When creating this communication, none of the publisher, the (Author(s)/General Editor(s)/Licensor(s)) or contributors were engaged in rendering legal or other professional advice. This communication should not be considered or relied upon as if it were such advice. If legal advice or expert assistance is required, the services of a competent professional should be sought and retained. The publisher and every person involved in the creation of this communication disclaim all liability in respect of the results of the any actions taken in reliance upon information contained in this communication and for any errors or omissions in the works. They expressly disclaim liability to any user of the work.


     
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