Ontario Recreation Facilities Association Inc. - ORFA Leadership Post Fernie Tradegy

In October of 2017, Technical Safety BC released an ice arena refrigeration plant accident investigation report. Contained within that report are a number of recommendations, with six (6) key areas that arena owner’s are urged to review and act upon. REPORT

In keeping with ORFA's vision to be a leader in the recreation facilities profession, and to ensure that Ontario ice areas remain safe, a reflection of what has been accomplished by the ORFA to date to address these key areas are highlighted below:

Oct 20, 2017 - Are Ontario's Ice Rinks Safe?

Oct 24, 2017 - Ice Arena Registered Refrigeration Plant Safety Bulletin

Oct 25, 2017 - Are Ontario's Ice Rinks Safe? – Follow Up

Aug 2, 2018 - Technical Safety BC – Investigation Report Ammonia Release Fernie Memorial Arena

Technical Safety BC’s Recommendation	ORFA Guideline and Best Practice Resources
Implement Refrigeration System Maintenance Program	Developing a Comprehensive Refrigeration Maintenance Program Resource
Add Awareness Training	The ORFA offers a variety of educational opportunities from 1-day awareness, industry leading 4-day Basic Arena Refrigeration training, to professional accreditation with recertification requirements Working Safely in a Recreation Mechanical Room Basic Arena Refrigeration Passport
Add Leaking Chiller Procedures	The Importance of Monitoring Secondary Refrigerant Health Safely Draining Oil from an Evaporative Chiller Resource Anhydrous Ammonia Exposure Worker Safety Resource Ice Arena Ammonia Discharge to Atmosphere Resource
Implement Qualification Training & Procedures for Managers	Basic Refrigeration Governance Guideline and Quiz Ontario Ice Arena Compliance Guideline
Assess and Test Ventilation Systems	Information Added to 2019 Basic Arena Refrigeration Training Course ORFA Commentary on Technical Safety BC’s post Fernie ice arena refrigeration plant accident investigation findings
Inspect All Emergency Discharge Piping	Ice Arena Ammonia Discharge to Atmosphere Resource