“As manager of the North Thompson Sportsplex, I feel confident in the safety of our system and the plans that are in place to protect staff and public.”
That was the conclusion of a report by Roger Mayer, District of Clearwater’s parks, facilities and safety manager, dated Oct. 20.
He made the report a few days after a suspected ammonia leak killed three workers at the municipal ice rink in Fernie.
READ MORE: All three victims identified in arena ammonia leak
Mayer noted that the replacement of the chiller last summer allowed the Sportsplex to lessen the ammonia charge in the building by more than 70 per cent.
He said that, according to the District’s refrigeration engineer, this had in turn lessened the risk by over 300 per cent.
“Replacement of equipment before it reaches its life expectancy lessens the risk of failure,” Mayer pointed out.
The Sportsplex manager said the facility’s system is monitored by a computer that is connected to Fraser Valley Refrigeration, which is based in Aldergrove.
Fraser Valley Refrigeration monitors the ammonia in the Sportsplex annually. It is also checked monthly by staff.
During its annual visits, the Aldergrove-based company checks all safeties as well. Emergency relief valves are changed every five years, as directed by the safety authority.
The ammonia alarm is connected to the building’s alarm system. In an emergency, this would automatically call for assistance plus turn on flashing lights and siren both in the arena and outside the building.
The Sportsplex has a handheld draw-tube ammonia detector that can back up the other alarm.
At all times when entering the mechanical room, staff members carry a personal portable ammonia detector.
Sportsplex staff hold annual safety training sessions in which they review ammonia leak emergency and rescue procedures. The employee safety manuals are reviewed annually by staff and WorkSafeBC, he said.
All staff are trained in the use of full-face respirators and their limitations.
There are strict ruled governing entry to the plant room and they may do so only with approval of Sportsplex management and Clearwater Fire Department, Mayer reported.
Ammonia is a colorless gas that is very toxic if inhaled and can cause death. It can cause severe irritation of the nose and throat and life-threatening accumulation of fluid in the lungs.
READ MORE: Fact Sheet on ammonia
Symptoms of ammonia poisoning may include coughing, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing and tightness in the chest.
The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety also says symptoms may develop hours after exposure and are made worse by physical effort.
In 2011, Canadian figure skating legend Karen Magnussen inhaled ammonia gas from a leak at the North Shore Winter Club in North Vancouver while she was coaching. The Olympic silver medallist and world champion still is unable to work and has trouble breathing and talking.
READ MORE: Wikipedia on Karen Magnussen
In 2015, an ammonia leak from the cooling plant at the Robson Valley Recreation Centre in McBride caused the evacuation of 130 residents.
READ MORE: Ammonia leak raises questions