Source: propane heater used to resurface the ice
Concurrent risk: exposure to carbon monoxide
Risk factors for nitrogen dioxide exposure:
(1) poor ventilation
(2) cold temperatures
(3) walls around the arena that can trap gas
(4) strenuous exercise
Recommendations for air quality in the arena:
(1) Provide continuous ventilation when the ice arena is occupied.
(2) Monitor nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide and other emissions in the arena.
(3) Make sure that the fresh air intake is not blocked.
(4) The fresh air intake should not be located where engine exhaust gases (from idling trucks, from the resurfacing equipment, etc) accumulate.
Recommendations for resurfacing equipment:
(1) Resurfacing equipment should be warmed up in a separate well-ventilated room that does not exhaust into the arena.
(2) Resurfacing equipment should be well-maintained by a trained technician.
(3) Resurfacing equipment should meet emissions standards.
(4) Resurfacing equipment should only be run in the arena when the ventilation is working. The arena gates should be open to prevent trapping of gases.
Recommendations for personnel:
(1) Educate personnel about the importance of air quality in the arena.
(2) Train personnel in how to respond if a problem with air quality occurs, including evacuation of the arena when certain gas levels are exceeded.
(3) Train personnel to be familiar with the signs and symptoms of nitrogen dioxide or carbon monoxide exposures.
