Frequently Asked Questions: Emissions concern at Pyramid Recreation Centre

Background

On Thursday, September 7, 2017, arena staff received complaints of an air-quality issue in the Pyramid Recreation Centre.

Upon investigation Town staff detected higher than acceptable levels of Carbon Monoxide (CO) (over 25 parts per million) on the facility’s two ice pads (Rock Rink and Blue Rink). Testing revealed that Zamboni emissions were the source of the CO. The Zamboni has since been repaired and the facility is now safe for public use.

Frequently Asked Questions

What areas of the Pyramid Recreation Centre were affected?
Higher than acceptable emission levels were detected in the Rock Rink and the Blue Rink. The highest Carbon Monoxide (CO) emissions were detected at ice level and on the ice surfaces of both rinks. Readings of zero parts per million of CO were detected in the lobby and sitting areas of the Pyramid Recreation Centre.

How did staff return the arenas to normal Carbon Monoxide levels?
Town staff ventilated both arenas using natural and mechanical ventilation systems, purging the Carbon Monoxide.

How did you identify the source of the Carbon Monoxide emissions?
Tests on the Pyramid Recreation Centre’s HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) system and any other possible sources of Carbon Monoxide revealed the Zamboni as the source. Once the Zamboni was identified as the source of the issue, it was repaired. It was re-tested and passed the emissions test.

Is the Pyramid Recreation Centre now safe for public use?
Yes, the Pyramid Recreation Centre and both of its rinks have been emissions tested and are safe to use. Town staff closed the arena and resurfaced the ice in the Rock Rink with the Zamboni, testing for Carbon Monoxide (CO) during and afterwards. No CO was detected. The same process was performed in the Blue Rink with no CO being detected. The Ontario Ministry of Labour has also approved the facility as safe for public use.

Doesn’t the facility have Carbon Monoxide detectors? Why didn’t they alarm? How often are they tested?
Both rinks are equipped with industry standard Carbon Monoxide (CO) monitors. The monitors operated as designed, activating the exhaust fans upon detecting the CO. The configuration of the boards around the ice and the low pressure environment contributed to preventing the CO from completely exhausting from the arenas.

Pyramid Recreation Centre Carbon Monoxide (CO) monitors are tested every six months as required by manufacturer’s recommendations. The last test on the CO monitors was performed in February 2017 and the next regularly scheduled test will take place Wednesday, September 13, 2017.

The building’s ventilation system is inspected quarterly, more often than required by the Ontario Health and Safety Act (once per year).

How often is the Zamboni emissions tested? When was it tested last?
The Zamboni is emissions tested on an annual basis. If any maintenance is completed on the Zamboni’s fuel system, it is also emissions tested before returning to the ice. The Zamboni passed its last emissions test on August 17, 2017.

What steps are being taken to ensure the continued safety of the public?
Town staff will continue to monitor the air quality whenever the Zamboni is on the ice, using a portable Carbon Monoxide detector, in addition to the regular sensors.

I’m afraid that I or someone in my family may have been exposed. What should I do?Please speak with a physician. You can also find information about carbon monoxide exposure on the Ontario Fire Marshall’s website at: https://www.mcscs.jus.gov.on.ca/english/FireMarshal/CarbonMonoxideAlarms/QuestionsandAnswers/OFM_COAlarms_QandA.html#P22_630.

Who do I contact if I have a concern about a Town facility?
Please contact Grant Brouwer, Director of Building and Development at 519-284-2340, ext. 215 or gbrouwer@town.stmarys.on.ca.