Indoor Air Quality in Enclosed Ice Arenas
A news story featured today on NBC’s “Today” Show addressed a hot button issue for all rink operators throughout the country – indoor air quality. The story addressed the exposure to carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and other ultra-fine particulates that are byproducts of combustion-powered ice resurfacers. These emissions need to be flushed from the building regularly by ventilation equipment to prevent them from building up to levels that are dangerous to the health of skaters, spectators, and the workers who spend countless hours in the arena every week.
It is important to understand that these emissions can and should be controlled to acceptable levels by properly maintaining the resurfacer equipment, ventilation of the ice rink air, and consistent testing for harmful pollutants.  Here at SIA we maintain an air quality sensor and alarm within the facility. We also keep detailed records of our continuous maintenance on our Olympias to ensure they are running at their optimum levels.  Knowing that low humidity levels and an exchange of interior air for fresh outside air are crucial for a healthy indoor environment, SIA has installed a desiccant dehumidification system with fresh air modules. This system allows us to maintain a low relative humidity level inside the ice rink while at the same time introducing fresh outside air and pre-treating it to remove moisture before it reaches the ice rink. We are doing everything we can to stay ahead of any problem that could arise.