Basic Arena Refrigeration (OLSS)

Basic Arena Refrigeration (BAR) (OLSS)

This online self-study course must be completed in 30 days from enrollment date. Participants will receive an email confirming that they have been enrolled in the online course.

The ORFA Basic Arena Refrigeration course is considered the minimum industry-recognized standard for ice arena facility personnel and is now available in an on-line self-directed format. The Occupational Health and Safety Act demands that those who conduct work in these environments be “competent” while the Operating Engineers Regulation requires that all who have “privilege to enter a registered refrigeration plant room” be qualified. Such qualification and competency require a strong foundation of all regulatory obligations to be met followed by an introduction to the principles and fundamentals of the theory of refrigeration and concluding with a risk and hazard assessment overview of a typical refrigeration plant room. This is accomplished by completing Part One of the training, the Safe Arena Refrigeration Operator (SARPO).

Once the legislative requirements and theoretical overview is complete participants will move on to understand that the refrigeration process operates on scientific principles that are applied to practical mechanical processes in Part Two. Students will be introduced to the different types of ice arena refrigeration plant designs and key pieces of equipment required to safely transfer heat plus the role of safety devices during this transfer. In addition, participants will be able to identify the types and the amounts, as well as the storage and disposal of refrigerants and lubricants.

Emphasis is placed on the need for worker safety which depends on the proper use of personal protective equipment from all noxious gases and/or refrigerants stored on site. Operator and public safety further rely on the operator’s ability to monitor plant conditions, liquid levels, pressures and temperatures and take appropriate action under the circumstance. Hazards of electricity, temperature and pressures are introduced so that plant monitors can recognize the importance of plant piping markings so not to touch these delivery mechanisms, not to place hands or feet near pumps or motors or make unqualified plant adjustments. Monitors must understand the need to conduct regular plant checks and the importance of recording these activities in the official plant log. Course participants will gain an appreciation for the proper use of plant room ventilation and the role of the refrigeration safety devices and alarm systems. Once this knowledge has been obtained, participants will clearly understand the importance of their role during plant room emergencies and the need to embrace and practice evacuation plans for both worker and general public safety.

Of further benefit would be a guided tour of a refrigeration plant room under the leadership of a competent plant operator for an orientation of a registered refrigeration plant room and review the plant operational and training manuals.

Topics include:

• Refrigeration Theoretical and Practical Factors
• Refrigeration Codes, Regulations and Acts
• Ice Rink Refrigeration Equipment, Controls and Safety Devices
• Ice Rink Refrigeration Plant Safe Operations and Maintenance
• Refrigeration Emerging Technologies and Energy Management

Workplace-Specific Training: A reminder is given to facility supervisory staff that to complete the educational process successful participants must return to work and be provided with specific workplace-specific training.

This course is worth 28 professional development credits towards recertification of any ORFA professional designation