Safe Refrigeration Plant Operations: What does the future hold for Ice Rinks in Ontario?
Angus Glen Community Centre, Activity Room #1, 3990
Major Mackenzie Dr., Markham, ON, L6C 1P8
November 14, 2012, 8:30 am – 4:00 pm (breaks/lunch included)
A workshop designed to explore where the recreation industry should be moving towards in respect to safe arena refrigeration plant operations.
Who Should Attend?
This event should be considered a must for any person with refrigeration plant responsibilities. It will provide an opportunity for all involved in the different aspects of refrigeration plant operation to hear the latest on trends and directions going forward. Industry experts will be available for a lively information exchange.
Background:
The ice arena industry has started a transition from retiring skilled operational staff to younger less experienced new hires as previously projected. Some operations are struggling to replace and retain competent Refrigeration Operator B-Class certificate operators to meet the obligations of the Operating Engineers Regulation (OER), while others are finding ways to design and operate refrigeration plants so to avoid the use of an on-site certified refrigeration operator. Often senior management or elected officials place their faith in facility operators trusting that they will function in compliance with all legislative obligations and then reduce the human and financial resources to meet these obligations. Unintentionally these management decisions may result in them being held accountable for breaches of any legislative obligations.
TOPICS INCLUDE:
Refrigeration Legislation 101
Are you meeting your basic operational obligations under the Operating Engineers Regulation, B-52 Mechanical Refrigeration Code, Pressures and Vessels Act, OHSA and Regulation 347.
From Basic Refrigeration training to Refrigeration Operator B-Class certification; does taking ORFA Basic Refrigeration course 10-years ago, or sending in your annual certification fee to TSSA adequately prove your competency in safe refrigeration plant operation?
Presenters:
Terry Piche, CIT, RRFA, Technical Director, ORFA
Allan Lamamard, TSSA
Self-Contained (Skid) Refrigeration Packages – Are They The Answer?
Self-Contained Refrigeration Packages are one type of refrigeration plant design available to serve industry needs. However, are they a solution to not having a Chief Operator and/or a Refrigeration Operator B-Class on-site? An open panel discussion with industry practitioners who have recently installed or are currently operating a “skid refrigeration package” over 200-hp.
Presenters:
Bill Clausen, University of Guelph
Dave Merriman, Town of Markham
Harry Jeschke, Town of Coburg
Brian Crozier, Town of Huntsville
The Insurance View Point
Your insurance carrier is the silent partner decision making for refrigeration plant operations. What expectations does this relationship have?
Presenter:
Ed Piecuch, Manager of Loss Control, Frank Cowan Co.
Establishing a Safe On-Site Relationship with Your Refrigeration Contractor
Refrigeration plant owners must be in a contractual arrangement with a licensed refrigeration contractor. This does not mean that your contractor is responsible for the safe operation and maintenance plan of your equipment. Establishing a written agreement to ensure both parties clearly understand how and what work will be performed is a best practice. All work conducted in the refrigeration plant room is ultimately the owner’s responsibility and this also includes ensuring the safety of the refrigeration contractor while on site.
Presenter:
Terry Piche, CIT, RRFA, Technical Director, ORFA
Changes to Freon Use Legislation May Impact Some ORFA Members
ORFA estimates that 15-20% of ice rinks in Ontario currently use R-22 as a refrigerant. Freon’s ozone-depleting potential has prompted the government to move towards eliminating Freon in the marketplace and, as such, importation and manufacturing of new or "virgin" HCFCs will be strictly regulated by a federal allowance system. The Canadian government has adopted the following phase-out schedule for HCFCs based on the terms of the Montreal Protocol – are you ready?
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Jan. 1, 1996:
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Baseline annual allowable amount of HCFCs based on Montreal Protocol
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Jan. 1, 2004:
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Annual allowable amount of HCFCs reduced by 35%
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Jan. 1, 2010:
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Annual allowable amount of HCFCs reduced by 75%
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Jan. 1, 2010:
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No new R-22 equipment manufactured or imported
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Jan. 1, 2015:
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Annual allowable amount of HCFCs reduced by 90%
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Jan. 1, 2020:
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Annual allowable amount of HCFCs reduced by 99.5% [except HCFC-123]
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Jan. 1, 2030:
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HCFCs no longer permitted to be imported or manufactured
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Presenter:
Tony Panetta, Training and Service Support Specialist, CIMCO Refrigeration
R-744 – Canada’s First CO² Refrigerant System: Marcel Dulti Arena
The Marcel Dulti Arena in Saint Gedeon-de-Beauce, Quebec recently converted an existing R- 22 refrigeration operation to the world’s first 100% R-744 carbon dioxide system. Comparisons to other similar styled arena operations using traditional refrigerants suggest that the R-744 system maybe operating as much as 25% more energy efficient. As owners consider the options for new construction projects, or when updating from an R-22 system, this may be an option to be explored?
Presenter:
Patrick Cere, Technologies Smartref Inc., Les Coteaux, Quebec
Dave Malinauskas, P. Eng., MBA, Director of Engineering, CIMCO Refrigeration
Creating an In-House Training Program for B-Certificate Operators : Taking up the Challenge
The City of Guelph recently undertook a different approach to ensuring staff would be successful in obtaining Refrigeration Operator B Certification which included the hiring of an in-house tutor. In Guelph, there was a commitment by management to have staff obtain both the RB-1 and RB-2 accreditation knowing that there was insufficient refrigeration plant horse-power in the community for them to gain the actual B-Certificate. Is this a feasible option for you? This topic will also include a discussion on the process for reinstating a lapsed Refrigeration Opertor B-Certificate; as well as, details on how the ORFA is helping members meet their Refrigeration Operator B-Class training needs.
Presenters:
Vikki Dupuis, City of Guelph
Terry Piche, CIT, RRFA, Technical Director, ORFA
Open Forum
Question & Answer Session
The ORFA will facilitate an open discussion with members on what our sector needs to move forward. Open discussions may include the value of an ORFA appeal to TSSA for a refrigeration operational certificate specific to ice rink operations. Is ORFA adequately meeting your training needs? Members should come prepared with their questions and concerns relevant to our sector.
Facilitator:
Terry Piche, CIT, RRFA, Technical Director, ORFA
