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32 / NOVEMBER.DECEMBER.2016 RINKMAGAZINE.COM What are carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide? How do they affect me? Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, tasteless gas, which reduces the oxygen carrying capacity of blood. It is the product of incomplete fossil fuel combustion. Common symptoms of exposure to high levels of carbon monoxide are headaches, drowsiness, rapid breathing, nausea and vomiting. Nitrogen dioxide is a noxious gas that can be dark brown or reddish brown in color at elevated levels, and has a pungent, acrid odor. It is an unwanted byproduct of fossil fuel combustion. Common symptoms of exposure to elevated levels of nitrogen dioxide are irritation to eyes, nose, throat and respiratory tract or shortness of breath. What are the maximum levels of exposure to carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide? Currently there are no federal indoor air quality regulations specific to indoor ice rinks for carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide exposure. However, three states— Massachusetts, Minnesota and Rhode Island—have put regulations in place for indoor ice rinks within their borders. Each state's regulations are similar and are enforced by their departments of health. These regulations outline air sampling requirements, record keeping requirements, action levels and required corrective measures that must be taken by the rink operator. What can your rink do to maintain acceptable indoor air quality? Serving The American Rinks (STAR) recommends the following minimum guidelines for maintaining acceptable indoor air quality in ice rinks. , Fossil-fueled ice resurfacing and ice edger equipment are emissions tested and tuned annually to manufacturer specifications by a qualified professional. , Heating, ventilation, air conditioning and dehumidification equipment inspected quarterly and maintained to manufacturer specifications by a qualified professional. , Facility ventilation equipment con- firmed operational on a daily basis by staff. , The facility has a written indoor air quality policy that outlines procedures for air sampling, record keeping, action levels and corrective actions. • Air samples taken as described, with equipment approved in the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) - Indoor Ice Arena Rule 4620 • Corrective action levels for the following emissions: (MDH - Indoor Ice Arena Rule 4620) o Carbon monoxide (CO) 20ppm o Nitrogen dioxide (NO 2 ) 0.3ppm • When air samples meet or exceed the action levels of (CO) and/or (NO 2 ) above, follow the steps outlined in the MDH - Indoor Ice Arena Corrective Action Flow Chart , Facility staff trained on the facility's written indoor air quality policy and proper operation of air sampling equipment. The safety of customers, employees and co-workers needs to be a top priority at your ice rink. J This article is housed on starrinks.com. Visit our website for more information on indoor air quality. If you have questions or need help please contact STAR at 719-538-1149 or info@starrinks.com. THREE STATES—MASSACHUSETTS, MINNESOTA AND RHODE ISLAND— HAVE PUT REGULATIONS IN PLACE FOR INDOOR ICE RINKS WITHIN THEIR BORDERS. EACH STATE'S REGULATIONS ARE SIMILAR AND ARE ENFORCED BY THEIR DEPARTMENTS OF HEALTH. AWARENESS Stay up to date on (IAQ) indoor air quality IAQ , Visit starrinks.com and click on "Resources" for links to numerous indoor air quality resources, including the latest news as well as federal and state regulations.