Issue link: https://read.uberflip.com/i/1112485
40 / MAY.JUNE.2019 USICERINKS.COM Area of Focus: IR Room The room that is used to house the IR is very important and it deserves attention at least once a year to make sure con- ditions and equipment are maintained. Inspect the walls of the room. Could it use another coat of paint? Check for any areas that could produce mold. If mold is found anywhere in the IR room, have it removed by a professional company. Inspect the flooring of the IR room. The floors are continually exposed to water throughout the season. Are there cracks that need to be repaired? Do all of the drains in the room work? Take a look up. Unfortunately ceilings can be neglected because they are out of sight. Do you need to replace any light fixtures? Has there been any damage to pipes or HVAC equipment? Is the exhaust working for the room? We know you want to, but don't ignore the snow pit. Now is the time to drain the water and inspect the inside of the pit. Clean the debris and inspect the condi- tions. Is there any mold? Are the drains working properly? If you have a sump pump, is the pump in working order? Do you have snow melt lines from your com- pressors? If so, inspect them and make sure that you stay on top of any corrosion. How about the grates? Are they bent? Do you need to replace any of them? Remember, grates for snow pits should be in place at all times. Area of Focus: Refrigeration Room Check your refrigeration room and rem- edy any custodial issues that exist. This room should not be treated as a "dump all" storage room. Floors should be clean and free of any clutter. Parts and supplies should be well organized and inventoried. Are you missing any parts? If so, this is the time to put them on the re-order list. Inspect the logbook. Is your maintenance staff filling it out? Are there any re-occur- ring problems that need to be addressed? Conduct a visual inspection of all electri- cal, mechanical and plumbing equipment in the room. Look for anything out of the ordinary. It will be beneficial to include your maintenance staff in this inspection as they are familiar with the equipment and can identify specific items. Be sure to inspect and test any audible, visual or call-out alarms connected to your system. Alarms only help if they are in work- ing order. Inspect any safety procedures and equipment that are utilized for this room. Be sure your safety equipment is in working order and that you are providing personal protective equipment to all staff members that perform work in the refrig- eration room. Contact outside service providers on projects that are beyond you or your staff's capabilities. Once bids have been received and you've determined the needs versus the wants, it's time to pull out the calcula- tor and calendar to determine what can be done and when. Safety issues should always be given the highest priority as well as servicing everyday use equipment (like your plant and IR). J Note: Portions of this article have appeared in a past issue of RINK Magazine. Summer To-Dos CONDUCT A VISUAL INSPECTION OF ALL ELECTRICAL, MECHANICAL AND PLUMBING EQUIPMENT IN THE ROOM. THINGS THAT SHOULD BE ON YOUR IR ROOM SHELF • Flooder Cloth • Conditioner Squeegee • Wash Water Impeller • Ice Breaker Spring • Chain Link for Auger Drive System • Hydraulic Hoses • Horizontal and Vertical Auger Bearings • Board Brush Items that should be performed by professionals: • Any work performed on the hydraulic systems • Any major mechanical work to the engine or drive train • Emissions testing • Any major work performed to damaged auger or conditioner components Reputable IR distributers offer comprehensive service plans for the machine and can provide peace of mind for the less mechanically inclined. If you are sending the IR out of house, plan your budget appropriately for the annual service and allocate extra funds for replacement parts. Team up with other rinks to double up on transportation to reduce the cost.