Issue link: https://read.uberflip.com/i/564866
24 / SEPTEMBER.OCTOBER.2015 RINKMAGAZINE.COM Sample Weekly/Monthly Inspection Items: • Missing or protruding screw heads • Kickplate and dasher facing (on-ice) • Gaps or misalignment (dasher face) • Dasher sill covers • Shielding • Shielding supports • Shielding gaskets or spacers (seamless) • Shielding cables • Gate operation (open and close) • Gate hardware and latches • Ice resurfacer gates and hardware • Benches (player, scorekeeper, penalty) • Scorekeeper table • Dasher graphics (advertisements) • Dasher facing (off-ice) • Dasher frames (off-ice) • Anchor bolts (floor and dashers) • Netting • Netting hardware (cables, clips, etc.) Sample Annual Inspection Items: • Include all weekly/monthly inspection items above • Detailed inspection and adjustment to all gates and gate hardware • Detailed inspection and adjustment for all misaligned dasher boards • Detailed inspection and adjustment for any gaps in dasher boards • Detailed inspection and adjustment of netting and netting hardware • Inspect and tighten each anchor bolt for dasher boards • Inspect structural integrity of each dasher board framework • Clean dasher board facing (on- and off-ice) • Clean dasher board kick plates • Clean shielding and supports (on- and off-ice) PROTECTIVE SHIELDING Protective shielding completes a dasher board system. There are two main types of protective shielding used most commonly in arenas across the nation: Acrylic Acrylic is light and easily handled. It is the perfect shielding to use for multipurpose venues that have a good amount of events and need to do a quick changeover. When using acrylic shielding, ½" of thickness is recommended. To clean off the fingerprints and puck marks, use a mild soap and water. Using a more powerful cleaning agent that is heavy in chemicals can actually break down the shields over time. A sheer coat can be used to reduce the acrylic shielding's tendency to scratch. Tempered Glass Unlike acrylic, tempered glass is very heavy and is meant for arenas that can leave it in for the better part of a year. However, because of its durability, it is extremely easy to maintain and will not scratch as easily as acrylic. The glass' thickness should be ½" on the sides and 5/8" on the ends, due to the likelihood of breaking after a shot. If glass does get broken, proceed with caution and be sure staff wears the appropriate protective gear for cleanup. Avoid using chemical cleaners and instead use a simple window or glass cleaner for best results. Both options are interchangeable; it's simply your facility's preference. And don't forget your shielding supports. The only time they are not needed is if you are using a seamless glass system. These are just a few ways to get started. Remember, not every arena will have the same report, or will have the same type of systems. Customize your reports and methods to suite your facility and your facility's systems. At the end of the day, keeping documentation and a standard maintenance plan will extend the life and protect your dasher boards for years to come. Both skaters and spectators will appreciate the attention to detail, leaving them with a positive impression of the facility — and we all know that's the best way to get them to come back time and time again! J With constant contact, dasher boards take a beating. Making sure they are functional is important for safety, and helps make your facility look more cosmetically appealing. DASHER BOARD SYSTEM MAINTENANCE , Having a glass size chart and marked inventory saves a lot of time. , Most board and glass repairs are related to carpentry work and can be completed by a skilled tradesman. PHOTOS: COURTESY OF STAR