Issue link: https://read.uberflip.com/i/647532
STARRINKS.COM MARCH.APRIL.2016 / 37 • Check the starter battery and replace if it is 3–5 years old. • Inspect the overall condition of the machine and components: o IR Body o Conditioner and Related Components o Tires (studs) o Engine and Related Components o Hydraulic Hoses and Related Components o Battery (Battery Powered IR's) o Dump Tank (Interior and Lifting Components) • Take an inventory of spare parts (see sidebar on 'things that should be on your shelf') AREA OF FOCUS: IR Room The room that is used to house the IR is important and deserves attention at least once a year to ensure conditions 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? Ceilings are often neglected; 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. Drain the water and inspect the inside of the pit. Clean the debris and inspect the conditions. Is there 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 compressors? If so, inspect them and make sure that you stay on top of any corrosion. Are the grates 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 plant and remedy 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 recurring problems to be addressed? Conduct a visual inspection of all electrical, 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 because they are familiar with the equipment and can indentify "out of the ordinary" items. Test and ensure any audible, visual or call-out alarms connected to your system are working correctly. Inspect any safety procedures and equipment utilized for this room. Be sure safety equipment is in working order and that you are providing personal protective equipment to all staff members that perform work in the refrigeration 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 verses the wants, calculate 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). APRIL This is when you should sit down with your staff and user groups to evaluate the past season's scheduling and programs. Were there any missed opportunities dur- ing the season for additional events or reve- nue? Will your user groups be utilizing the same ice come fall as they did in years past? Do you need to solicit different groups or find compromises for existing ones? MAY You've got your spring cleaning done, now it's time to focus on preventative mainte- nance and capital improvement projects. J Things That Should Be On Your Shelf • Flooder Cloth • Conditioner Squeegee • Wash Water Impeller • Ice Breaker Spring • Chain Link for Auger Drive Train • Hydraulic Hose • 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 and allocate extra funds for replacement parts. Team up with other rinks to double up on transportation to reduce the cost.