Rink

I recently received a question from a high school student that wanted to know how to become a "professional ice resurfacer operator." I thought it would be a good idea to share my response to her. Like most things in life, educa- tion is the key to becoming a "professional ice resurfacer operator". STAR provides three levels of ice arena training, and the ice resurfacer is a big part of the training. STAR offers the SIRO (Safe Ice Resurfacer Operation) certificate that introduces students to the ice resurfacer in a one day class. STAR also offers the Certified Ice Technician (CIT) designa- tion that requires completion of the fol- lowing classes: Basic Refrigeration (BR), Ice Maintenance and Equipment Operation (IMEO), and Ice Making & Painting Technology (IMPT). In addition to the CIT designation, STAR also offers the 5-STAR Operator designation. To achieve this professional designation, an individual must complete the CIT courses and the Operations & Risk Management (ORM), and Programming, Marketing, & Promotions (PMP) courses. There are many man- ufacturers of ice resurfac- ers. The two prominent companies in the United States are the Zamboni Company and Resurfice (Olympia). Frank J. Zamboni did create the first commercially suc- cessful self-propelled ice resurfacer in 1949. STAR uses the term ice resurfacer operator rather than driver. Like most pieces of equipment, any- one could get on an ice resurfacer and drive it around. However, it does take a "professional ice resurfacer opera- tor" to create a great sheet of ice! To find out more about the courses STAR offers visit STARrinks.com or NARCE.com. I have a question about what rinks do if they have light bulbs that burn out when their ice is in. Our maintenance team debates whether there is a way to go safely on the ice to change them. Can you give me some insight as to what other facil- ities might be doing other than the pre-season check? The safest way to perform this work is to get a scissor lift or boom lift high enough to reach the lights. If you are concerned about the weight of the lift, you shouldn't be, as ice resurfac- ers weigh anywhere from 8,000 to 12,000 pounds. Even hard tires on the lifts are not an issue. If slipping on the ice is a concern, have them put a few self-tapping screws in the tires for traction. It is also a good idea to drive around the surface for a few minutes to cool off the tires. This way, when the machine stops in one place to work, the tires will not melt into the ice. You will also want to duct tape plastic sheets under the machine like a diaper to catch any fluids that may leak onto the ice. Do not try to drive or walk on plastic sheets lying on the ice as they are slippery and very dangerous! Finally, be prepared to repair or clean the ice surface after the work is per- formed. ★ ask dave 56 R INK MAGAZ INE March/April 2010 ■ You have rink questions. Dave has rink answers. Send your questions to AskDave@rinkmagazine.com. STARrinks.com Frank Zamboni created the first self-propelled ice resurfacer in 1949. PHOTO COURTESY OF ZAMBONI NIKKI THOMPSON

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