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ORFA ALERT
MLITSD Inspector Visit Results in Positive Member Experience
March 21, 2024
The main things the inspection focused on included:
1. Health and Safety Board
- Health and Safety Board
- SDS binders and up to date
- JHSC committee and trained member
- Workplace inspections
- All required posters and documentation (including current green book)
- Health and Safety Statements
- Records for Supervisor Health and Safety training as per program by MLITSD
- Letter from MLITSD if approved for Multi Site Committee (Note: we are in process)
2. Ice Resurfacer
- Blade change procedure
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- Cut resistant gloves
- Blocking conditioner
- Removing key
- Blade guard
- Magnetic blade hooks
- Auger interlock with snow bin raised – installed and tested (documented) regularly (Note: we test monthly and document)
- Auger jam policy (stemming from recent Lambton Shores incident)
- Conditioner top plate guards are secure and not loose (Ice resurfacer screws must be tightened after removing the top plate)
- Conditioner front plates are in place and not removed
- Operator knew how to raise snow bin and use locking methods such as centre bin pole
- Propane tank PPE
- Circle check
- Driving on and off the ice (using horn)
- Dumping of snow and if interferes with potential of pedestrians or vehicle traffic
- Helmets on machine and on operator (MLITSD would like to see helmets worn at all times while on the machine)
- Air Quality for fossil fuel machines (regular maintenance and e-testing)
- Air quality monitors and calibrated regularly
- Ice resurfacer training for new drivers (Note: ours involves manufacturer training videos, SIRO, IMEO, and working with other staff leading to final supervisor sign off)
- Not allowing access while equipment running (Note: MLITSD had to wait as I powered down plant)
- NH3 detector in vestibule with both visual and audible alert
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- MLITSD want a visual alarm in the refrigeration room as well for someone working in there that is unable to smell
- Our NH3 detector alarms in the vestibule and the operations office/Zamboni area (Note: I have never thought to install a strobe inside the machine room)
- MLITSD would like to see NH3 detection with 2 in room sensors as a fail safe
- Listing of all exposure limits along with cut in limits for alarms and exhaust fans
- Refrigeration room entry policy
- We had a ladder in our room that (a weekly contractor) uses but not chained to wall, so need proper ladder safety must be followed
- Refrigeration plant room safety manual
- Noise exposure
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- Knowing what the Decibels rating is of your plant at full load (Note: Ours under full load is 93.4 decibels)
- Hearing protection must be worn signage
- Make available hearing protection in vestibule
- Logging of refrigerant level in room atmosphere (PPM)
- Posting of all TSSA related information
- Being able to show test/tag/calibrations (typically tags on all safety devices)
- Ammonia leak levels and what or who is issuing the evacuation order
4. Critical Injuries
- Definition - MLITSD wanted to ensure both staff and supervisors were able to recite the conditions for critical injury
- Hockey Player on ice injury? Yes or No (They said No but call it in as a precautionary)
- Patron heart attack death in stands? Yes or No (They said No being as not workplace related, but to still call as precautionary)
- Securing scene if need be
- MLITSD to be notified as 3rd call in critical injuries
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- Emergency Services
- Management
- MLITSD
Justin highlighted that the Ministry Inspection staff were extremely complimentary of the ORFA best practices sheets that he provided to the inspectors as part of the visit. He indicated that he used these documents in recent staff toolbox talks and operational meetings.
ORFA’s investment in providing our members with educational tools in our Resource Centre which is a direct benefit of membership. The ORFA pathway to accreditation provides facility managers and supervisory staff with a strong foundation to obtain competency which filters down to a mentoring role for those that are responsible for health and safety.
The ORFA both “thanks” and “recognizes” Justin in this leadership role. Feel free to reach out to Justin to discuss his experience.