Between November 20 and December 31, 2017, WorkSafeBC officers conducted the first phase of a three-phase ammonia inspection initiative.
Officers inspected ice rinks and recreational facilities that use ammonia as a refrigerant. The focus of the inspections was:
- risk assessment,
- exposure control plans,
- work procedures,
- emergency response and evacuation plans
Of the 223 sites inspected, 181 were using ammonia refrigeration systems. As a result of the inspections, officers issued 1,134 orders. Three compliance agreements were also created, and one (1) stop use order was issued.
The three most commonly cited orders were: