WorkSafeBC launched a three (3) phase ammonia inspection initiative after three (3) workers died in an ammonia leak at an ice skating rink in October 2017. Working with Technical Safety BC, WorkSafeBC inspected 228 ice rinks, curling rinks, and recreational rinks during phase one of the initiative. Of those, 181 used ammonia-based refrigeration systems and 1,108 orders were issued.
Phase Two, which took place in early 2018, focused on refrigeration contractors conducting installations, maintenance, and other activities involving ammonia systems. Thirty-two (32) contractors were inspected, resulting in 114 orders.
WorkSafeBC is currently in phase Three of the ammonia inspection initiative, which targets facilities using ammonia outside of the recreation industry with a focus on fish processing sites. Twenty-one (21) of the 24 facilities have been inspected, resulting in 272 orders.
WorkSafeBC Prevention Field Services manager said phase three is expected to be completed by the end of the first quarter of 2019.
WorkSafeBC has also followed up with each of the 181 recreational facilities using ammonia-based refrigeration systems. Fifty-one (51) of the 1,108 orders are still outstanding.
Twenty-nine (29) of the 32 contracting firms have been reinspected, with 22 out of 114 orders still outstanding.
For the facilities, the most common orders issued were related to exposure control and emergency plans.
For contractors, the orders issued reflect mostly enhancements to existing programs including work coordination with site operators.
None of the orders were written for deficiencies that presented high risk violations.