The City of Vernon is assuring its residents that its arenas are safe.
The City of Fernie was rocked by tragedy this week when three men died at the city’s arena following an ammonia leak.
Vernon arenas are Technical Safety BC (formerly the BC Safety Authority) certified with the highest risk assessed status for safety procedures and maintenance possible.
“This is an annual certification and the facilities undergo thorough audits to maintain it,” said the city in a press release. “The City also participates in the WorkSafe BC Certificate of Recognition audit program and the refrigeration plant procedures are a component of the annual audits.”
The city completes annual maintenance of the refrigeration systems in the off-season with certified contractors that follow strict protocols to complete the required work.
All three of the refrigeration plants at the Vernon Civic Arena, Kal Tire Place and Priest Valley Arena are monitored by sensors 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Safety procedures include checks on each of the systems at regular intervals throughout each day by City of Vernon staff with Power Engineer Certificates.
“Although tragic, when an accident occurs, it serves to heighten the awareness and reinforce the need for us to maintain a high level of safety in our facilities,” said the city. “We want to assure the public that the city takes the safety of their staff and the public very seriously.”