Fernie Memorial Arena Incident Animation | WorkSafeBC

In this animated re-enactment of the workplace incident at Fernie Memorial Arena, we see how workers were performing maintenance on the ice-making equipment when there was an unexpected release of toxic ammonia gas. Three workers were fatally injured from exposure to the ammonia.

This educational video summarizes the findings of WorkSafeBC’s investigation and the incident’s causes and contributing factors. It can be used as part of health and safety training for ammonia risk awareness.

You can find the redacted incident investigation report here: http://www.worksafebc.com/fernie-arena

Timestamps:
0:00 Intro
0:40 Refrigeration system explained: brine & ammonia
1:20 The fault in the chiller tube & ammonia leak
2:14 The arrival of workers & firefighters with breathing apparatus
2:34 Key observations
2:48 Ammonia readings of 300 ppm
3:05 Closing brine & ammonia system valves
3:19 Ammonia levels at 50 ppm
3:30 The firefighters vacate
3:45 Compressors could not be restarted
4:03 External contractor dispatches mechanic, alarm put in silent mode
4:23 Four key safety issues
5:06 Increase of pressure & the second mechanical failure
5:37 High concentration of ammonia levels rapidly released

__________________________________________________________

We’re working to make a difference in workplace health and safety in British Columbia, Canada. By partnering with workers and employers, we help British Columbians come home from work safe every day.

Subscribe to our channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/WorkSafe...

Find us on social media:
Twitter:   / worksafebc  
Instagram:   / worksafebc  
Facebook:   / worksafebc  
LinkedIn:   / worksafebc  

Visit our website for the most up-to-date health and safety information and regulatory requirements: https://www.worksafebc.com

Legal terms:
All videos posted by the Workers’ Compensation Board (“WorkSafeBC”) are protected by Canadian and international copyright laws, policies, and treaties. The use of WorkSafeBC videos and other materials is governed by WorkSafeBC’s copyright and trademark statement, available here: https://www.worksafebc.com/en/legal/c.... Videos cannot be uploaded to other channels without prior permission. If you wish to request permission for use of our videos, please contact us: copyright [at] worksafebc.com