The tragedy in Fernie has many of us asking why ammonia is the standard being used for refrigeration in ice rinks and arenas around the province.
One safety advocate says the main reason is that ammonia gas is efficient and fairly inexpensive compared to other gases used in ice making.
Lou Roussinos, Former Chief Safety Inspector for Boiler, Pressure Vessel and Refrigeration Safety with the Province says the use of ammonia gas is prevalent in BC and here on the South Island.
"If I were to take a camera crew out, with the permission of 10 rinks, (and you can chose the rinks you want) any at random on Vancouver Island. We can go in and we will find non-compliance in one after another."
Roussinos says the use of ammonia on ice rinks and in public arenas is safe if staff are properly trained and strict standards are met.