Dasher Board Maintenance: Safety First!

 by Jim Becker

Safety of skaters and spectators is one of an arena operator’s primary responsibilities. Performing proper, regular inspections and maintenance of the dasher board system will help assure that both spectators and participants have a safe and enjoyable experience.

Make sure your employees in charge of maintaining the dasher board and shielding systems are familiar with the type of system installed in the facility, and that they know what to look for in the inspection process. A regular inspection schedule should be maintained and repairs made immediately. Following is a recommended schedule.

Daily

Conduct visual inspections of the dasher board system to make sure that all fasteners and related components are tight and that there are no undue hazards to any patrons. A quick visual walk-through each day of both the ice side and the non-ice side dasher boards is recommended to ensure everything is in proper working order. Check for protrusions (loose fasteners, gates out of alignment, etc.) and make any necessary adjustments or repairs. Inspect puck-control netting and repair any frayed or broken mesh.

Weekly

In addition to the visual inspection, personnel should make sure that all gate hardware (latches, hinges, slide bar closures, etc.) is in proper working order. Make any necessary adjustments and repairs.

Monthly

Monthly maintenance again is related to making sure that the dasher board system and related components are working properly for their intended use. Below is a suggested list of specific items to be checked on a monthly basis.

Support: Inspect all shield support posts. Make sure all fasteners are tight and all shields are aligned and tight in support channels.

Shielding: Inspect all shielding (acrylic or tempered glass) for cracks, sharp edges or other possible hazards.

Ice side: Inspect the ice side of the dasher facing, caprail, and kickplate for loose fasteners, sharp corners or other possible hazards.

 Non-ice side: Inspect the non-ice side of the dasher system to make sure that all fasteners, backer panels, etc. are tight and that there are no other possible hazards.

Gates: Inspect all gate hardware to make sure that it is working properly and that the gates operate smoothly. Make sure gates are aligned properly. Adjust as necessary. Check hinges and grease or lubricate if needed.

Anchors: If possible, check floor anchor bolts to make sure all are tight and aligned. Inspect all bolts holding panels together, again making sure all are tight.

Dasher framework: Dasher framework is constructed to withstand the everyday abuse associated with the game of ice hockey. However, a monthly visual inspection of all welds and assemblies will assure that everything is in proper working order. Repair as necessary.

Galvanized components: Inspection of the steel components and touch-up of the steel framework is recommended to keep the system looking good and resisting rust.

Zinc electroplated components: Gate latches, slide bar components and other related hardware on many systems are zinc-plated to resist rust. Inspect and touch up as necessary.

Documentation: Developing and maintaining inspection reports and records can also help with risk management issues.

Jim Becker is the founder and president of Minnesota-based Becker Arena Products.