Since the collapse of a skating rink in Germany, likely due to the weight of snow, the issue of safety has resurfaced. In Nice, the Director of the Sports Palace, Guy Tassigny, speaks on the subject.
Nice Première: What are your feelings about the tragedy that occurred in Germany?
Guy Tassigny: It’s really sad… But it’s chilling to think that in a snowy area like Bad Reichenhall, the roof of that rink was flat. Normally, it should have been pointed or diagonal so that the snow would slide off and not accumulate. That is the case, for example, in the Paris region. However, since the building dated from the 1970s, the architects of the time probably had reasons for choosing that type of structure.
I still can’t draw any definitive conclusions because the investigation is not finished. I don’t know if the rink collapsed under the weight of the snow as many say, or if it was due to human negligence. In any case, it is absolutely necessary to learn from this tragedy because 14 people died.
NP: What would your reaction be if you knew that the Jean Bouin rink was at risk?
GT: If I notice the slightest concern, I would evacuate the establishment without hesitation. That, after all, is the role of a director. He must know how to make the right decision at the right time. For me, safety is paramount. I prefer to save money on the quality of cleaning products rather than not invest the necessary funds in safety. We must not wait for the worst; we must act!
NP: What means, both material and human, do you use to guarantee the safety of the skating rink?
GT: The rink has a technical station that manages and checks the ice temperature. Moreover, the ice is smoothed every two hours by a resurfacer. The facility also has fire detectors installed at various locations. They are connected to a fire control panel monitored by a qualified staff member 24/7. Additionally, there is a fire safety station staffed by three ERP (Emergency Response Personnel) during opening hours.
NP: What do you do if internal work is necessary?
GT: If we notice a problem, we report it to the city hall. Otherwise, once a year, the city of Nice comes for structural inspections. The departmental firefighters also conduct a visit, but this time every five years. As for minor works, we carry them out ourselves. However, we do nothing without the support of a consulting firm beforehand.
Recently, I commissioned one to find out if I can install plasma videos on the skating rink. They studied every concerned aspect and delivered their report to me. After which, we proceeded to the departmental safety commission. I received a positive response to begin installation works. This intervention is essential as it helps avoid potential dangers during and after any type of work. All this is costly, but the results ensure peace of mind on the rink.
