Note: The Office of the Environment has recently transitioned to a new Online IEQ platform (as of August 2018). The new platform does not allow the back-dating of IEQ concerns. This concern is inappropriately dated September 27, 2018. The concern should be dated May 16, 2018.
Identify deficiencies that may impact IEQ and/or sources of odor concerns. Typically includes the following depending on the nature of concern, but not limited to:
- interview/questionnaire of concern individual(s)
- inspection above drop ceiling (condition of roof deck, pipe insulation, return air plenum)
- inspection of ventilation system (operation of variable air volume box and outdoor air dampers, check controls, measurements of carbon dioxide, temperature and relative humidity, sources near outdoor air intake, measure return and supply air volume, cleanliness of coils, liner and condensate pan)
- inspection of exterior
- inspection below drop ceiling (housekeeping, sink and floor drain traps, signs of past and present moisture concern via visual and/or moisture meter, mold growth, ensure connection of current and capping of abandoned sanitary vents, odorizers, excessive plants and fabric items, identify potential pathways, and measure volatile organic compounds, carbon monoxide, and lighting)
A musty odor was not detected in the room. However, a slight odor possibly resembling pickle juice and than changing to a dry electrical odor was detected upon entering the room.
An odor was detected within the cabinet under sink of station “B”. On the initial visit, a slight spoiled meat aroma was detected, but no obvious source was observed. On the second visit, it smelled like the garbage disposal and dishing washing gloves which both items existed. Mouse traps are present along with an open notch in the back of cabinet for plumbing.
A few light fixture lamps were flickering.
Wet insulation around ventilation duct work was identified above a stained ceiling tile.
The ventilation unit serving the area was found to have obstructed air flow from a deteriorated sound liner and accumulating on the perforated air passage screen and onto the heating and cooling coils.
If staff notices an unusual and unidentifiable odor under sink station “B”, the school is to submit a work order to Building Services Plumbing Shop to assess chase and plumbing for that station.
Building Services (HVAC) cleaned the perforated air passage, heating coils, and cooling coils. A contractor will remove and/or replace damaged/failing sound liner. These findings could have generated an odor and/or thermal discomfort.
Building Services replaced defective lamps, but did not encounter any odors and/or failing lamp ballasts.
The wet insulation was removed and replaced once the source of the moisture was corrected by Building Services.