Concern: Hammond High School: January 29th, 2019 (CXHAHS20190000AC)

Location
Room 607
Date of IEQ Report Form
Date of Report
Concern
At the beginning of the academic year in 2018, an individual had concerns regarding ventilation in Room 607. The room would get extremely hot and throughout September, the ventilation system was inspected inside of the room and outside the classroom to rectify the situation. At times the room still gets very warm. The individual is concerned about air quality and noted general health symptoms.

The individual also had concerns with insects.
IEQ Investigation Process

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)
Findings

Date(s) of Assessment: February 10, 2019 and March 12, 2019

No mold growth or odors were detected in the space.

The room contains carpet. No elevated moisture was detected in the carpet.

No elevated moisture was detected in the rooms casework or drywall (moisture meter setting: wood/drywall respectively).

A thermal infrared screening was conducted in the room. No thermal anomalies indicative of moisture intrusion were observed.

The chalk tray was clean.

Clutter was observed on the casework.

The condition above the drop-ceiling was acceptable.

Temperature was acceptable (68.6 degrees Fahrenheit).

Relative humidity would be considered low (24.5%), however this is typical for HCPSS schools as the ventilation system does not humidify air before introducing it to occupied spaces. Humidification can introduce clinical health conditions such as humidifier fever.

The ventilation unit that serves the space was assessed. The filters, coils, and drain pan were acceptable.

The volume of air being supplied by the supply diffusers was measured and is within 10% (standard industry practice) of design when volume dampers are 100% open.

One supply diffuser was close enough to the return to potentially cause "short-circuiting." This means the supply air gets pulled into the return before having time to diffuse into the space.

No evidence of pest activity was observed during the assessment.

A face-plate was removed from a chase within the room. No signs of mold, moisture intrusion, or pest activity were observed within the chase.

Corrective Actions
February 10th, 2019

Should the individual have temperature concerns in the future, the concern should be directed to Building Services (HVAC). Concerns associated with pests should be directed to Integrated Pest Management (IPM).

February 10th, 2019

The individual indicated the clutter would be removed from the bookshelves while onsite on February 10, 2019. Administration is to ensure this was completed.  Clutter makes it difficult for Custodial Services to perform routine dusting, etc.

March 29th, 2019

Building Services (HVAC) moved the supply diffuser closest to the return to prevent short circuiting.

Closed
Yes
Tracking Number
CXHAHS20190000AC