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)
Date of Assessment: August 17, 2021
On August 17, 2021, the Office of Environment conducted the school's annual IEQ walk through inspection and observed mold growth in rooms 6 (fabric chair) and 12 (fabric chair and couple of student desks). The chairs were removed to be discarded or HEPA vacuumed & wiped down with a disinfectant by custodial staff.
The portable wing contains restrooms and twelve classrooms. The time of day on the thermostats was not correct (off by hours) due to a past power outage. The relative humidity percentage in some classrooms was in the upper 80s to lower 90s. The restroom tiled floors were slick. The table tops in classroom 1 were wet to the touch.
Building Services was contacted to assist with reviewing and properly setting the thermostats. Building Services utilized their contractor responsible for portables' ventilation units. The contractor determined once the thermostat was satisfied, the ventilation units' fan would run for an additional 20 minutes instead of the common minute or so to purge the conditioned air from the unit and duct. The contractor inspected the outdoor air dampers and did not report any negative findings (stuck open).
The Office of the Environment utilized a restoration contractor to set up four dehumidifiers in classrooms (1, 4, 6, and 12) thought to be of main concern to prevent or minimize additional growth until ventilation was rectified. The dehumidifiers were removed a few days later.
On August 18, 2021, the HVAC contractor replaced all thermostats with new and programmed them.
On August 23, 2021, the Office of Environment reassessed the portable wing and found thermostats properly set and relative humidity levels acceptable (<60%). Additional mold growth was found in rooms 4 (three student desks) and 8 (under table and on rubber mat). Past and current mold growth was addressed by Office of Environment by cleaning with a disinfectant and discarding an impacted rubber mat.