Concern: Lake Elkhorn Middle School: January 24th, 2020 (CXLEMS2020000147)

Location
Room 216 (FACS)
Date of IEQ Report Form
Date of Report
Concern
I am concerned about the dust and air quality in my classroom.
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: January 31, and March 3, 2020

The temperature (72.1 degrees Fahrenheit (F), carbon dioxide 842-1001 parts per million (ppm) and carbon monoxide (0.0 ppm) were acceptable.

Relative humidity (25.8%) would be considered low, 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.

No odors were detected.

No thermal anomalies indicative of elevated moisture were detected.

No mold growth was observed on wood cabinetry or shelving.

Minor dust was observed on the back of the elevated mirror and the oven hoods.

Heavier deposits of dust were observed on the bookshelf behind the teachers desk (non-issued HCPSS furniture).

Areas above the drop-ceiling were assessed: 

  • Two disconnected plumbing pipes were observed. The Office of the Environment alerted Building Services (Plumbing). Building Services investigated and indicated the pipes were properly terminated.
     
  • All remaining pipes/ducts (including hood exhausts and the drier vent) were connected.
     
  • The roof deck appeared in good condition.
     
  • Minor water staining was observed of some fiberglass pipe insulation (no mold growth was observed).
     
  • Heavy dust deposits were observed above the drop-ceiling in select areas (on the tops of ceiling tiles). A significant exposure route to the occupied space was not observed, therefore these dust deposits do not represent an environmental concern at this time.

Two stained ceiling tiles were observed.

Housekeeping could be improved within the cabinets (spices on a lazy-suzan).

Historic water damage was observed under a kitchen sink (second kitchen area from the left):

  • No mold growth was observed.
     
  • Minor water staining was observed. These areas were probed with a moisture meter (wood setting). No elevated moisture was detected.
     
  • A hole was drilled into the bottom of the cabinet to observed the backside of the water-stained shelf. No mold growth was observed.

The Air Handling Unit (AHU-11) that services the space was assessed. No concerns were identified with the unit's coils, drain pan, filters, or outside air dampers.

Corrective Actions
February 10th, 2020

The Office of the Environment requested a manager from Custodial Services assess the space to determine the effectiveness of current cleaning practices. Some minor deficiencies were noted and communicated to custodial staff.

March 9th, 2020

If work orders do not exist already, Custodial Services is to place work order for the stained ceiling tiles in the space.

March 9th, 2020

Dust deposits were observed on a bookcase not issued by HCPSS (behind the teachers desk). The cleaning of this bookshelf is not the responsibility of Custodial Services. The school's Administration is to decide if this bookshelf is to remain. If it is to remain, the shelf and the items stored on it are to be cleaned on a regular basis by the individual who brought the shelf in.

Additionally, Administration/Staff should evaluate current housekeeping practices and determine if improvements can be made.

March 9th, 2020

A work order was created for Building Services to assess the cause of the water stained pipe insulation and correct/address as necessary.

Closed
Yes
Date Closed
Tracking Number
CXLEMS2020000147