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: November 4 (6 a.m. & 12 p.m. hour) and November 24, 2021
The student's schedule was provided. Classrooms listed on the schedule were inspected along with the ventilation units serving them (units can serve several rooms per zone).
No outstanding and/or unusual odors were detected.
Housekeeping was found to be acceptable.
No mold growth was observed on surfaces or materials inspected.
No moisture concerns were identified visually or with a moisture meter.
No issues were observed above the drop ceilings.
Small portable fans were observed in classrooms 13 and 64. The fan in room 13 (located on top of a file cabinet) had a build up of visible dust on the fan's components. The fan was operating at the time and tilted downward blowing air onto a couple of nearby student desks.
The roof top ventilation units (RTUs) were in acceptable condition (outdoor air dampers open, filters in place, condensate pan and coils were clean).
The PVC condensate drain to RTU 2 was broken.
A 5 gallon container of paint was found in the return air section of RTU 2. The container was tightly sealed. No odor present.
Sections of wood walking platforms were located a few feet away from the outdoor air intake of RTU 9. The platforms were in fair condition.
A flue pipe was observed approximately 10 feet away from the outdoor air intake of RTU 1. After further review, the pipe is an abandoned exhaust (a new system was installed during a renovation) from a fume hood located in the science prep room. The exhaust is not capped (consists of an raised rain cap with open sides) and is open into the space between the roof deck and drop ceiling.
The 5 gallon can of paint was removed from the RTU by the Office of Environment at the time of the finding.
The wood walking platforms will be removed from the roof by Building Services.
The fan in room 13 is to be cleaned or replaced and then positioned so it does not blow air directly onto students. This is the responsibility of the school administration and owner of the fan.
The RTU's PVC condensate drain will be replaced and/or repaired by Building Services.
The original fume hood exhaust in the science prep room is to be sealed so the space between the roof deck and drop ceiling are not exposed in any way to the outdoor elements.