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(s) of Assessment: November 20, 2018, January 18, February 7 and 12, March 7, April 24, May 15 and 21, 2019
Room 22
No elevated moisture was detected in the casework or shelving.
A stain was observed on wood cabinetry. The stain appeared "old" and was likely from a one-time spill. No mold growth was observed. No elevated moisture was detected.
No thermal anomalies indicative of moisture intrusion were observed.
No odors were detected.
The Roof Top Unit (RTU) that services the room was in excellent condition. The filters in the unit were outdated.
The Fan Coil Unit (FCU) that services the room had minor deposits of dust within the unit.
There is a crawl space hatch within the room that has been covered by floor tile. It appears, through settlement, air can pass from the classroom to the crawl space. This was determined via smoke testing.
The smoke testing indicated that under occupied conditions, the crawl space is under negative pressure compared to the classroom. This means that classroom air pushes into the crawl space, not vice versa. Smoke testing was completed under occupied conditions, the pressure differential may be different during unoccupied times of the building (HVAC off) or differing weather conditions.
The rooms were formerly heated/cooled via unit ventilators. The unit ventilators have since been removed. Casework now covers these areas.
With the assistance of Building Services (Carpentry), a portion of the book-shelves were removed to inspect for mold growth on the backside of the casework. No mold growth was identified. Additionally, the wood studs associated with the bookshelf were probed. No elevated moisture was detected.
While the bookshelves were removed, the crawl space was inspected. The crawl space was observed to be in excellent condition (no organic matter, no odors, no standing water).
A groundhog hole is located on the outside of Room 22 (could cause water to pond and infiltrate).
Room 12
No elevated moisture was detected in the casework and/or shelving.
Housekeeping in Room 12 (particularly behind bookshelves and on chalk-trays) could be improved.
No thermal anomalies indicative of moisture intrusion were observed.
No odors were detected.
No mold growth was observed.
The RTU that services the rooms was in excellent condition. The filters in the unit were outdated.
The FCU's that service the room were acceptable.
Areas above the drop-ceiling were acceptable.
Several glues and adhesives were observed. The Office of the Environment is unaware if these materials were approved by the Office of Risk Management.
Computer Lab
No elevated moisture was detected in the carpet.
No thermal anomalies indicative of moisture intrusion were observed.
No odors were detected.
No mold growth was observed.
The RTU that services the room was in excellent condition. The filters in the unit were outdated.
The FCU's that service the room were acceptable.
Areas above the drop-ceiling were acceptable.
The volume of outside air was measured and was less than designed. This information was provided to Building Maintenance (HVAC). Building Maintenance indicated that the ductwork supplying outside air to the computer lab and media center was leaking.
An access port was cut into the ductwork serving the Computer Lab. The ductwork was visibly clean. A sound liner or insulation was not present within the ductwork.
Crawlspace
The crawlspace under Room 22, Room 12, and the Computer Lab was assessed. The crawl space is in good condition with plastic sheeting on the ground and sealed at the walls. Additionally, penetrations have been sealed with spray foam. There does not appear to be a significant nexus between the crawl space and the occupied potions of the building.
Media Center
Areas above the drop-ceiling contained exposed fiberglass insulation. It should be noted that it would be unlikely for a significant amount of fibers to enter the supply ductwork as the ductwork would be under positive pressure.
The outdated HVAC filters were replaced.
The minor dust was cleaned for the ceiling mounted FCU in Room 22.
The perimeter of the crawl space hatch was sealed with caulk prior to replacing the casework. New flooring was placed over the other portion of the hatch that is not covered by casework.
The groundhog hole was filled. Administration may want to consider relocating the exterior shed adjoining Room 22. The shed appears be supporting soil, making it easier for the groundhog to tunnel.
A request was made for Custodial Service's specialized cleaning crew to perform a detailed cleaning of Rooms 12, 22, the Computer Lab and the Television Studio. Cleaning was completed on February 25, 2019.
Administration is to ensure that all chemicals (adhesives, household cleaning chemicals, cosmetics, etc.) not approved by HCPSS are removed from the work areas.
Building Maintenance (HVAC) is currently working with an Engineer to have the duct work to the media center (including the TV Studio and Computer lab) unit sealed. The exposed fiberglass insulation above the drop-ceiling will be removed during this work. According to Building Services, the insulation is no longer needed due to a recent roof replacement. Physical work will occur during the Summer of 2019. The date provided is an estimated completion date.