Indoor Environmental Quality General Assessment of Running Brook Elementary School: January 6th, 2022 (GXRBES202200007C)

Assessor
Jeffrey Klenk
Date

Air Distribution and Terminal System (Assess 2-3 Locations per HVAC Zone)

Ductwork (Supply and Return)
Check OK Comments
Condition
No odors, noise or vibration
Yes
Work Order Closed by Building Maintenance
The storage room between rooms 129 and 131 had a noticeable sound of air movement from a mechanical system. A steel pipe (passive radon remediation pipe standardly installed in new construction) was observed. The pipe had been activated with a radon remediation fan (not installed by Office of Environment since no radon issues). The air gap formed around the base of the pipe and concrete floor was not sealed thus the noise may be enhanced by air drawing under the slab (Work Order #219489).
Clean, no obstructions
Yes
Free from signs of moisture/mold, insects or rodents?
Yes
No noticeable air leaks
Yes
Plenum
Check OK Comments
Ceiling Tiles
Tight seal on all tiles
Yes
Work Order Closed by Building Maintenance
A ceiling tile in the gym storage is bowed out of the ceiling grid. Custodial staff is to replace with a new ceiling tile.
No stained/damaged tiles indicating high RH or moisture problem
Yes
Supply Diffusers, Return Grilles, Exhaust Grilles
Check OK Comments
Condition
No odors or unusual sounds
Yes
Clean, no excess dirt or moisture
Yes
Work Order Closed by Building Maintenance
Cafeteria - Supply air diffusers with visible accumulation of particulate (Work Order #219488). Room 103 - Dirty air return grille (within wall at floor level). Custodial staff is to vacuum and wipe off the return grille. Room 109 - Supply air diffusers have mold spotting/grime on the metal components. Custodial staff is to clean the diffusers (all accessible surfaces) until no residue remains. Gym storage - Visible dust accumulation on the supply air diffusers. Custodial staff is to clean diffusers. Media Center - The perforated ceiling return air grilles have dust accumulation and the supply air diffusers have spotting/grime. Custodial staff to clean grilles and diffusers.
No obstruction to air flow
Yes
Work Order Closed by Building Maintenance
Room 103 had a lamp (on) at the location of the room's thermostat. This can provide a false sense of the room temperature and cause thermal discomfort (over cooling or heating). School administration is to inform staff not to place items near thermostats that can emit heat or obstruct airflow. The air return grille (within wall at floor level) in rooms 68 (bags of plastic balls) and 99 (mobile lab cart and other items) were obstructed. This hinders proper mixing of the rooms' air. School administration is to inform staff to remove items from the air return grille and always maintain at least a 3 foot clearance.
No purposely placed obstruction indicating occupant distress
Yes
Location
No short circuiting between supply and return
Yes
Doors
Doors not tight or difficult to close indicating large pressure differential
Yes

Building

Envelope
Check OK Comments
Foundation
No moisture penetration or signs of mold?
Yes
Doors and Windows
Caulking and weather stripping in good condition
Yes
Classrooms (Assess 2 to 3 per HVAC System Zone)
Check OK Comments
Condition
Room is free of dust and clutter
Yes
Work Order Closed by Building Maintenance
The closet of room/office 76 has food in its individually sealed packets, but is not in a sealed plastic bin with a lid to deter potential pests from accessing food. School administration is to inform staff to place food goods into a container with a securable lid. Room 103- Several fabric items within reading area. Students are in close contact with materials and if not regularly cleaned (not custodial responsibility) can increase the risk of potential allergen exposure. School administration is to inform staff to remove or reduce amount of throw pillows. Art room (004) had a dark brown bookcase near kiln and storage rooms that is unstable (ready to collapse; lower portion, left side). Although this is a safety item and not an IEQ matter, school administration is to have this book case removed from the school or discarded. Room 129 had a fabric saucer chair that was soiled and/or not well maintained. School administration is to inform staff to remove item from the building. Media center had several artificial plants which are coated with moderate to heavy dust accumulation. The IEQ program discourages artificial plants because they collect allergens because they cannot be properly cleaned and under certain conditions become a source of mold growth. School administration is to have the artificial plants removed.
No stained or damage ceiling tiles
Yes
Work Order Closed by Building Maintenance
Room 109 - Water stained ceiling tile near the exit sign / door. If not already being addressed, custodial staff is to submit a work order to Building Services to assess source, repair, and replace ceiling tile.
No visible mold present (walls, cabinets, under sinks, behind posters)
Yes
Relative Humidity
Not above 70%
Yes
Mechanical/Boiler Rooms (Assess Each)
Check OK Comments
Condition
Clean
Yes
No unusual noise or odor
Yes
No mold growth on insulation
Yes
Traps contain water
Yes
Chemical Storage
Containers capped
Yes
No evidence of an active spill
Yes
Fan Coil Units/VAV Boxes
Check OK Comments
Condition
No odors, or unusual noise or vibration
Yes
Work Order Number(s)
219488, 219489
Issues found durring this assessment have been assigned to the above work order(s).