Indoor Environmental Quality General Assessment of Atholton High School: August 31st, 2020 (GXXAHS202000001E)

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
No
A foul odor resembling a decaying carcass was detected in room G208 (science). The odor was thought to be coming from the eyewash/drench shower drains (includes floor drain), thus dried out plumbing traps allowing sewer gases to back flow. The same emergency equipment in the adjoining room is located nearby via a doorway. The inspector poured and ran water in drains of both sets of eyewash/drench shower stations. School custodial staff is to visit science rooms to ensure odor has been resolved. If not, pour more water down the drains and/or check for other sources (sink traps, inside cabinets). Submit an online IEQ concern form if all attempts fail.
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
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
No
Room B126 ceiling HVAC cassette had dirty louvers due to excessive cooling or too cold of air. Thermostat controlling the cassette was set at 66 degrees. Inspector set the thermostat to a normal set point of 74 degrees. School administration is to inform teaching and custodial staff not to adjust cooling temperature below 74 degrees. Work Order 165623 was placed for cassette to be cleaned.
No obstruction to air flow
No
Room D160 had a supply air diffuser with its louvers closed causing a whistling sound. Inspector opened louvers. School administration is to inform teaching and custodial (move louver lever when cleaning diffusers) staff not to move lever controlling vent louvers and/or be mindful of the lever when working around the ceiling vents.
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
No
The second set of wood cabinets from the left along the exterior wall in room A105 was considered wet when using a moisture meter. Further investigation is planned. Work Order 165622.
Classrooms (Assess 2 to 3 per HVAC System Zone)
Check OK Comments
Condition
Room is free of dust and clutter
Yes
No stained or damage ceiling tiles
No
Water (fresh and dry) and mold stained ceiling tiles were observed in the wrestling room (near entrance), cafeteria (near kitchen doors), and hallways (outside room D160, exit foyer near storage 41 &C140). A ceiling tile is bowed out of the grid in room F189. Custodial staff were observed changing out ceiling tiles in other locations. School custodial staff is to submit a work order to Building Services if not already being addressed.
No visible mold present (walls, cabinets, under sinks, behind posters)
Yes
Relative Humidity
Not above 70%
No
Room A105 had a residential dehumidifier within the room. School administration is to inform staff to report comfort issues to appropriate personnel so a work order can be placed to review the ventilation. Work Order 165620 was issued to investigate low temperatures, no airflow, and increased relative humidity in the following locations. Low temperatures (68-71 degrees) in rooms G200, G207, E171, and E175. Increased humidity (67-70%) in rooms G207, A105, C153, C145, and F180. No airflow from supply air vents in rooms C145, C153, G211, and F180.
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