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)
Dates of Assessment: August 17, 2021 to September 14, 2021 (ongoing)
Both Office of Environment and Building Services responding as necessary.
A severe storm caused water to a condensate drain line that runs into a pipe to overflow. The pipe is located in a block wall shared by the server and PTA rooms. The block wall cavity, pipe insulation within the wall, carpeting (PTA room), and sheet of plywood attached to server room wall were impacted.
School custodial staff extracted and dried the carpeting in the PTA room.
The Office of Environment pulled off the vinyl cove base from impacted walls to assist with drying. A drain cleanout cover was removed from the PTA wall along with propping open a small access door. A carpet blower was placed to force air into the wall cavity to facilitate drying. Another fan was placed to dry the base of the plywood.
All impacted items were dry upon a subsequent visit.
Upon the subsequent visit, the school's Day Building Supervisor indicated there was water staining on the drywall bulkhead on the second floor under the skylight and art room C24. This occurred during the same time as the above incident, but went unnoticed. The Office of Environment determined with the use of a moisture meter the drywall was dry. No mold growth was observed on the backside of bulkhead.
On September 1, 2021, the school reported the drywall bulkhead was wetted again due to another rain event. Building Services were instructed to place mini carpet blowers within the bulkhead to facilitate drying until the source of the leak could be repaired.
Building Services indicated a damaged component of the skylight caused the bulkhead damage.
The above extraction of water and drying wet material using air movers is done to prevent possible microbial growth.
Building Services installed a check valve within the condensate line located between the wall shared by the server and PTA rooms. The vinyl cove base was re-adhered. The skylight was repaired. The bulkhead will be repaired / painted.