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: April 25 and 29, and May 3, 2022
The Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system that serves the space includes a wall-mounted Fan Coil Unit (FCU), which maintains temperature (recirculates air already in the space) and one supply diffuser that is connected to a Dedicated Outdoor Air Unit (DOAS), which supplies outdoor air for general dilution.
The room consists of carpet and a drop-ceiling. The walls are primarily block with one wall being drywall.
No odors were identified during any of the assessments. Two different assessors visited the space as odors can be subjective. Neither identified an odor of concern in the space during the visits.
No elevated carpet moisture was detected.
No visible mold was observed on surfaces.
The room was screened with a thermal imaging camera. No thermal anomalies indicative of moisture intrusion were identified.
The case work (wood), located below the windows was probed with a moisture meter (wood setting). No elevated moisture was detected.
The temperature (72.9 F), relative humidity (49.1%), carbon dioxide (721 parts per million (ppm)), and Volatile Organic Compound concentration (0.0 ppm) were acceptable.
Areas above the drop-ceiling were assessed with no signs of odors, mold, or moisture intrusion issues.
During the May 3, 2022 assessment a window was open in the space.
A stained ceiling tile (small) was observed near the front of the class.
Minor dust was observed on the metal supply diffuser (ceiling).
Heavy dust accumulations were observed on various items/decorations that were brought in by staff.
The adjoining restrooms and custodial closet were assessed for odors. No odors were identified. The exhaust fan in the custodial closet was assessed qualitatively (tissue test) and is functional.
No odors were sensed in the vicinity of the FCU exhaust or the DOAS supply diffuser.
The FCU was inspected and the following items were identified:
- The coils were in good condition with water dripping off of them into the drain pain (qualitatively indicating cooling/dehumidification was functional).
- The filter was heavily loaded with dust and was installed July 2021.
The DOAS unit was assessed and the following items were identified:
- The outside air dampers were open.
- The filters, coil, and drain pan appeared in good condition.
- A wooden ladder was being stored within the unit.
School staff are to keep windows closed. This helps the HVAC system run more efficiently and reduces the amount of unfiltered air containing allergens (pollen, mold, etc.) that comes into the building. It also provides benefits related to pest management (particularly stinging insects).
Custodial staff can place a work order for Building Maintenance to address the cause of the stained ceiling tile if one is not already in progress.
A work order was submitted to address the FCUs filter. The work order noted that each of the school's FCU filters may need attention if the remainder of the school is on the same schedule as Classroom 28
A work order was submitted for the ladder to be removed from the DOAS unit.
Custodial Services is to clean the dust off of the metal ceiling-mounted supply diffuser.
Administration is to ensure the staff member who brought the various decorations in is to clean/dust them and then is to maintain their cleanliness so long as they remain in the building.