Note: The Office of the Environment has recently transitioned to a new Online IEQ platform (as of August 2018). The new platform does not allow the back-dating of IEQ concerns. This concern is inappropriately dated September 29, 2018. The concern should be dated August 8, 2018.
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) Investigated: August 28, 2018
Some paint on the cement block walls was abraded to give the appearance of mold growth.
Some grime/dirt was observed on the aged caulking which is located atop of the metal backsplash.
Some mold growth was observed on the cement block wall surrounding tray / dish return window and at the beginning of the dishwasher.
Some dirt was observed on the cement block walls.
The ceiling tile grid was observed to be rusty.
A small exhaust grille is located in the dish washing area. It was on and is operable via a wall switch.
The sash to the tray / dish return window was open.
The kitchen area does not appear to have significant ventilation with exception to a large exhaust hood over cooking appliances.
Knowing the environment of a dish washing area, steam, water, and food waste, it does not to seem unusual to observe mold growth.
The dish washing area may be under negative pressure and pulling cooled conditioned air from the cafeteria, thus the cool air condensing on warmer surfaces within the dish washing room.
School custodial staff is to periodically clean the walls of the dish washing room so dust and debris do not become a food source for mold growth. School custodial staff is to clean the walls of the dish washing room with a cleaner/disinfectant.
Building Services HVAC Shop will be contacted to evaluate the ventilation design in the dish washing room to see if mechanical prints match and/or any improvement can be made. The observations may just be the nature of the area based on activities taking place within a dish washing area.