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: February 7 and 27, 2023
February 7, 2023
Drawings (plumbing) for the school were reviewed to identify floor drains in the area prior to visiting the site.
No odors were identified when entering the locker room. However, when entering the shower area, a strong odor consistent with a dry trap(s) was identified.
The shower is used as a storage area, making it very difficult to individually assess each trap in that particular area.
Although the drains in the shower area could not be viewed due to storage, the intensity of the odor in that location indicated that a trap(s) was/were most likely dry.
Various other drains were checked with a flashlight in the changing/locker area. Water was observed in the drains and no odors were present.
The Boys Locker Room also contained a variety of storage items. Although no odor was noted, if the custodians do not have access to the drains, the same issue will occur in that location.
February 27, 2023
It was reported that the items had been removed from the locker room by Logistics on February 23-24, however an odor was still being reported.
The Office of the Environment visited the site on February 27. Although several of the drains had been filled with water, two drains were still blocked by desks and were dry when viewing with a flashlight. A strong odor was present at both of these drains (located around the perimeter of the shower area). The drains were filled with water by the Office of the Environment. Custodial was alerted to the location of these drains for future reference.
No odors have been reported since the February 27, 2023 site visit.
Custodial is responsible for pouring water down the drains however the area is not accessible due to the storage of various items. Admin/Custodian/Logistics (if applicable) will need to coordinate/work together to improve housekeeping within the shower areas. Anything that is to remain is to be stored in such a way that provides custodians access to each of the drains (i.e. eliminate tripping hazards) so that they can pour water down them (monthly is sufficient). When providing access to the drains note that there are various drains around the perimeter of each of the showers as well as in the center portion of the room. A drain map was provided via email.
The shower area in the Boys Locker Room is also used for storage. It was reported that there is no other location to store the items (ping-pong tables). If other options have been explored for storage and are not feasible, the physical education staff and custodians will need to work together to plan a day (monthly-quarterly, varies with temperature and humidity) to remove the items from the shower and pour water down each drain. If this is not completed, an odor will likely present itself in the boys locker room eventually.
It is recommended that signage be placed on the shower bays that contain drains to remind staff not to block custodial access.