Concern: Oakland Mills High School: September 5th, 2018 (CXOMHS2018000030)

Location
Mechanical Room
Date of IEQ Report Form
Date of Report
Concern
An individual reported possible mold on the exterior of an air duct panel. The suspect mold growth was observed in a mechanical penthouse located adjacent to the auditorium catwalk.
IEQ Investigation Process

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)
Findings

Date of Assessment: November 20, 2018

The discoloration was observed to be on the exterior of a return duct panel (sheet metal) associated with ventilation return fan #7.

The discoloration appeared to be dirt with some questionable spotting around raised / "pimply" paint on the sheet metal.

A large access panel exists and was opened to inspect the back side of the sheet metal panel in question.  No concerns were observed.

Other metal duct work within the mechanical room had similar dirt distribution on the exposed sheet panel with no raised / pimply areas giving the appearance of mold spotting.

Other sheet metal panels having similar dirt accumulation were rough in texture allowing for particulate to readily adhere.

The appearance of dirt on other sheet metal panels shadowed the shape of a triangle due to the stamping / configuration of the sheet metal.  It appears imperfections, anomalies, and stamping / indentations of the sheet metal allows for the dirt accumulation.

Corrective Actions
November 20th, 2018

The surface was cleaned with a disinfectant.

Closed
Yes
Date Closed
Tracking Number
CXOMHS2018000030