Concern: Oakland Mills High School: February 5th, 2024 (CXOMHS20240002E8)

Location
401-405, 406-411, 503-504, 600, 609, and 700-704
Date of IEQ Report Form
Date of Report
Concern
Given the flooding that has occurred at OMHS due to the HVAC failure, I want to know what testing will be done regarding IAQ/IEQ before the students return to the building. Who will be doing the testing?
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(s) of Assessment: February 5, 6, 7, 9, and 12 2024

February 5, 2024

The Office of the Environment was informed of a leak impacting multiple classrooms at the school the morning of February 5. 

The Office of the Environment arrived onsite to begin assessing and coordinate the work of the restoration contractor. Custodial Services was already onsite and extracting standing water.

Building Maintenance had identifed the cause of the leak and had corrected it. The cause of the leak was reported to be a failed domestic hot water pipe connection.

Materials impacted included wooden casework (kickplates), drywall panels, fiberglass dust insulation, and ceiling tiles.

The wet ceiling tiles and impacted fiberglass were removed and discarded.

Fans and dehumidifiers were placed in various areas by a board-approved restoration contractor to facilitate the drying process.

February 6, 2024

The casework in several areas was determined to be dry. Drying continued in the remaining areas. 

Due to logistical issues with supplying power to the fans and dehumidifiers and due to a wall covering on the drywall panels (creates a moisture barrier, making the material more difficult to dry) it was decided to remove lower sections of impacted paneling rather than extend the drying process. Removal occurred during non-school hours under containment with High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filtered scrubbers in use during work.

Each room was assessed. The drying of casework was complete in various areas. 

February 7, 2024

Each room was assessed. The drying of casework was complete in various additional areas. 

February 9, 2024

The remaining areas (with the exception of one) were determined to be dry (either via moisture meter and/or by removal of impacted materials). A storage closet had a small section (approximately 5 linear feet of drywall that was still impacted due to the fans turning off (breaker tripping). Since additional equipment had been turned off elsewhere,  fans were able to be concentrated in the area without tripping the breaker to complete the drying process over the weekend. 

February 12, 2024

The remaining area (storage closet) was deemed dry via a moisture meter. 

The above response actions were completed in order to prevent fungal amplification associated with the above referenced failed pipe connection. 

Closed
Yes
Tracking Number
CXOMHS20240002E8