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) of Assessment: June 14, 2019 and July 8, 2019
No odors were detected during any of the assessments.
The sewer lines were inspected and appeared to be connected and vented out of the health suite to the above mechanical room and then to the roof.
The floor drains in the upstairs mechanical room contained water.
A small spill (water) was observed in a nearby mechanical room but appeared incidental. The spill was reported and dried.
An odor was recently investigated in the Family and Consumer Science classroom, under IEQ Concern #CXWLMS20190000CC. The following deficiency was identified:
- The floor drain trap between heat pump 30 and 31 was dried out in mechanical room 262. A dried out trap can allow for odors to back-flow. Any air leakage in the heat pump equipment may draw in the odor and introduce into the occupied space.
- School administration was to inform custodial staff to dump water down the floor drain between heat pump units 30 and 31 (labeled) located in the mechanical room 262. When walking into 262, it is the two units on the far left side towards the back corner (air filters stored nearby). Custodial staff should periodically pour water (~5 gallons) down the floor drains in the mechanical room to keep the traps from drying out.
The Office of the Environment spoke with custodial staff and they indicated that water was poured down the drains. As no odor was detected by the Office of the Environment in reference to this concern, it is possible that pouring water down the drains in reference to the previous concerns alleviated the odor reported in the health room.
School administration is to inform staff to immediately contact the Office of Environment when the odor is detected. The Office of Environment will visit if readily available.