Concern: Applications and Research Laboratory: November 10th, 2021 (CXXARL2021000200)

Location
B-22
Date of IEQ Report Form
Date of Report
Concern
I have several tiles that are stained and I am developing headaches every time I work in my office.
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

Dates of Assessment:  November 15 and 24, 2021

No outstanding or unusual odors were detected prior to occupancy.

No mold growth was observed on inspected surfaces and materials.  This includes areas surrounding the office.

No issues (i.e. roof deck, pipe insulation) were observed above the drop ceiling.  This includes areas surrounding the office.

Ceiling in good condition.

Carpet was dry per use of a moisture probe.

Housekeeping was acceptable.

The office was 70 degrees Fahrenheit and relative humidity was 14% (not uncommon during this time of the year and portable humidifiers are not permitted).

The carbon dioxide measurement (used to evaluate HVAC performance) within the office prior to occupancy was 490 parts per million (ppm).  The outdoor measurement was 490 ppm.  The guideline is for the interior space to be at or below outdoor air CO2 ppm + 700 ppm).

No combustion appliances are present or part of the ventilation system, thus carbon monoxide is not a potential concern.

The area consists of an air return plenum.  The opening of the return duct (located above drop ceiling) to the roof top ventilation unit (RTU) serving the area is unobstructed (wire mesh free of dust accumulation).

Quantitative air volumes were collected from 3 of the 4 supply air diffusers using a balometer.  The balometer could not be placed beneath the one diffuser due to a partial wall, however, via qualitative means, air was being supplied. The cubic feet per minute (CFMs) were 155, 168, and 280.  

The volume of the office space is 3,024 ft3.  Theoretically, the office is receiving up to 15 air exchanges per hour.  The diffuser not abled to be measured with the balometer was assumed to be providing 155 CFM.

Building Services HVAC Control Specialists met onsite to discuss recent work performed in the last week on RTU #10 serving the area of concern.  The below deficiencies were identified and corrected:

  • The outdoor air dampers were closed due to an obstruction.
  • Air conditioning controller out of calibration.
  • Heat valve was closed and strainer clogged.  No heat provided by the RTU.
  • The RTU heat sensor / thermostat was replaced and calibrated.
  • The reheat coil (electric) within duct work to office was out of calibration.  Controlled by thermostat in the office.  The reheat coil was operating even during air conditioning. 

The RTU's coil had minor to moderate particulate accumulation.

A small section of insulation (pressed board) was dislodged from the underside of a portion of the RTU's exterior duct work.

 

 

 

Corrective Actions
November 24th, 2021

A work order was created for Building Services to clean the coils and adhere or replace the piece of exterior duct insulation.

November 24th, 2021

The Office of Environment will perform a CO2 measurement during occupancy to compliment the testing of the outdoor air damper controls when installed by HVAC Control Specialists.

Closed
Yes
Date Closed
Tracking Number
CXXARL2021000200