Note: The Office of the Environment has recently transitioned to a new Online IEQ platform (as of August 2018). The new platform does not allow the back-dating of IEQ concerns. This concern is inappropriately dated September 11, 2018. The concern should be dated August 31, 2018.
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: September 2, 4 and 5, 2018
Limited relative humidity mold growth was observed on the bottom of some chairs in the fourth and second grade pods and on some chairs (seven) in one ancillary room.
Humidity levels were elevated, however this is not uncommon on a weekend as the HVAC system does not operate (the assessment occurred on a Sunday).
No mold growth was observed in the 3rd grade pod, which is also in the basement.
Building Services (HVAC) was contacted and performed a remote assessment of the HVAC systems. No concerns were identified. The Office of the Environment has visited the school several times to monitor humidity within the Second and Fourth grade pod. No elevated humidity has been detected.
A board-approved restoration contractor cleaned/disinfected impacted items. Air scrubbers equipped with High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters were utilized during the cleaning process. The air scrubbers were left in place for sereval days after the cleaning.
The Office of the Environment inspected work on September 4, 2018 prior to school starting. Minor mold growth was observed on a few miscellaneous items. These items were cleaned/disinfected upon discovery by the Office of the Environment and Custodial Services.
Custodial Services performed a general precautionary cleaning of the entire basement level the week of September 3, 2018. This included cleaning/disinfecting surfaces and a carpet cleaning.
The ventilation configuration (heating coils within the ducts) of the school allowed Building Services (HVAC) to alter the control sequence of the HVAC to better remove humidity.