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 of Assessment: August 12, and August 16, 2022
When the Office of the Environment arrived the refrigerator had been removed and the leak (reported to be a pin hole) was isolated by Building Maintenance (Plumbing).
Building Maintenance had drilled holes in the base of the cabinetry and drywall in the vicinity of the leak and placed fans to facilitate drying.
At the time of initial assessment it was undetermined if the leak was a result of the refrigerator being moved (line removed forcefully or not properly turned off before disconnecting) or if it was an ongoing leak that was identified because the refrigerator was moved.
Moisture testing indicated that the drywall behind the refrigerator, the partition wall next to the refrigerator, and approximately two linear feet of drywall in the adjoining dinning area were impacted (elevated moisture content).
The copper line was observed to be corroded in the area where it would have been stored behind the refrigerator. The copper line also runs through cabinetry. The copper line appeared in good condition. The interior of the cabinetry the line runs through was not impacted (no visual staining or elevated moisture per moisture meter) by the leak.
Based on moisture readings the Office of the Environment surmised that the line had been leaking for some time (slow leak that went unnoticed due to drywall absorbing water). A test cut of the drywall behind the refrigerator's previous location was completed and mold growth was observed on the backside of the drywall.
Based on these findings, drywall was removed from the staff lounge, partition wall, and dinning area. Mold growth was only observed directly behind the refrigerator (on the backside of the drywall). Additional drywall was removed as the Office of the Environment could not confirm how long the drywall had been wet.
Additionally, a test cut was conducted in the adjoining classroom (Room 112) to observe drywall that was not readily accessible from the staff lounge due to cabinetry. No additional mold growth was observed.
Fans were left in place to dry the base of the cabinetry in the staff lounge. Air was also forced behind the cabinetry via Room 112 to assist in the drying process.
The Office of the Environment returned on August 16th. The cabinetry was dry per a moisture meter. Building Maintenance was alerted that the space was ready for reinstallation of drywall, cove base, etc.
The drywall with elevated moisture content and the mold impacted drywall was removed and discarded.
The Office of the Environment spoke with Building Maintenance (Plumbing) regarding the replacement of the refrigerator ice machine line. Building Maintenance indicated they would be replacing the line with a vinyl line due to the corrosion on the former copper line.