Concern: Old Cedar Lane: January 9th, 2020 (CXXOCL2020000141)

Facility
Location
Food Services Office
Date of IEQ Report Form
Date of Report
Concern
Temperature concerns were reported with the space. Additionally, the individual was concerned as several individuals were reported to have contracted pneumonia in the building.
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: January 9, 2019

The room contains four work spaces and a large conference table. All four walls are constructed of block and a drop-ceiling is present. There are windows and an exterior door within the room.

Air temperature readings (late morning) were between 69.5 and 71.9  degrees Fahrenheit. Various measurements were taken throughout the room.The individual was operating a space heater at the time of the assessment. The temperature range above references temperatures before and after the space heater was turned off.

Relative humidity was approximately 15.2%. 

Carbon dioxide (591 parts per million (ppm) and carbon monoxide (0 ppm) were acceptable.

No odors were sensed while assessing the space.

The space was screened with a thermal infrared camera. No thermal anomalies indicative of moisture intrusion were identified. 

No elevated moisture was detected within the rooms carpet.

Two traps (Integrated Pest Management (IPM)) were located at he exterior door. This would not be considered out of the ordinary.

One stained ceiling tile was observed within the space. 

No concerns were identified above the drop-ceiling. The duct work was connected, no odors were present, no mold growth was observed, no damage or staining was observed on pipe insulation. The roof deck was in good condition.

Minor dust deposits were observed on the undersides of the desks and the conference table.

The Roof Top Unit (RTU-7) that services the space was assessed by the Office of the Environment and Building Services (HVAC). The sound liner was in good condition and the filters were in good condition (recently replaced in November).

The outside air dampers for RTU-7 were closed. According to Building Services, if the outside air dampers are left open, the system cannot maintain proper temperatures. Although this is not ideal, the space seems to be receiving sufficient dilution ventilation based off of the carbon dioxide readings collected.

The Office of the Environment placed a data logger in the space to monitor temperature, relative humidity, and carbon dioxide. The following was noted:

  • Temperature during occupied hours were between 68 and 71 degrees F. HCPSS maintains a temperature set-point of 70 degree F, +/- 2 degrees.
  • The average relative humidity was 33%.
  • Carbon dioxide did not exceed 766 ppm. 

Temperature and carbon dioxide readings from the data logger were acceptable during occupied hours. Relative humidity would be considered low, however this is typical of HCPSS building's in the winter. Humidity is not added into the HVAC system as it can introduce the potential for clinical health conditions such as humidifier fever. 

Building Services (HVAC) placed two data loggers in the space to monitor temperature. No concerns were identified regarding the temperature during occupied hours by Building Services (HVAC).

The Office of the Environment does not have any medical information regarding the reported cases of pneumonia (bacterial, fungal, viral, etc.). Some forms of pneumonia are contagious, therefore multiple individuals contracting the disease does not necessarily represent an IEQ concern. 

Corrective Actions
January 21st, 2020

Custodial Services is to place a work order regarding the stained ceiling tile. If a work order is already in progress, a new one does not need to be placed.

January 21st, 2020

Custodial Services is to clean the undersides of the desks and conference table of the dust deposits.

January 21st, 2020

Further concerns regarding thermal comfort should be directed to Building Services (HVAC).

Closed
Yes
Tracking Number
CXXOCL2020000141