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: December 28 and 30, 2022 and January 1 and 4, 2023
The HVAC coil from room 91 impacted rooms 86, 88, 91, 94, and 95 and occurred December 28. The minor incident in the staff lounge happened a few of days prior and was related to the unit ventilator within the staff lounge.
HCPSS Facilities initially responded by isolating water sources and extracting water. Then a Board approved restoration contractor was utilized to remove or dry wetted materials. The school custodial staff assisted in sorting teaching materials and moving furniture from room 91 (source of second incident involving another unit ventilator).
The unit ventilator was the source of the leak within the staff lounge. Two 4' sections (2' from the floor) of drywall surrounding the ventilation unit was removed and replaced.
On December 28, the Office of Environment performed an assessment using visual cues and moisture meters. The majority of Room 91 was impacted due to the source being within the room. Additionally, the discharge was hot water, elevating humidity in the space which created a humid environment, impacting papers and ceiling tiles (would eventually bow). Each classroom involved had some impacted drywall, base of wood casework, wood bookcases, and carpeting. The footprint of rooms 86, 81, and 91 were completely impacted (entire floor wetted) while rooms 94 and 95 had a small amount of water entering their doorways.
The ceiling tile in room 91 was removed and replaced. The carpet in Room 91 needed to be replaced, as water was able to get underneath the carpet, due to visible/failed seams. Although the Office of the Environment only recommended that Room 91's carpet be replaced, Building Maintenance decided to replace carpeting in all of the above rooms.
Where drywall was impacted, two feet of drywall from the floor and related fiberglass wall insulation was removed and the other side of the drywall dried. The base of wood casework was removed and/or drilled with holes to allow forced air from air movers to dry the wood and under casework. Bookcases constructed of particle board with a laminant covering were to be replaced since laminant makes it difficult to dry, thus negatively impacting the integrity of the bookcase due to swelling and warping of the particle board.
The Office of Environment assessed drying on December 30 and January 1. The plaster wall in room's 91 storage closet was questionable along with minor portions of drywall in the hallway just outside the classrooms doors impacted by the water.
On January 4, the Office of Environment and restoration contractor verified all original impacted materials identified were dry.
On January 9, while Building Maintenance was involved with carpet replacement in room 110 (not a result of flooding), they reported to the Office of Environment that some drywall was moist. The Office of Environment instructed Building Maintenance to address drying and/or removing as necessary.
The above work removing and drying impacted materials was to prevent the potential for microbial growth.
Building Maintenance contractors removed and replaced carpeting and installed drywall and refinished areas.