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 6, 2023
The space is finished with block walls (with the exception of one drywall chase), carpet, and a drop ceiling.
The space has apparently been re-purposed from a storage closet to an office.
The temperature (74.2 degrees Fahrenheit (F)), carbon dioxide (512 parts per million (ppm)), and carbon monoxide (0.0 ppm) was acceptable.
The relative humidity (71.9-77.7%) was elevated.
The drywall chase and carpet were probed with a moisture meter. No elevated moisture was detected.
Various surfaces were assessed for visible mold growth. No visible mold growth was observed.
The housekeeping in the room appeared acceptable.
No concerns were identified above the drop ceiling.
The space has a return vent above the door and an apparent supply vent above the staff members desk. The vents were smoke tested. The return was functioning. The supply did not appear to have a significant pressure differential and may not be functioning.
The Office of the Environment reviewed prints and determined the "supply diffuser" measured was actually a transfer vent (passive), not a direct form of ventilation. This means the space does not have a dedicated supply diffuser for providing outside air and temperature control directly to the space. Smoke testing indicated temperature control and dilution ventilation is provided through pressure differentials from the main hallway.
Building Maintenance (HVAC) indicated they were involved in the design of re-purposing the space from a storage area to an office and designed a 12"x9" supply diffuser to be connected to a nearby Variable Air Volume (VAV). This design would provide conditioned air and outside air directly to the space via the ventilation system rather than through the hallway. Although the design occured, installation did not.
The HVAC system that would serve the space (RAHU-2) was assessed:
- The outside air dampers were open.
- The filter condition was acceptable.
- Minor bypass was noted at the final filters. No bypass was noted with the pre-filters.
- The condensation pan had water in it. This is not necessarily a concern, however the drain pan should be checked for proper slope and drainage as a precaution.
A data logger was placed in the space (9/7-9/19). Temperature and carbon dioxide readings were acceptable. Relative humidity was elevated at times.
Building Maintenance (HVAC) reported issues with the chiller not providing a consistent chiller water supply temperature. These issues would impact the relative humidity in the space (and potentially others).
A work order was created for Building Maintenance (HVAC) to address the minor filter bypass and to check the condensation pan for proper slop and drainage.
Building Maintenance (HVAC) is to provide ventilation to the space per their original design.
Building Maintenance (HVAC) has scheduled a contractor to assess the chiller and provide recommendations to maintain a consistent chilled water temperature.