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)
During a Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) project, a suspect gasket material was identifed within the hot/cold water piping associated with the HVAC equipment (within the roof top mechanical rooms).
The gaskets were previously inaccessible as they are bolted inside the flange, where two pipes connect.
Once the contractor identifed the presence of the suspect asbestos-containing material (ACM), further work with the gaskets was stopped to prevent disturbance. The Office of the Environment was contacted for further assessment.
The Office of the Environment collected bulk samples of the suspect material, confirming the presence of asbestos within the gaskets.
Removal work will be conducted by a licensed asbestos abatement contractor. The removal work will include engineering controls to isolate the material and the work will be overseen by a 3rd-party industrial hygienist as well as the HCPSS Office of the Environment.
The Office of the Environment would not anticipate the historic presence of this material to have an impact on individuals who have previously occupied the building prior to the materials discovery due to the following:
- The gasket material is non-friable, intact, and in good condition. This means we would not anticipate asbestos fibers to become airborne because they are essentially sealed into the matrix of the gasket. If the fibers cannot be released and become airborne, there isn’t an exposure route to occupants.
- The gaskets were bolted inside water piping and were not accessible until recently disassembled/dismantled. The material has essentially been enclosed since installation. This would also prevent the release of fibers into the air.
It is also important to remember that although the material was identifed during an HVAC project, it is associated with interior water piping (for the HVAC equipment) and would not be anticipated to be in the air stream of the ventilation equipment.