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: July 31, August 2, and 5, 2024
During an Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) walkthrough of the school, the Office of the Environment observed the presence of relative humidity mold growth (less than 5 square feet) on cloth office chairs and wicker storage baskets.
The thermostat was set to have the fan mode to “on” instead of “auto” and the temperature was set to 66 degrees Fahrenheit. These settings are not in accordance with the HCPSS Summer Operation Schedule. The Office of the Environment set the thermostat to be in accordance with the Summer Operation Schedule.
The Office of the Environment observed that lock box around thermostat had been removed, suggesting the thermostat settings had been tampered with.
The cause of the mold was the incorrect operation of the HVAC systems fan mode and/or the temperature being set too low (overcooling).
On August 2, 2024, a board approved restoration contractor visited the site to clean/disinfect impacted areas vacuum using a High Efficiency Air Purifying (HEPA) vacuum cleaners. The remainder of the portable was cleaned/disinfected as a precaution. Two air scrubbers were left within the portable over the weekend.
Building maintenance to evaluate HVAC system to ensure it is set correctly and secure box to prevent settings from being altered.
On August 2, 2024, a board approved restoration contractor visited the site to complete cleaning. Two air scrubbers were left within the portable over the weekend.
On August 5, 2024, The Office of the Environment visited the site. The Office of the Environment did not observe visible or olfactory indications of mold.
The restoration contractor revisited the site to pickup equipment after the Office of the Environment confirmed completion of cleaning.