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: February 15, 2019
A contractor was performing punch list items for the Construction Office at the school. The contractor had installed downspouts and rain gutters along the perimeter of what use to be the mechanical room / penthouse for the original gymnasium on 2/14 and 2/15.
At the time of the odor incident, the contractor was applying Sarnacol 2170 VC Membrane Adhesive to approximately six square feet of flashing on the penthouse doorway.
The swirling winds forming in the exterior corner of the penthouse where work was being performed directed the odor into the dedicated outdoor air unit's 3 (DOAU 3) intake which was approximately 15 feet away. DOAU 3 serves the two impacted rooms. In addition, the penthouse does not currently have doors and it is possible wind forced the odor into the penthouse and through open floor penetrations (old pipes).
At the time of investigation, windows and doors (interior and/or exterior) had already been opened to air out spaces and the contractor ceased work. A faint odor resembling rubber cement could be detected in parts of the impacted rooms. A photo-ionization detector (PID) able to measure vapors detected 0.4 parts per million (ppm) and significantly below occupational exposure limits for the product's chemical components.
The incident was considered a nuisance event since "small" portion of the product was used and the work was initially performed outside, significantly diluting vapors prior to their introduction into the DOAU.
Construction Office instructed their contractor to cease roof work during school hours/while DOAUs are in operation.