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: August 23, 2018
A slightly damp odor could be detected and was towards the back of the work shop classroom. This was based on normal room conditions (no dust collector, normal ventilation, class not in session, no recent use of the room). The odor was thought to be coming from the supply air diffusers.
No mold growth was observed on inspected classroom surfaces.
The ventilation unit serving the area is located within the wood storage closet. The coils had a moderate to heavy particulate load.
The dust collector system was found to contain damp wood dust / debris and fabric filters.
Building Services cleaned the coils of the ventilation unit serving the technology education area.
Building Services rendered the services of the contractor who recently disassembled/rebuilt the dust collector to assess the unit. The contractor found a leak through a duct seam. The seam was sealed. The filters were to be replaced upon receiving new filters and scheduling a day to do the work.
The school is to contact Facilities if they are unsure of the following:
- Emptying dust collector barrels.
- Some dust collectors have a mechanism to shake the filters to dislodge wood debris from the filter system into the barrels. The mechanism may need to be activated (push button on system controls) by school staff. School is to contact Building Services for assistance if they cannot determine if the dust collector system has this feature or where the shaker button is located, etc.