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 3 and 27, and October 18 and 21, 2019
During the school's Tier II IEQ Walkthrough, moisture was detected with the use of a moisture meter (wood setting) on the back panels of casework, located along the exterior wall.
Building Services and the Office of the Environment removed a section of the casework and observed mold growth.
On October 18, a Board of Education-approved restoration contractor set up containment around the casework in each room and utilized an air scrubber within the containment. The cabinets were dismantled, disinfected / cleaned, and removed from the room. The damaged paint on the block wall was removed. The wall was then cleaned and painted. A dehumidifier was placed in each containment to dry the wall to reduce the potential for any residual damp odors. The containments and dehumidifiers remained over the weekend and were removed before the start of school on October 21.
No odors were detected after the completion of the work.
Building Services is evaluating the cause for the moisture and/or water vapor impacting the exterior block wall. The backs of the cabinets will be replaced by Building Services and cabinets will be placed back in the classrooms after the moisture concern has been resolved by Building Services.