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)
Dates of Assessment(s): February 5, 10, and 21, 2020.
An odor was not detected during the visits which consisted of early morning (after a weekend), mid morning, and afternoon.
An odor was not generated within the restrooms or 223A after flushing and running restroom plumbing fixtures to stir up sewer gases within sanitary vent and/or discharge lines.
The sewer like odor reportedly started at the end of last school year into this school year while the chemical and/or moldy like odor has been since returning back from winter break after a water incident (Variable Air Volume (VAV) related event that collapsed a wet ceiling tile) and wetted the carpet. The odor is said to be present every day all day, but improved slightly after carpet cleaning.
The room was noticeably warm during the initial visit. Staff indicated it has always been hot in the room. The thermostat cover was not secured and the set point was at 55 degrees Fahrenheit (F). Upon further review by the Office of Environment and Building Services HVAC Shop, the thermostat and the controller for the variable air volume (VAV) box serving the room were not working. In addition, the volume of air (cubic feet per minute / cfm) discharging from the air supply diffusers was more than the stated / designed on the mechanical prints (150 cfm per supply air diffuser per print, but actually providing 250 cfm each).
A data logger to collect temperature readings was placed in the room after the failed thermostat and controller were replaced and VAV box set to proper CFMs on February 10th. The data logger was collected on February 21st. The temperature was within acceptable range of 68-70 degrees.
The outdoor air dampers within the air handling unit serving the classroom (along with entire wing) were open.
The carpet did not exhibit an unusual or outstanding odor. The carpet was well adhered to the floor. Delamination would occur if water was able to penetrate which should not be possible with the commercial grade carpet installed within HCPSS.
The school placed three work orders to have the carpet cleaned as a result of this concern. Custodial Services carpet crew cleaned twice using the Whittaker method and will be doing an upcoming wet extraction.
The vinyl cove base was removed from the base of the drywall that the water event may have impacted. No odor or residual mold growth was present.
The classroom and the restrooms share a wall. The wall appears to be solid to the roof deck with exception to small gap around a conduit penetration. In addition, the restroom ceilings are solid / hard (drywall, not ceiling tile). The ceiling hatches in the restrooms were opened to inspect above hard ceilings. No issues were detected above the ceilings.
No concerns were observed above the drop ceiling within the classroom.
The adjoining classrooms to 223A are typical classrooms (non-science) not likely to generate / emanate odors under normal operating conditions.
Building Services replaced the bad thermostat and VAV controller and set pressure in VAV to provide proper minimum and maximum CFMs.
Custodial Services carpet crew is to clean carpet to assist with addressing reported odor concern. Work orders 144467, 145479, and 146890.