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 Assessments: August 14, 26, 31, and September 9 and 14, 2020.
August 14, 2020 - A musty odor was detected. Relative humidity was 75%. Mold was observed in the closet on the wood bookcases and wood seat pans of metal stools. The classroom had mold growth on a student desk and a fabric chair. Building Maintenance (HVAC) was notified to review the HVAC system serving the area. Mold growth was not observed in the other two rooms served by the same roof top ventilation unit during the entire assessment duration.
On August 26, 2020, the Office of the Environment decided to utilize the servives of Board approved restoration contractor to clean and disinfect the room (including closet) and leave a dehumidifier within the room until Building Maintenance was able to evaluate the ventilation system. The Office of Environment met with the restoration contractor to discuss the scope of work.
As a precuation the restoration company cleaned and disinfected surfaces of all furniture and items within the room and closet. The carpet was vacuumed (High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filtered). The room was closed off and air scrubbers utilized during the work. The work was conducted August 27 and 28, 2020.
On August 31, the Office of Environment inspected the work of the restoration contractor and noted a few spots to re-clean. In addition, the back side of xylophone keys had suspect mold growth which the contractor cleaned on the same day of the observation.
On September 9, 2020, the Office of Environment stopped by to check on dehumidifier and to place a data logger to collect temperature and relative humidity trends. The dehumidifier did not have signs of mositure in the condensate tube or in the sink where it was draining. The contractor was notified. Contractor exchanged equipment the following day. No mold growth was observed.
September 14, 2020, Office of Environment checked on the data logger and inspected for mold growth. Dehumidifier operating and no mold growth observed. Building Services HVAC Shop on-site evaluating ventilation system and found the chilled water valve to the roof top unit serving the room was 90% closed, thus not delivering enough chilled water to assist with dehumidifying the air.
The Office of Environment turned off the dehumidifier in order to ensure the HVAC system is reducing relative humidity to an acceptable level. Once confirmed, the contractor will remove the dehumidifier.
The Office of the Environment decided to utilize the services of Board approved restoration contractor to clean and disinfect the room (including closet) and leave a dehumidifier within the room until Building Maintenance was able to evaluate the ventilation system. Work was completed on August 31st.
Building Services evaluated and corrected ventilation components serving room 139.