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 of Assessment: August 31, 2021
Mold growth was observed on the outside of the refrigerator, on the shower caulk, and on the fins of the wall-mounted HVAC unit.
At the time of the assessment, the temperature and relative humidity was acceptable (Temperature = 76.6 F and Relative Humidity = 66.8%).
The wall-mounted air conditioning unit did not appear to be functional during the time of the assessment.
A supply diffuser is located on the wall (above the refrigerator). The diffuser was assessed qualitatively and is providing sufficient flow.
Several staff items are located on top of the refrigerator (picture frames, hockey puck, etc.). The top of the refrigerator as well as the items have heavy dust accumulation.
An adjoining closet contains disconnected piping that does not appear to be in use. One of the pipes runs into the ground. A humidity measurement was taken from within the pipe. The humidity within the pipe was not elevated above the ambient humidity within the space and does not appear to exacerbating the situation. A portion of some piping is also missing insulation, however this may not be a problem, if the piping is no longer in use.
Housekeeping is poor in the adjoining mechanical closet.
The cause of the growth could not be confirmed while onsite but may have had to do with the outside air dampers being open during the summer (introduces humid air into the building). HCPSS does not typically operate the units in this way during the summer, however chose to this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic (CDC recommends maximizing outside air as a mitigation measure). Additionally, the wall-mounted HVAC unit not operating would have also contributed.
Finally regarding mold growth on the refrigerator, the refrigerator may have also played a role as the outside air vent discharges air directly onto the refrigerator. Warm outside air contacting cooler air (particularly near the door gaskets) likely condensed on surfaces, influencing mold growth.
A request was made for Building Maintenance to perform preventative maintenance, correct deficiencies, and clean the wall-mounted HVAC unit in the space. Additionally, the Office of the Environment recommended that Building Maintenance improve their preventative maintenance program for wall-mounted HVAC units.
Staff items covered with dust/particulate (particularly on top of the refrigerator) can be cleaned by Custodial and/or the staff member. Note that items such as pictures, collectibles, etc. make it difficult for the custodial team to perform regular cleaning. Regular dusting/cleaning of these items is the responsibility of the staff member who brought them in.
Refrigerators are not recommended for personal use. The mold impacted refrigerator can be removed or cleaned by the staff member who is responsible for the refrigerator. The impacted areas can be cleaned using a microfiber cloth and soap and water.
The Office of the Environment recommended Building Maintenance assess the plumbing in the adjoining mechanical room, insulate the un-insulated piping if still in use and clean/correct the housekeeping issues within the mechanical room.
Custodial indicated the mold cannot be cleaned from the shower caulk. A work order was created to replace the impacted caulk.