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: October 12, 2021
The room is an interior room, finished with floor tile, drywall, and a drop ceiling. The wall that adjoins the main hallway is block. The room adjoins a bathroom.
The room contains one supply diffuser and one return air grille. The supply diffuser is discharging air in the 50's (Fahrenheit (F)) which is acceptable. A tissue was placed on the return air grille to see if it was functioning. The tissue "stuck" to the grille indicating the return fan is functioning.
The room is served by a single Variable Air Volume (VAV) box which regulates the volume of air delivered to the space for temperature control. The VAV box receives outside air from a Roof Top Unit (RTU-3).
The temperature (73.4 F) and relative humidity (64.0%) were acceptable during the assessment.
No odors were sensed when entering the room (early morning).
The drywall and casework was probed with a moisture meter. No elevated moisture was detected.
The room was scanned with a thermal infrared camera. No temperature anomalies indicative of moisture intrusion were identified.
Minor deposits of dust/debris were observed on the blue shelving and the whiteboards marker tray. These do not appear significant.
The room contains a portable air purifier provided by HCPSS due to the pandemic. The unit is functional and the High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter was present within the unit.
A pipe chase is located behind the entry door. The chase was opened up to assess for evidence of mold/moisture. No concerns were identified within the chase.
Bags of candy (some open) were observed in the bottom desk drawer and could represent a pest management issue. No evidence of pests were observed.
A house plant with no secondary container was observed in the space.
Areas above the drop-ceiling were assessed. No concerns were identified with the pipe insulation or gypsum roof deck. The gypsum roof deck was also scanned with a thermal infrared camera. No thermal anomalies indicative of moisture were identified.
The bathroom adjoining the space was assessed. The drain trap in the floor was charged with water and the exhaust fan was functional (tissue test, as above).
The RTU (RTU-3) that serves the space was assessed. The filters were in good condition (recently replaced July 2021), the coils were in good condition, and the outside air dampers were open.
Within the fan section of the unit, several feet of black pipe insulation was observed to be damp. A few square inches of mold growth was observed on pipe insulation. Other portions of the insulation were observed to be wet. No odors were sensed within the unit.
Building Maintenance (HVAC) removed and replaced the pipe insulation within the unit.
Open food packages are not to be stored within the building. If the food items are to remain, they must be sealed in a plastic container to avoid pest management issues.
Given the individual is experiencing a general health symptom, it is recommended that the houseplant be removed from the space. The current pot is very dry and it is possible for naturally occurring allergens (mold) from the soil to become airborne. If the plant is to remain (not recommended), it must have a secondary container to contain any spilled/overflow of water.
Although not believed to be significant, Administration, the individual with the concern, and the custodial team can work together to move staff items so that the bookshelves and marker tray can be thoroughly vacuumed with a HEPA vacuum and dusted.