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: August 19 and 23, 2022
August 19, 2022:
On August 19, Building Maintenance HVAC personnel informed the Office of the Environment that the leak was due to an overflowing condensate pan from a clogged condensate line (apparently mulch was inserted into the exterior opening to the condensate drain).
The inside of the unit ventilator was observed and found to be acceptable (filter dry and not damaged).
The use of a moisture meter (calibrated for wood and gypsum material) determined some (~2') of the wood base of the adjacent case work and adjacent drywall (~4" in height) and cement board (~1.5' in height) were wet. An inspection cut out was made within the cement board to observe wall cavity and backside of cement board. No mold growth was observed and air space existed between cement board and a cement block wall to allow for drying of the cement board.
As determined by a moisture probe, the carpet was wet along the length of the unit ventilator (a couple feet thereafter) and out a few feet from the unit. A failed installation seam was observed in the carpet a few feet from the unit ventilator. The teacher expressed some concern about the wetted carpet.
Although the Office of Environment did not see an environmental issue with the carpet even after it would dry, Building Maintenance Flooring was consulted as to possibilities to address the teacher concern and general failure of the carpet (failed installed seams). In addition, the carpet was to be cleaned by Custodial Services Carpet Crew.
The only visible mold growth and musty odor detected was associated with the wooden toy refrigerator near the unit ventilator.
August 23, 2022:
Custodial Services Carpet Crew was cleaning the carpet as the Office of Environment arrived on-site to assess work performed by Building Maintenance on August 22.
The base of the wood case work and walls were dry.
The above and corrective actions below are meant to prevent the possibility of mold growth.
Drilled holes in base of wood case work and walls so air movers could force air into cavities to dry out material. Patched inspection cut out in cement board wall. Removed section of carpet in front of unit ventilator in order to dry floor substrate so carpet squares could be installed (can be removed to dry if future wetting events). Dried any remaining damp carpet. At a later date (i.e. winter break), Building Maintenance will remove carpet and install floor tile due to the carpet imperfections.
The school moved the wooden toy refrigerator into the boiler room. The Office of Environment disinfected and instructed school to discard since damaged and musty odor.
Custodial Services Carpet Crew cleaned the carpet where teacher indicated water impacted the carpet. Work order 249920.