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 23, 2022
Tech Ed Classroom
The temperature (72.0 Fahrenheit (F)), relative humidity (59.8%), carbon dioxide (408 parts per million (ppm)), and carbon monoxide (0.0 ppm) readings were acceptable.
Minor dust was observed on the bookshelf and books.
Surfaces were assessed for visible mold growth. No mold growth was observed.
No moldy/musty/odors of concern were identified during the assessment.
A double-layer of plywood is directly adhered to the wall underneath the windows. The plywood was bubbling in one area. This bubbly represented a possible concern for moisture behind the plywood. The top layer of plywood was removed for further inspection and moisture testing. Slightly elevated moisture was detected in a few areas, however no mold growth was identified. These areas did not correspond with the "bubbling." Insect activity was also observed. The slightly elevated moisture was likely associated with the insect activity. The majority of the panels were removed as a precaution. No odors or mold growth was observed during the removal of the panels.
A variety of decorative items were observed in the classroom (brought in by staff). Some of these times were coated with dust.
An area of caulk (where the wall meets the floor) was missing near the bookshelf. This provided a location for dust/grime/debris to collect (not easily cleaned).
The exterior door in the space was assessed. No signs of daylight were observed.
Open ducts from the former dust collection system (no longer in operation) were left open, creating a nexus between occupied areas and the area above the drop ceiling.
Areas above the drop ceiling were assessed. A layer of gypsum is adhered to the roof deck. No water staining or odors were identified above the drop ceiling.
A crawl space hatch is located in the space. The hatch was covered with a metal shelf. When the shelf was removed from the hatch, it was identified that the crawl space had not been complete sealed around the perimeter of the door (the shelf was not moved during its original caulking).
The unsealed hatch was smoke tested prior to sealing to determine the pressure differential between the crawl space and the occupied space. The crawlspace was under negative pressure at the time of the assessment, meaning air from the crawl space does not appear to be going in to occupied portions of the building. Air is actually pulled from occupied areas into the crawl space which is preferred. This limits or eliminates unconditioned/unfiltered air from the crawl space from entering occupied areas.
Tech Ed Workshop Area
The temperature (71.8 F), relative humidity (60.4%), carbon dioxide (388 ppm), and carbon monoxide (0.0 ppm) readings were acceptable.
Surfaces in the room as well as the adjoining storage closets were assessed for visible mold growth. No mold growth was observed.
No moldy/musty/odors of concern were identified during the assessment.
The transfer grille is located in the wall to transfer air between the classroom and the storage closet. Within the transfer grille was a filter. This filter contained significant dust/debris and is likely not needed.
There is plywood adhered to the wall below the windows (same as noted above), however the wood is being used for tool storage. These panels are not readily visible as there is pegboard adhered to them. Since no mold/moisture concerns were identified in the classroom area, these panels were left in place as they are being used for instruction.
There is an electrical panel box on the wall. The conduit from the panel runs through the ceiling tile into areas above the drop ceiling. The cuts around the ceiling tile to accommodate the conduit left a significant air gap.
Crawlspace
The access-way into the crawl space (located in the boiler room) was also smoke-tested and determined to be under negative pressure.
The crawlspace is equipped with four exhaust fans that operate continuously. The purpose of the fans is to maintain a negative pressure differential in the crawlspace compared to occupied areas of the building. Based on the smoke testing noted above, the crawl space does appear to be under negative pressure.
The crawlspace floor is lined with polyethylene sheeting and a spray-foam project occurred in 2015 to seal any potential exposure pathways from the crawlspace to occupied areas of the school.
With the exception of the uncaulked portion of the crawlspace hatch, there does not appear to be a significant exposure pathway from the crawl space to occupied areas of the school.
Custodial Services was requested to clean the books/bookshelves of dust.
Building Maintenance completed the following the following tasks:
- The plywood below the windows in the classroom area was removed. The wall was repainted after the removal of the plywood.
- The open ducts from the former dust collection system were sealed and relocated so that they terminate above the drop ceiling.
- The floor/wall (near the bookshelf) and the crawlspace hatch were caulked/sealed.
- The filter was removed from the transfer grille. A filter was not replaced as it does not appear to be needed.
- The void between the ceiling tile and electrical conduit was sealed.
Various staff items exist (decorative) in the classroom. The Office of the Environment recommends they be removed as they collect dust and inhibit Custodial Services from cleaning underneath of them. If the materials are to remain the staff member who brought them in is responsible for cleaning/dusting the items and the area underneath them. This is not recommended.
It is recommended that the shelf remain off of the crawlspace hatch. This way it can be assessed periodically by school staff and/or environmental staff (during IEQ Walkthroughs).