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Flataskóli - renovations

Garðabær follows specific procedures if mold is suspected in housing or municipal structures. Engineering firm Cowi (formerly Mannvit) is available to advise on sampling, remediation, and actions.

Moisture damage procedures

Case history at Flataskóli

1) Samples taken at Flataskóli

Following suggestions about air quality in Flataskóli, samples were taken in October 2022 and sent for analysis. According to an assessment by the engineering firm Mannvits, the building generally appears to be in good condition, but there were indications of moisture damage in specific areas according to the results of the sampling. Mold was detected under the floor covering in three places, in the entrance during recess, from the kitchen during recess and in the hallway in the goods reception. In the dust samples that were taken, there is reason to examine three classrooms and one connecting hallway in more detail.

2) Project status

December 2022:The space of the after-school center Krakkakot in Flataskóli was closed in December 2022 and Krakkakot's activities were moved within the school. A classroom that the Garðabær Music School had been using was also closed and teaching was moved within the school. A full audit began in December 2022.

January 2023:Following the initial results of Mannvit's comprehensive assessment, it was decided to close the school's dining hall and preschool department, as well as four classrooms in grade departments and a special education room.

News

3) Next steps

To fully ensure the safety of staff and students, the engineering firm Mannvit conducted a comprehensive inspection of Flataskóli's premises on December 22, 2022.

From the minutes of the Garðabær Town Council meeting from December 14, 2022, item 1:
The Town Council emphasizes that a thorough overall assessment of the school buildings be carried out and the condition of individual rooms be examined for signs of possible moisture damage. The Town Council believes it is important to work according to updated procedures and that employees, parents and students receive regular information about the status of the situation. The Town Council also emphasizes that the approved 2023 budget includes funding for renovations to the buildings of the town's institutions.

All areas of the building were thoroughly inspected to assess whether moisture problems were present and samples were taken where deemed necessary based on the results of moisture measurements and indications. A more detailed inspection and sampling was also carried out where evidence of spores was detected in dust samples and material samples were taken where microbial growth had previously been detected to assess the extent of contamination.

The results of those measurements are expected to be available at the end of January and beginning of February.
Mannvit is working with the municipal authorities on an action and cost plan for repairs to the school.

About the overall audit

  • In a comprehensive inspection, all spaces in the building are thoroughly inspected, including roof spaces, to assess whether there are any moisture problems. The inspection begins with a visual inspection of all spaces and looks for signs of possible moisture damage, while moisture screening is performed with a contact moisture meter on building components to check for the possibility of moisture. A thermal camera is also used in the inspection to look for cold spots and signs of moisture. This inspection, along with suggestions from staff and students' relatives about possible suspicions of moisture damage in certain spaces, gives Mannvits employees the first indications of the condition of the building.
  • Based on these indications, it is decided where and how samples are taken. Material samples are taken from suspicious building components to confirm whether or not microbial growth is present in the building material. Dust samples and/or DNA samples are taken to assess whether evidence of microorganisms (bacteria, fungal particles and spores) from moisture-damaged building materials is found in accumulated dust. This sampling seeks evidence of whether contamination as described above has spread throughout the space from which the sample is taken, or not, and thus whether or not the indoor air of the space has contained microorganisms from moisture damage that could have affected the health of the users of the space. If evidence of contamination from moisture damage is found in dust, it is generally important to understand its causes and examine the space more closely to rule out new or older moisture damage.
  • Following the results of the sampling, an assessment is made as to whether there is a need for further assessment and sampling. If contamination is detected in the material samples, further sampling is also undertaken to assess the extent of contamination in the building component and it is opened if deemed necessary.

Information about the project is provided by:

Edda Gíslrún Kjartansdóttir, assistant principal of Flataskóli,eddakj@flataskoli.is
Edda Björg Sigurðardóttir, head of department of primary and secondary music schools,eddabsig@gardabaer.is
Guðbjörg Brá Gísladóttir, Director of the Environmental Division,gudbjorgbra@gardabaer.is

Flataskóli - renovations - Garðabær