Background
Our client, a major media company, reported complaints of unpleasant odours on an intermittent basis in a ground floor office of their modern, air-conditioned London headquarters. They had made various inspections of the area and the supply air equipment without identifying a cause or source. First Environment was called in to investigate on their behalf.
Scope
To attend site, evaluate the area concerned and devise a sample strategy with the aim of identifying a source for the odours.
Core tasks
- Inspection of the affected area
- Discussion with staff in the affected area to determine the nature and frequency of the odour
- Set-up of sample stations for a range of organic and physical parameters
- Review of results and findings
Outcome
Following initial discussions with site staff, and drawing on experience of similar projects, First Environment was able to focus on a specific set of likely causes. This allowed the sample strategy to be narrowed, limiting the cost of the investigation. Through a combination of inspection and measurement, the source was traced to an open waste water pipe in the ceiling void that was intermittently releasing stale odours into the occupied space.
Summary
By drawing on experience of similar investigations, First Environment was able to quickly identify and resolve what had been a long-standing problem. The client was able to make a simple closure to the pipe and the problem was resolved within a week of our involvement.