400 South Washington Avenue,
Long Beach,
98631
Washington,
United States
1. Long Beach Elementary School does not have a properly functioning HVAC system, and staff is not permitted to open windows. 2. Long Beach Elementary have removed many of the crank handles on the windows to prevent anyone from opening them. Employees are concerned about the impact of this on emergency procedures, as the building is in a tsunami zone. In the event of a near shore earthquake/tsunami, the emergency plan calls for all windows on the lower floor to be opened and all persons to go to the second floor. Opening the windows in this scenario is meant to stabilize the building as much as possible by allowing water to enter the building, equalizing pressure, instead of allowing water to build up pressure on the exterior of the building and potentially destabilizing it. Also, in the event of an armed intruder in the school, windows have proven to be a viable means of escape. This option is denied to us. Several classrooms nearly always have stagnant air. Employees have taped a thin string to the vents in several classrooms. They only move when someone walks by. Many classrooms get very warm during the day and are still warm the next morning. It doesn't seem like the system is functioning as it should. The school district has said the HVAC system is adequate, and will not provide any data to support this assertion. Another employee has requested an independent evaluation of the HVAC system, to which the district has said it is not needed. Employees would like an independent evaluation of the HVAC system, including air exchange rates. And would also like to be able to open windows to increase ventilation. LONG BEACH ELEMENTARY 400 S Washington Ave Long Beach, WA 98631
Source: Osha.gov | Receipt Date: 2021-02-18
