Schools face a new problem – RAAC

Some schools are facing another serious building related safety issue. According to an article published in the Guardian Newspaper on 31 August 2023, more than 100 schools are facing the immediate closure of buildings constructed from potentially dangerous aerated concrete panels, plunging the beginning of term into chaos for thousands of pupils. The government has found that 156 schools in England have Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) materials in their construction, but only 52 have put mitigations in place against risks including collapse, it admitted on Thursday. Engineers have warned the material is at risk of cracking and spalling and of “shear failure”.

To read the source information, please follow this link 

Wondering what to do next about potential RAAC in your premises?

• Determine whether your property was constructed or altered during the period 1950 to the mid-1990’s. If it was then you could be at risk, and you should continue through this list.
• Review your records to see whether RAAC could have been used. Look out for typical trade names, such as Sipporex, Durox, Celcon or Thermalite.
• If you have confirmed the presence of RACC, or are unsure, then undertake targeted on-site inspections to determine its presence. The product is typically light grey or off-white in colour, easily broken or damaged with hand tools or sharp implements. A useful Government guide to identifying RAAC
• If you have identified the presence of RAAC, then arrange for a competent person to conduct tests, assist with risk assessments, and undertake remedial works as necessary.

The Government have published information on their Website:

We have published information for responsible bodies of state-funded education estates in England that, are in the process of identifying, suspect they have or have confirmed reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) in their buildings.

Guidance advises responsible bodies and settings on how to identify RAAC and what they should do if it is confirmed, including vacating and restricting access to the spaces with confirmed RAAC. 

Spaces should remain out of use until appropriate mitigations are in place.

There will be issues facing other education providers, including Academies, who are not funded by the government.

Looking for information on health and safety for schools and academies, Contact LRB Consulting Limited