RAAC is still an issue you need to act on
Posted by Mollie Pike on Aug 08, 2024
What is RAAC?
RAAC is a lightweight, ‘bubbly’ form of concrete commonly used in construction between the 1950s and mid-1990s. It is predominantly found as precast panels in roofs, commonly found in flat roofs, and occasionally in floors and walls.
Why is it dangerous?
Improper use of RAAC in buildings, without adequate engineering and design considerations, can lead to structural instability, potentially resulting in building failures or collapses, with the chance for serious or fatal injuries.
Additionally, any RAAC collapse or deterioration could disturb hazardous asbestos-containing materials. As most UK schools contain asbestos, disturbing asbestos fibres can lead to health risks when inhaled, potentially causing serious illnesses later in life.
Schools
There are over 22,000 schools and colleges in England. 234 education settings have confirmed RAAC.
119 of these schools will need one or more buildings rebuilt or refurbished where work to remove RAAC are more extensive and complex.
The 110 schools and colleges that work to remove RAAC will be on a smaller scale and will have access to grant funding to pay for the work.
Hospitals
The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has published a list of 42 hospitals in England that have evidence of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) - 18 more than were previously made public.
Prisons
RAAC has been identified in multiple prisons across the UK. HMP Northumberland found cases in two housing blocks, where the category C prison usually holds up to 1,348 men but they have had to decrease numbers to 112 following the closure for repairs.
Has your organisation been affected by RAAC?
Compliantly procure a temporary building to keep business running whilst taking out the correct measures to remove this dangerous form of concrete.
Accessible to the whole public sector, our Temporary and Semi-permanent Buildings framework enables organisations to hire and purchase a diverse range of temporary and semi-permanent buildings, to suit various purposes.
With our varied list of awarded suppliers, you will be able to purchase or hire the following goods and services:
- Modular buildings
- Cabins
- Containers
- Tents/marquees
- Design services
- Delivery of goods
- Project management
- Construction/installation
- Collection
- Maintenance
- Associated goods/services onsite audit
- Data erasure
- Asset recycling
- Asset remarketing
- Secure construction
For more information visit our Temporary and Semi-permanent Buildings framework.
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