About RAAC
Reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) is a lightweight aerated concrete. It is mostly used as panels in flat roofs and sometimes in floors and walls.
As it ages it can crack or bend which in severe cases can lead to roof collapse.
There have been some recent cases across the country where buildings using RAAC panels in roofs have failed without warning.
The Department of Education decided that schools must restrict any areas of buildings using RAAC until they are checked.
Check if a school uses RAAC
We have investigated the schools that we are responsible for, and none contain RAAC.
Checking if a building uses RAAC is the responsibility of:
- the local authority for all local authority-maintained schools
- the Academy Trust for academies
- the building owner for buildings that are not schools
Visit GOV.UK for a list of schools with RAAC.
Reviewing the use of RAAC in our other buildings
RAAC was commonly used in school buildings in the 1950s and 1990s, but it may have been used in other buildings too.
We have reviewed our list of buildings to identify any sites that may use RAAC. We are now arranging surveys. A surveyor will contact any sites with RAAC to arrange these.
If we find RAAC in a property, the occupier will need to vacate the affected space until a structural engineer has inspected it.
Resolution of the RAAC will depend on the severity and amount found in the building and all options will be considered.