RAAC FAQ's
RAAC was commonly used in construction between the 1950s and the 1990s. The current Forres Academy building opened in 1969. At the time, RAAC was used as it was relatively lightweight, which made transportation, lifting and handling easier, and reduced the load to supporting structures and foundations. It also had good thermal properties and was fire resistant.
The Scottish Government has been working with local authorities, NHS Scotland and other public sector organisations to understand the extent of the RAAC issue in public buildings and to ensure remedial work and mitigations had been put in place where needed.
Where moisture has been able to get into the concrete its strength can be weakened. Structural problems have been identified in a small number buildings elsewhere which have been constructed using RAAC. Engineers are working nationally to better understand the issues. The lifespan of RAAC is now estimated to be around 30 years.
On 31 August 2023 the UK Department of Education published updated guidelines for schools in England containing RAAC, based on new information regarding the failure of RAAC panels. This information was discussed with our structural engineers. At this time it was reaffirmed by the Scottish Government that decisions on the use of buildings containing RAAC in Scotland should be made with reference to Structural Engineer advice and in particular the Institution of Structural Engineers guidance. Our Structural Engineers undertook an internal review of the continuing evolving position regarding RAAC and confirmed that additional intrusive inspection was required to check the reinforcement bars and the bearings of the panels. Following this investigation it was noted that the bearings did not meet the required size as stipulated within the Institution of Structural Engineers guidance and that those areas of ‘medium risk’ should now be considered ‘high risk’.
The change in advice is not due to a deterioration in the concrete panels.
Initially seven rooms were identified as ‘critical’ or ‘high risk’ and therefore couldn’t be used – these were in the science and art corridors on the first floor. There were further areas of ‘medium risk’, which, at the time of the report, were deemed safe to use with regular monitoring to be undertaken.
These areas include the drama/music corridor and classrooms; toilets and staffroom on the ground floor and most of the first floor in the oldest part of the building are not accessible due to the presence of RAAC.
We have written confirmation from the structural engineers that other than the areas noted above the rest of the ground floor is safe to use and the newer extensions to the building are not affected.
Our structural engineers have stated the condition of the RAAC panels are generally good, although they have been weakened from potentially subsequent work to insert utility services and cabling. So far, steel beams have been added to the panels to strengthen structural integrity of the concrete. This work was done before the update to the risk level.
It’s safe to use all areas of the school that don’t contain RAAC panels. We’ve received written confirmation from Fairhurst that the ground floor is safe to use, other than the drama/music corridor. The RAAC is contained in the original part of the building, built in 1969, it has not been used in the newer extensions.
The school is currently operating at 74% capacity, so there is space that can be utilised differently to accommodate all pupils.
Where staff need access to rooms to get equipment and resources they will have controlled access supported by the contractors onsite.
Fire Risk Assessments and wider safety measures based on all advice available from the Institute of Structural Engineers and Fairhurst have been introduced to ensure the building is safe to use. Areas have been cordoned off where restricted (e.g stairwells) with further adjustments to be made in the weeks ahead. For example stairwells have been cordoned off to prevent access to upper floors. There is netting around the fencing as an added precaution.
Our structural engineers, Fairhurst, has issued a letter stating “the presence of RAAC at the first floor does not pose a risk to the re-opening of the ground floor of the school, except for the areas previously identified with RAAC at ground level.” (Drama and music corridor)
This letter has been sent to parents and is the basis of the reassurances the council has given to staff and the parent forum.
Regular inspection will pick up any changes to the condition of the RAAC panels, Fairhurst recommend a monthly presence on site from engineers with each area being checked individually every three months. This is over and above what is in the Institute of Structural Engineering guidance, which is recommended as annual checks.
A Fire Risk Assessment has been undertaken by relevant Health and Safety and Learning Estates colleagues in the council. Any adjustments to evacuation routes have been made as required.
Pupils have been briefed by the school and evacuation practice will be undertaken once all pupils have return/settled.
A full breakdown on all planned and completed remedial work and the cost of this work can be found in the committee papers.
The disruption to the rest of the school estate if we were to move all pupils to other schools means it’s not possible to accommodate a wholesale decant to other schools in Moray at short notice.
The initial contingency plan is to utilise as much space within the school as possible to allow learning to continue until the end of term. However, this requires reconfiguring rooms into classroom areas and means that not all practical elements of subjects will be taught. As a result contingency plans are being developed for the medium term. If the works continue for a longer period any further plans will be shared with parents/carers as soon as practically possible.
Halls and gyms are now hosting seven teaching areas – the entrance to some of these is through fire exits. Pupils will be guided by staff and have routes explained on their first day back in the building.
One way systems are in place, similar to covid routes so it won’t be entirely unfamiliar to some pupils.
All of the routes and changes to the building, use of non-teaching areas etc have been fully risk assessed with the council Health & Safety (H&S) team approving the plans.
The flow through building will be monitored and assessed by H&S when pupils return, particularly on Friday with the 100% return expected.
Information around how the building is operating can be viewed at https://sites.google.com/my.glow.scot/forresacademy/parent-information/building-updates
SQA are aware of the school’s situation and discussions will continue to occur over the coming months.
We are in the process of receiving SQA approval for the use of Forres House Community Centre as an exam location for both prelims and exams and this will be confirmed over the next few weeks.
The school team acknowledge there will be anxiety about the situation, change, unfamiliar routes round school and timetable changes.
The pastoral and wellbeing team will be on hand all the time around the school and will be going into classes.
Prefects, House Captains, welfare groups and rights respecting schools group will be involved in the return to school and supporting pupils.
Partner agencies are providing wellbeing support for staff and pupils locally and there will be QR codes for pupils to scan to complete a Google form at the end of the week with any concerns and feedback from their time back in school.
Parents, carers and pupils can contact the council by emailing learningestate@moray.gov.uk with questions about the ongoing situation. Or you can contact the school directly via admin.forresacad@moray-edunet.gov.uk.
Additionally there is information on the Moray Council website regarding the learning estate vision and events - http://www.moray.gov.uk/moray_standard/page_138258.html
These FAQs will be updated when there are new developments and decisions made.