What is RAAC?
RAAC is a lightweight form of concrete used primarily in roof construction in the UK from the mid-1950s to the mid-1980s, although recent examples date back to the 1990s.
We believe it was used by some municipal architects primarily in office and schools, but RAAC has been found in a wide range of buildings, which can be found in both the private and public sector.
Why we are taking action
The limited durability of RAAC roofs has long been recognised and recent experience elsewhere within the public sector suggests the problem may be more serious than previously appreciated. There is a potential risk to people and the environment where RAAC is located. As large property owners, NHS Scotland may not be fully aware to the extent of RAAC present within its estate.
Due to the scale and age range of the NHS Scotland property portfolio, it is presumed that RAAC is present in properties across the estate and as a result, action is required to identify and assess the condition of each instance of RAAC.
What we are doing to address RAAC
NHS Scotland Assure contacted all Health Boards to request a list of properties which could potentially contain Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC). The property list has been compiled and has been used to inform the appointment of a Survey Partner.
Following the tender process in September 2022, Currie & Brown were successful and have been appointed as the RAAC Survey Partner.
The aim of the RAAC discovery survey will be to locate and identify any RAAC panels present within the submitted properties. There are three elements to the survey process:
- RAAC Desktop Survey – The Survey Partner will initially carry out a desktop review which will involve speaking to and coordinating with Board contacts to obtain relevant existing building information, including but not limited to drawings, photographs, structural reports. The gathered information will be used to inform the Pilot and Discovery Surveys.
- RAAC Pilot Survey – A pilot survey will be carried out to ensure the proposed methodology is tried and tested prior to the remainder of the properties being surveyed.
- RAAC Discovery Survey – This is the physical surveys of the remainder of the properties which are assumed to contain RAAC. The report will detail associated risks, remedial actions, costs and any routine monitoring suggestions for all RAAC planks identified with a Red or Amber RAG rating. This information will be in the form of a report for each Board and where required, uploaded to our national asset management system.
Latest updates
Update – 13 June 2024
NHS Ayrshire & Arran has completed the assessment of its estate to ascertain if Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) exists in any of our buildings.
As is the case with health boards across the country, NHS Ayrshire & Arran worked with NHS Scotland Assure as part of a national review of NHS Scotland Estate.
A further review of Central Clinic in Kilmarnock has confirmed the presence of RAAC in addition to the three locations at University Hospital Crosshouse.
NHS Ayrshire & Arran will assist NHS Scotland on a pilot RAAC study involving the use of terrestrial laser scanning equipment to survey the existing Lister Centre flat roof at University Hospital Crosshouse to allow the creation of a “heat map” to help to support the survey inspection works completed to date.
Previous updates
- RAAC update – May 2024
- RAAC update – October 2023
- RAAC update – August 2023 (2)
- RAAC update – August 2023 (1)
- RAAC update – July 2023
Further information
Further information can be found:
- on the National Services Scotland website.
- within the NHS Scotland Assure Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) (updated January 2024)
- within our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) (updated September 2023)