Earlier this year, the council asked engineering specialists to undertake inspections, focused on establishing the extent & condition of Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) within buildings.
RAAC is a lightweight form of precast concrete, frequently used in public sector buildings in the UK from the mid-1960s to at least the mid-1980s. It is mainly found in roofs, although occasionally in floors and walls. In some situations, identification of concerns within some elements of RAAC has required building works to be carried out or remedial measures to be put in place.
Schools
Inspection works confirmed the presence of RAAC in the construction of some, but not all, parts of Preston Lodge High School, Prestonpans. As a result of faults identified in a limited number of areas in which the RAAC is present, it was decided last term that some parts of the school building would be closed as a precautionary measure, with temporary arrangements in place to maintain learning and teaching such as using alternative accommodation within the school’s catchment area for some lessons. Discussions have been taking place around a possible solution and the council will issue full details to staff, parents and pupils as soon as it is able to do so.
Survey work has established that RAAC is present in the dining hall at Ross High School, Tranent. While it remains the case that the RAAC is in a better condition than buildings elsewhere, we have been advised that work will be required to improve the bearing of the RAAC panels. Therefore, as a temporary and precautionary measure, the dining hall is being taken out of immediate use and arrangements are being made for work to proceed.
In the meantime, temporary arrangements are being put in place from Monday 11 September with Ross High students to be provided with an adjusted school lunch menu from the social space. Read more about this here.
Survey work has confirmed that RAAC is not present in any other East Lothian Council school buildings.
Other buildings
Survey work confirmed that areas of the roof at the Brunton Hall in Musselburgh were constructed from RAAC. As a result, parts of the building (in particular the performance venues and top floor office spaces) are currently closed. A report will be completed to provide a range of options for consideration in relation to the Brunton.
A small part of North Berwick Sports Centre – containing two squash rooms, trampoline room and a changing facility – is also affected and currently closed as a result. Repairs are being arranged. The rest of the centre (including the main part of the building) remains operational and open to the public.
The gym hall at St Joseph’s School, which has been closed since 1997, has also being identified as containing RAAC. However, this building is mothballed and so not in use. Further survey work is being progressed.