Written Question · S6W-21349 · Session 6
Whether any research or structural inspections have been carried out since 2007, to assess whether reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (…
The question
To ask the Scottish Government whether any research or structural inspections have been carried out since 2007, to assess whether reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) has been found in any buildings on the justice estate.
The answer
The Scottish Government has directly engaged with justice stakeholders to seek updates on the current position across the justice estate. The Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service (SCTS) undertakes a regular rolling inspection regime of the buildings in its estate. There is an on-going programme of condition surveys underway to inform the programme of works needed over the short (1yr) medium (2-5yrs) and long (6-10yrs) term to undertake maintenance or remedial work identified on a managed risk basis.
In order to ensure a rigorous assessment in relation to reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) the SCTS conducted desk-based and visual surveys of its estate over the summer and is conducting detailed structural surveys of the 10 buildings on its estate that were either constructed or had major works carried out during the time period in which RAAC was in use. These surveys will confirm whether or not RAAC is present in any facility and, if so, its condition and whether any remediation is required. At this point RAAC has been identified in one building – Airdrie Sheriff Court. No immediate signs of risk or deterioration of structural integrity have been identified. SCTS are conducting further work to identify any medium or longer term arrangements that may be required to ensure continued safety. The building is safe and the detailed survey will make recommendations to ensure that remains the case.
The Scottish Prison Service (SPS) based on their knowledge of the SPS estate, do not believe that RAAC is present within the prison estate. SPS is however conducting a further evidence based scoping exercise to identify any buildings that cannot be categorically ruled out as containing RAAC. Any buildings identified will require further investigation and may need more intrusive testing/inspection by specialist consultants. The initial scoping exercise is due to be concluded by 30 September 2023.
In April 2023, Police Scotland undertook visual inspections of 65 sites across its estate, resulting in 36 sites being confirmed as not containing RAAC. The remaining 29 sites were inspected by structural engineers, and RAAC was confirmed as present at 3 of these sites in Edinburgh, Perth and Baluniefield.
Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) are not aware definitively of any RAAC buildings in their estate, however, COPFS have engaged surveyors to carry out a desktop study of their owned and leased estate. At this stage, of the owned 8 assets, only one; Dumbarton, may fall within the RAAC age band, suggesting it may require further investigation.
The Scottish Government’s response to PQ S6W-21348 on 27 September 2023 provides the member with a response to the question “To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide a list of any fire station buildings that contain reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC)”.
All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/written-questions-and-answers
In order to ensure a rigorous assessment in relation to reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) the SCTS conducted desk-based and visual surveys of its estate over the summer and is conducting detailed structural surveys of the 10 buildings on its estate that were either constructed or had major works carried out during the time period in which RAAC was in use. These surveys will confirm whether or not RAAC is present in any facility and, if so, its condition and whether any remediation is required. At this point RAAC has been identified in one building – Airdrie Sheriff Court. No immediate signs of risk or deterioration of structural integrity have been identified. SCTS are conducting further work to identify any medium or longer term arrangements that may be required to ensure continued safety. The building is safe and the detailed survey will make recommendations to ensure that remains the case.
The Scottish Prison Service (SPS) based on their knowledge of the SPS estate, do not believe that RAAC is present within the prison estate. SPS is however conducting a further evidence based scoping exercise to identify any buildings that cannot be categorically ruled out as containing RAAC. Any buildings identified will require further investigation and may need more intrusive testing/inspection by specialist consultants. The initial scoping exercise is due to be concluded by 30 September 2023.
In April 2023, Police Scotland undertook visual inspections of 65 sites across its estate, resulting in 36 sites being confirmed as not containing RAAC. The remaining 29 sites were inspected by structural engineers, and RAAC was confirmed as present at 3 of these sites in Edinburgh, Perth and Baluniefield.
Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) are not aware definitively of any RAAC buildings in their estate, however, COPFS have engaged surveyors to carry out a desktop study of their owned and leased estate. At this stage, of the owned 8 assets, only one; Dumbarton, may fall within the RAAC age band, suggesting it may require further investigation.
The Scottish Government’s response to PQ S6W-21348 on 27 September 2023 provides the member with a response to the question “To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide a list of any fire station buildings that contain reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC)”.
All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/written-questions-and-answers
In the Official Report
No contribution in the Official Report cites S6W-21349 by reference.