So, you have joined the Board of Governors of your local school. It looks good on your LinkedIn if nothing else. What could possibly go wrong?
Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC)
RAAC is a lightweight form of precast concrete, frequently used in public sector buildings in the UK from the mid-1960s to the mid-1980s. It is mainly found in roofs, although occasionally in floors and walls. It is less durable than traditional concrete, and there have been problems as a result, which could have significant safety consequences.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has advised:
“RAAC is now life-expired. It is liable to collapse with little or no notice.”
It is more likely than not that some, if not all, of your school’s buildings were built this way.
Identify, assess and manage
If you are responsible for the management, maintenance, or alteration of buildings, you should establish whether they contain RAAC and, if so, take steps to manage and control the risks. If RAAC is suspected or confirmed, you should seek guidance from a structural engineer to assess it and develop a management plan.
Occupiers Liability
As a Governor, you could, in certain circumstances, be considered the occupier of the premises. Under the Occupiers Liability Act 1957, you would have a duty of care to lawful visitors. You’d also have a lesser duty to trespassers.
That duty would be to take such care as is reasonable in all the circumstances to make sure your visitors are safe. The human costs of breaching that duty cannot be underestimated. Liability for death and personal injury cannot be excluded.
On reflection
So, you have joined the Board of Governors of your local school. It looks good on your LinkedIn if nothing else. What could possibly go wrong?
For more information about this article or any other aspect of property litigation, contact your Napthens Solicitors in Preston, Blackburn, Liverpool, and across the North West today.
