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RAAC precast floor and roof components were used in the construction of a range of buildings, including schools, built between the mid-1950s and the 1980s.
Following a component failure HSE has previously highlighted the need for building owners and duty holders to identify buildings incorporating RAAC planks and take action where necessary.
The Department for Education has recently issued guidance for building owners (local authority, academy trust or diocese) on the management of buildings in England containing RAAC - Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete: Lightweight Concrete Roofs.
The guidance reinforces the need for schools to ensure that the condition of relevant buildings is assessed by a structural engineer and that effective monitoring and maintenance arrangements are in place to ensure on-going structural integrity.
The Local Government Association (LGA) has previously issued advice about reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete - Information on Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC).
The Department for Education has recently issued revised guidance for schools and colleges to help them understand their duties in relation to managing asbestos.
This provides information and advice for those who manage schools or oversee the maintenance and repair of school buildings.
Although the guidance has been produced for schools in England, it includes information and links to useful resources for schools and colleges across Great Britain.
For further information see Managing asbestos in your school or college.
Additional guidance can be found on the HSE website.
In response to increasing intelligence about the high incidence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) affecting workers in the early years sector, HSE initiated the formation of a working group with interested stakeholders and employee representatives to explore the evidence and provide sector guidance.
In addition to RIDDOR reported injuries resulting from specific accidents, it is clear that many workers in the sector experience non-reportable back, knee, neck and shoulder pain as a result of frequent, cumulative exposure to musculoskeletal hazards e.g. repetitive lifting.
The high prevalence of MSDs in the sector appear to be linked to workers having to adopt awkward postures and using furniture and equipment (e.g. chairs and desks) designed to meet the ergonomic needs of young children, to facilitate engagement with young children at their own level.
The working group has developed and published guidance on the Awareness and Prevention of Back Pain and other Musculoskeletal Disorders in the Early Years Workforce, hosted on the Early Years Alliance website and available free of charge.
Further research is being carried out by Derby University and additional information is available using the above link.
It is hoped that the information from this project will be used to inform the future curriculum, support the development of suitable training for workers in the early years sector and to help embed an understanding of the issues and measures that are effective in preventing injury and ill health.
Water system stagnation can occur due to lack of use where buildings or facilities e.g. changing room showers, have been closed or had reduced occupancy during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, increasing the risks of Legionnaires' disease.
Where schools intend to reinstate or start using water or relevant air conditioning systems, they will need to review their risk assessment and work with their competent person to ensure that systems are cleaned, if required, and disinfected before the building is occupied.
If the water system has been used regularly, it should be sufficient to maintain the appropriate measures to prevent legionella growth.
Further information and guidance can be found on our Legionella risks during the coronavirus pandemic web page.
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