University of Oxford conducting internal RAAC review

The university confirmed it has not found any cases of RAAC material in any of its buildings at this stage. 

RAAC was a low-cost, lightweight building material that was used in the construction industry between the 1950s and mid-1960s - with many of the university buildings being built at that time.

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A spokesman at the University of Oxford said: "The University has number of buildings constructed in the 1950s to 1990s.

"Currently, there are no identified cases of RAAC materials.

"As safety is a high priority for the University, our internal surveyors are conducting an internal review, and preparing a training pack for wider awareness.

"We will continue to be vigilant when completing building surveys and maintenance activities across the estate and take necessary action if required."

Last week, an Oxford College announced it has been forced to restrict access to “certain areas of its site” in response to finding RAAC in its buildings.

St Catherine’s College said it has closed off areas of its site as a “precautionary measure” due to “safety concerns”.

A statement published on its website said: “The College has recently engaged independent consultants to undertake appropriate risk assessments of the affected areas, which are principally located within the original Arne Jacobsen site.

“While these investigations are ongoing, the College has decided to restrict access to the affected areas temporarily, to enable investigations and assessments to take place, and mitigations to be put in place.”

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The College said it would keep the restrictions “under continuous review with the expectation of lifting restrictions prior to the arrival of students in October”.

RAAC is most commonly found on flat roofs, but it has also been identified in outdoor wall panels, indoor wall panels and ceilings.

In total, 140 schools across the country have been forced to either close completely or partially shut buildings over the unsafe concrete crisis.

The Government remains under pressure over the concrete crisis, with concerns about the state of school buildings sparking anxiety about the presence of RAAC in other publicly-owned buildings and infrastructure.

A Department for Education spokeswoman said: “We are incredibly grateful to school and college leaders for their work with us at pace to minimise disruption to children’s education.

“We continue to urge all responsible bodies to complete the RAAC questionnaire as we rely on this information to enable us to take swift action.

“It is vitally important we receive this information as quickly as possible and the department will support any responsible bodies who need additional help completing it.”