Kizzy Augustin, Partner at Mishcon de Reya LLP, comments on media reports of several theatres shutting their doors over fears of finding Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC).
Whilst there is clearly an issue that has triggered the urgent survey of a number of schools, we must not forget the potential risks associated with lower rise buildings, both residential and commercial, including hospitals, police stations and prisons as well as homes, offices and theatres.
There could be thousands of buildings affected.
There has been a lot of focus on risks associated with high rise residential buildings after the Grenfell Tower tragedy, with the development of the Building Safety Act 2022.
Knee-jerk reactions will not help the situation, but reasonably practicable steps such as carrying out dynamic risk assessments for the affected buildings, keeping the public and dutyholders better informed about their responsibilities...
There is a legal responsibility for owners, employers and those that use buildings in scope to ensure the health and safety of employees and non-employees, including members of the public and visitors.
Knee-jerk reactions will not help the situation, but reasonably practicable steps such as carrying out dynamic risk assessments for the affected buildings, keeping the public and dutyholders better informed about their responsibilities and identifying the proactive ways those responsibilities can be met will be key.
