What is Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC)?
RAAC is a lightweight form of concrete used in roof, floor, cladding, and wall construction in the UK from the mid-1950s to the mid-1980s. Although it was used by some municipal architects primarily in offices and schools, RAAC has been found in a wide range of buildings, not all of which are still in the public sector.
The limited durability of RAAC roofs and other RAAC structures has long been recognised; however recent experience (which includes two roof failures with little or no warning) suggests the problem maybe more serious than previously appreciated and that many building owners arenot aware that it is present in their property.
In August 2023, the Department for Education publisheda guide to help responsible bodies to identify RAAC – although intended for schools, this guide is useful for identifying RAAC in all buildings and is something all responsible persons for a building should be aware of, and taking proactive measures to address.
What action do I need to take?
As a building owner or person responsibility for the safety and compliance of a building, you should:
Identify any RAAC present.
Understand the current state of repair.
Manage the reinforcement or removal any compromised RAAC deemed to be an immediate risk.
Mitigate any future risks presented by RAAC through either full removal, or periodic condition surveys.
How can Bolster Systems help?
Bolster Systems is a comprehensive software solution designed to assist in managing and maintaining building safety information and documentation within buildings, including the presence and state of Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC).
Our software offers a centralised platform that enables stakeholders to store, update, and access critical building safety data throughout a building's life cycle, from fire to Asbestos, RAAC, water and more.
Bolster Systems aims to streamline the compliance process,enhance communication and collaboration among stakeholders, and ensure that building safety measures remain effective and up-to-date.
Key Features of Bolster Systems
Documentation Management
Bolster Systems provides a centralized repository for storing all building safety documentation, including design plans, construction details, risk assessments, maintenance records, and certificates. This feature allows stakeholders to organize and manage their building safety information in a structured and easily accessible manner.
Real-Time Updates
The software enables stakeholders to make real-time updates to building safety documentation, ensuring that information remains accurate and up-to-date. Whether it's recording initial RAAC inspections, periodic RAAC inspections or documenting its removal, Bolster Systems allows for instant updates to be captured and recorded in a structured digital format.
Compliance Tracking
Bolster Systems helps track and monitor compliance with building safety regulations by providing reminders and notifications for scheduled maintenance, inspections, and testing. This feature ensures that building owners and managers stay on top of their responsibilities and adhere to required compliance timelines for RAAC inspections.
Collaboration and Communication
The software fosters collaboration and communication among stakeholders involved in building safety management. It allows for seamless sharing of information, enabling architects, building safety professionals, building owners, and managers to collaborate effectively and exchange vital building safety data. This promotes transparency and ensures that all parties are well-informed and working towards a common goal.
Data Security
Bolster Systems prioritizes data security to protect sensitive building safety information. It employs robust security measures to safeguard data against unauthorized access or breaches. Building safety documentation stored within the system is encrypted and backed up regularly, ensuring the integrity and confidentiality of the information.
Reporting and Analytics
Bolster Systems offers reporting and analytics capabilities that provide valuable insights into building safety performance and compliance. Users can generate reports on risk assessments, maintenance activities, compliance status, and more. These analytics help stakeholders identify trends, evaluate the effectiveness of safety measures, and make data-driven decisions to enhance overall building safety and compliance.
Benefits of Bolster Systems
Enhanced Compliance
By streamlining documentation management, providing real-time updates, and facilitating compliance tracking, Bolster Systems helps building owners and managers achieve and maintain compliance with building safety regulations more efficiently.
Improved Efficiency
The software simplifies administrative tasks associated with building safety management, such as organizing documentation, scheduling maintenance, and conducting risk assessments. This leads to increased efficiency, reduced paperwork, and time savings for stakeholders.
Heightened Safety
With accurate and up-to-date building safety information readily accessible, Bolster Systems contributes to safer buildings. It ensures that building safety measures are properly maintained, tested, and documented, reducing the risk of incidents and enhancing overall safety.
Effective Communication
Bolster Systems improves communication and collaboration among stakeholders involved in building safety management. The software allows for seamless information sharing, promoting transparency and enabling stakeholders to work together towards a common goal of ensuring building safety and complete building compliance.
With a network of over 400 survey and installationcompanies, Bolster Systems is not only the go-to compliance tracking softwarein the UK, but also a community of building safety engineers who can help you manage your building safety and compliance using the Bolster Systems Software.
To discuss how Bolster Systems could help your organisation and arrange a demonstration of our software, contact our sales team on 0161 873 7679 or email us on enquiries@bolstersystems.com.
