Sports stadium safety chiefs are gearing up for discussions with local officials following concerns over the use of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) in sports grounds. The Sports Grounds Safety Authority (SGSA) will be holding talks with town hall bosses to determine if there are any issues at grounds across the country.
RAAC, a construction material used between 1950 and the 1980s, has raised concerns after it was discovered in the buildings of over 100 schools in England. While SGSA officials believe there is no serious cause for concern as RAAC is not commonly used in sports grounds, they are taking proactive measures by contacting local authorities to ensure any potential issues are identified and addressed.
In addition to schools, other public buildings such as hospitals, police stations, leisure centers, office blocks, and council buildings may also be at risk of collapse due to the flawed construction material. There are also fears that these buildings could be contaminated with asbestos.
An SGSA spokesperson reassured the public by stating that large sports grounds are unlikely to be affected by this issue due to various reasons, including the rarity of RAAC usage in sports ground construction. Certified sports grounds are required to undergo detailed annual inspections and structural appraisals every six to ten years.
The SGSA is committed to working closely with local government to ensure that any potential issues related to RAAC are promptly identified and appropriately addressed.
