Roof Invasive Studies

Roof Invasive Studies to ACT Public schools.

INTRODUCTION

ACT Education has identified the new capital funding for detailed roof assessments for priority public schools to inform cost estimates and priority order of the program into the future. Recent roof replacement works has highlighted that roof replacement projects are complex with each roof essentially a bespoke project impacted by the age and type of structure, hazardous materials, Heating, Ventilation and Cooling (HAVC) systems and latent conditions not evident until the roof structure is removed. The detailed and invasive roof assessment has not been undertaken previously but lessons learned from recent roof replacement has identified that it is now essential part of the roof replacement program. The due diligence work will include roof invasive studies at five priority schools:

1. Melba Copland Secondary School;

2. Latham Primary School;

3. Gowrie Primary School;

4. Red Hill Primary School; and

5. Telopea Park School (Heritage Roof)

This detailed roof assessments will enable the directorate to continue to prioritise schools and maintain a higher confidence level in the scope development and cost planning through the provision of specific information.

PURPOSE

Infrastructure Canberra (iCBR) on behalf of Education Directorate (EDU) to procure consultancy services using the Territory Construction Related Consultancy Agreement (CRCA) for managing a multi-disciplinary team to undertake invasive studies at priority schools including the recommendations for future removal of hazardous material, replacement or reinstatement of roof associated equipment and other ancillaries.

The studies undertaken at schools will involve the invasive and thorough assessment of school roofs to determine the scope of the requirements at each school including the development of detailed cost plans. The reports sought will include robust testing of the current roof support structures and inspections for latent conditions including hazardous materials, mould, ceiling, stormwater systems, hydraulics, solar systems, mechanical equipment, fire compartmentation, roof safety systems and skylights. The opportunity of possible relocation of roof equipment to be considered for the new roofs to suffer with less damage from penetrations and lowering the “working at heights” risk.

BACKGROUND

The condition of the roofs at public schools has deteriorated over the time, and this had led to concerns being raised by Workplace Health and Safety (WHS) and industry representatives about water leaks and wildlife ingress. All schools on the list report an unacceptable risk to the health of staff and students at the school.

Issues reported by schools are as follows:

• Faeces and urine on the floors and light fittings (due to possums which cannot be excluded from the roof spaces due to an inability to repair openings in old roofing materials).

• Black mould on ceilings (direct result of water ingress).

• Extensive water damage to ceilings throughout the school which also carries reputational risk as parents and families often visit schools.

• Students excluded from teaching spaces until mould is mitigated and internal air is considered safe.

Most roof issues are first reported by the school when the following occurred:

• Leaking from ceilings that destroys educational materials, books and floor coverings.

• Ceiling collapse.

• Cracks and staining to ceiling and down walls.

• Mould on all surfaces – not just the ceiling.

• Waterlogged ceiling insulation bowing ceiling sheets.

• Roof sheets and guttering being dislodged by high winds.

• Odours associated with mould and wet faeces in the ceiling.

In addition to the above visual reporting, annual roof safety inspections also produce reports on the roofs ability to accommodate a Roof Safety System. In past years some schools roofings have been so degraded that they have been unable to be used to install or certify existing Roof Safety System due to the materials being past their functional use and considered dangerous. Heavy rusting of roofing material and fixings erode the strength of the roofing materials, and it cannot be certified. Roofs which do not have certified Roof Safety System are unable to be accessed, leading to lack of maintenance to HVAC units, solar arrays, clearing gutters and valleys of debris and sporting equipment, cleaning servicing and repairs to skylights etc.