Housing Health & Safety Rating System - Overview Karl Rivers District EHO

A dwelling should provide a safe and healthy environment for any occupant or visitor A dwelling should be free from unnecessary and avoidable hazards If hazards are identified they should be dealt with in a timely fashion. HHSRS Principles

HHSRS Aims Hazard based Rate the seriousness of the hazards Be practical in its application Be evidence based

HHSRS Consideration: Does the effect that may result from a fault, have the potential to cause harm? HHSRS Consideration

HHSRS Ideal To remove the hazard and provide what is perceived to be the safest situation Similar principles to the Building Regulations

HHSRS Hazards Damp & mouldLightingFalls associated with baths Excess ColdNoiseFalls on the level AsbestosVOCFalling on the stairs BiocidesExplosionsFalling between levels Electrical HazardsWater supplyCarbon Monoxide Excess heatFood SafetyLead FireEntry by intrudersFlames, hot surfaces Uncombusted fuel gasCrowding & spaceCollision & entrapment Personal hygiene, Sanitation & Drainage Domestic hygiene, Pests & Refuse Structural collapse & falling elements Position & operability of amenties

HHSRS Process Assessment of different types of hazards Take into account both the likelihood of an occurrence and the severity of the outcome Provide a numerical score for each hazard Hazards are assessed in relation to who is most likely to be exposed and the most vulnerable Likelihood of causing harm over the next 12 months is also determined

HHSRS Classification Based on Health Outcomes Class 1-Extreme Class 2-Severe Class 3-Serious Class 4-Moderate

HHSRS Enforcement Powers If the score is > 1000 = Cat 1 hazard : the LA must take action If the score is < 1000 = Cat 2 hazard : the LA may take action

HHSRS Action Available Hazard Awareness Notice Improvement Notice Prohibition Order Emergency Remedial Action Notice Emergency Prohibition Order Demolition / Slum Clearance

HHSRS Top 10 Hazards Damp & Mould Excess Cold Falls on Stairs Falls on the level Food Safety Electrical Hazards Entry by Intruders Scalds & Burns Fire Falls between the level

HHSRS Excess cold Main thrust to reduce excess cold originates from: 1. Reduce excess winter deaths and cost to the NHS 2. Reduce fuel poverty 3. Reduce CO2 emissions

HHSRS Heating issues Inappropriate or inefficient systems Inadequate size for the dwelling Inadequately maintained or installed Inadequate or inappropriate controls for the system Cost of heating can be taken into account

HHSRS Insulation Insulation to the loft should at least be 250mm Single glazed windows best avoided Ventilation- remove excess draughts but kitchens and bathrooms need extractor fans

HHSRS Heating & Health Guidance suggests that a property should be able to achieve a temperature of 21 o c when the outside temperature is below zero Evidence suggests that temperature of 19 o c and below can lead to excess deaths There is a serious risk if temperature drops below 16 o c

HHSRS Need to consider and need to ensure the property has the correct combination of heating, insulation, ventilation to prevent excess cold and issues with condensation

HHSRS Falls on the Stairs The vulnerable group are those aged 60+, and if men fall they are twice as likely to die from the fall than women! Huge cost to the NHS from dealing with falls The provision of a simple handrail can solve the problem

HHSRS Falls between levels Tilt and Turn windows are a serious problem and we see more than our fair share in Caerphilly Steep rear and front gardens with no fencing or guarding to prevent a fall.

HHSRS Some real examples

HHSRS – An overview… Thank you. Any questions?