Housing Health & Safety Rating System - Overview

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

HHSRSPrinciples 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.

HHSRSAims • Hazard based • Rate the seriousness of the hazards • Be practical in its application • Be evidence based

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

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

HHSRSHazards

HHSRSProcess • 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

HHSRSClassification • Based on Health Outcomes • Class 1 - Extreme • Class 2 - Severe • Class 3 - Serious • Class 4 - Moderate

HHSRSEnforcement 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

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

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

HHSRSExcess 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

HHSRSHeating 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

HHSRSInsulation • 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

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

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

HHSRSFalls 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

HHSRSFalls 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?

Housing Health & Safety Rating System - Overview