Jump to:
What is the Housing Health and Safety Rating System?
The HHSRS is the way in which local authorities assess housing conditions and replaces the Housing Fitness Standard test which was previously used. The HHSRS is the government's new approach to the evaluation of the potential risks to health and safety identified in properties. The HHSRS was introduced by the Housing Act 2004 and is the current statutory assessment for housing. It is based upon the principle that any residential property should provide a safe and healthy environment for any potential occupier or visitor. All properties should be designed, constructed and maintained with non-hazardous materials and should be free from both unnecessary and avoidable hazards.
Which properties does it cover?
The HHSRS covers all residential properties including owner-occupied, privately rented and social housing properties.
Why is HHSRS used?
It is used to improve the standards of residential housing using a risk assessment process. It does not set out a minimum standard for accommodation but is primarily concerned with avoiding or minimising any hazards.
Local Authorities are given duties and powers under Part 1 of HHSRS to tackle poor housing conditions and priority given to those with the greatest risks to health and safety in properties. Local authorities also have the power to inspect any property which they believe poses a health and safety hazard.
How is it used?
HHSRS uses a formula to produce a numerical score based upon an inspection of the whole property. For each hazard an assessment is made on:
a) the likelihood, over the next twelve months, of an occurence that could result in harm to a member of the vulnerable group
b) the range of potential outcomes from such an occurence
Hazards
Identifying and assessing hazards involves an understanding of the basic physiological and psychological requirements for human life. A hazard is any risk of harm to the health or safety of an actual or potential occupier that arises from a deficiency.
The HHSRS is concerned with 29 hazards which are divided into 4 groups:
Physiological requirements
-
Damp and mould growth
-
Excess cold
-
Excess heat
-
Asbestos and manufactured mineral fibre
-
Biocides
-
Carbon monoxide and fuel combustion products
-
Lead
-
Radiation
-
Uncombusted fuel gas
-
Volatile organic compounds
Psychological requirements
-
Crowding and space
-
Entry by intruders
-
Lighting
-
Noise
Protection against infection
-
Domestic hygiene, pests and refuse
-
Food safety
-
Personal hygiene, sanitation and drainage
-
Water supply for domestic purpose
Protection against accidents
-
Falls associated with baths
-
Falling on level surfaces
-
Falling associated with stairs and steps
-
Falling between levels
-
Electrical hazards
-
Fire
-
Flames and hot surfaces
-
Collision and entrapment
-
Explosions
-
Position and operability of amenities
-
Structural collapse and failing elements