Welcome To Wirral

The HHSRS is an evidence based risk assessment process that enables Local Authorities to address the hazards to health and safety present in all types of residential accommodation. The purpose of an assessment involving the HHSRS is to gather information in order to determine what, if any, enforcement action should be taken. A number of options will need to be considered before taking action and the outcome will be based on the findings of the initial property condition survey undertaken utilising the HHSRS.

The HHSRS uses judgements made by the operative or inspection officer, based on an inspection of a dwelling to generate a numerical score from identifying deficiencies in dwellings which could contribute to hazards that could cause harm to the occupants of a dwelling within a period of twelve months from the date of the inspection of the dwelling.

The judgement involves an assessment of the likelihood of the hazard causing an event leading to harm and of the severity of the harm caused. The harm categories are weighted to take account of the severity of the outcome. The HHSRS results in a total score which determines the whether or not action is necessary to deal with the hazard found.

There are 29 hazards to be assessed as part of the HHSRS.

Physiological Requirements
Hygrothermal
1 Damp and mould growth
2 Excess cold
3 Excess heat
Pollutants
4 Asbestos
5 Biocides
6 Carbon Monoxide and fuel
combustion products
7 Lead
8 Radiation
9 Uncombusted fuel gases
10 Volatile organic compounds
Psychological Requirements
11 Crowding and space
12 Entry by intruders
13 Lighting
14 Noise
15 Domestic hygiene, pests and refuse
16 Food safety
17 Personal hygiene, sanitation
18 Water supply for domestic purpose
Protection Against Accidents
19 Falls associated with
baths
20 Falls on the level
21 Falls associated with
stairs and steps
22 Falls between levels
23 Electrical hazards
24 Fire
25 Hot surfaces and materials
26 Collisions and entrapment
27 Explosions
28 Position and operability of amenities
29 Structural collapse

Guidance on enforcement has been issued by the Department of Local Government and Communities which suggests that if a dwelling is assessed as having a hazard rating above 1000 (Category A-C) then a local housing authority (LHA) will be obliged to take action. The LHA will also have discretion to intervene where hazard ratings are lower than 1000. The Council will use that discretion to intervene in such situations in private rented accommodation as it does now in respect of dwellings which affect the material comfort of the occupier or the dwelling requires substantial and structural repair

For further information, contact:
Colin Clayton
District Environmental Health Team Leader
0151 691 8402
colinclayton@wirral.gov.uk

Heather Thomas
HMRI Project Manager
0151 691 8123
heatherthomas@wirral.gov.uk

Related documents:
Private Sector Housing Enforcement Policy Leaflet
House in Multiple Occupation Intervention Policy Leaflet
Private Sector Housing Financial Assistance Policy Leaflet

Related websites:
www.communities.gov.uk