Breakdown of the 21 HHSRS Health & Safety Hazards

The PocketSurvey HHSRS survey software and mobile app follows the Government standard, with all the suggested statistics (likelihoods & outcomes) for the type of property, along with detailed checklists of defects (justifications) for each hazard

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Breakdown of the 21 HHSRS 2 Health & Safety Hazards

Here is some information to help you understand more about HHSRS Risk Assessment hazards.

GROUP 1: PROTECTION AGAINST ACCIDENTS

Hazard 1: Falls on the Level

Deficiencies & Diagnostic Indicators

  • Sudden level changes between internal rooms, threshold transitions, or floor finish lips greater than 6mm.
  • Deteriorated, unstable, or damaged subfloor surfaces including cracked ceramic tiles, buckled timber planks, torn vinyl sheet bonds, or loose laminate profiles.
  • Loose, un-tensioned, or worn internal carpets displaying heavy surface rippling, bunching, or frayed seam matrices.
  • Absence of adequate peripheral wall socket configurations forcing live appliance extension cords to track directly across primary footpaths.
  • Sub-optimal friction interfaces on internal flooring paths prone to moisture deposition, including slick un-textured natural stones or smooth sheet vinyl coatings.
  • External approach path matrix failures including frost-shattered paving, missing jointing compound, or incorrect fall slopes causing stagnant surface pooling.
  • Heavy external biological surface matrices including established moss patches, localized micro-algae films, mud build-up, or un-cleared leaf damp sheets.
  • Circulation space constraints including structural fixtures obstructing narrow pathways, unexpected floor projections, or deep localized shadows caused by missing luminaires.
  • Presence of low-level un-tempered or non-safety glass panes positioned directly alongside active pedestrian walkways.

Remedial Safety Actions

  • Plane down structural thresholds or install graduated transition bars to ensure structural level gaps drop below 6mm.
  • Lift defective materials and replace with code-compliant level finishes; re-tension floating carpets and renew peripheral grippers.
  • Install supplementary double flush-mounted power sockets to isolate and clear trailing wires away from pedestrian routes.
  • Apply chemical slip-resistant finishes or high-friction polymer overlays to high-risk tiled zones.
  • Re-lay external paving elements to create distinct, functioning drainage falls; pressure wash and apply chemical biocides to eliminate moss and algae.
  • Remove sharp structural features, encase lower radiator configurations, and swap out non-safety glass panes for toughened safety glass alternatives.

Hazard 2: Falling on Stairs, Steps & Slopes

Deficiencies & Diagnostic Indicators

  • Geometric irregularity faults including distinct dimensional variations in sequential vertical riser heights or horizontal tread depths.
  • Excessive structural pitch parameters breaching 42 degrees, or individual step configurations lacking sufficient placement depth.
  • Open-riser step configurations lacking solid vertical backing plates, or displaying dimensional gaps that permit single-axis object passage.
  • Complete omission or structural displacement of continuous, easy-to-grip handrails across flights displaying 4 or more risers.
  • Handrail height orientation non-compliance where the primary support rail sits outside the vertical window of 900mm to 1000mm.
  • Open staircase perimeter boundaries lacking structurally stable balustrades, or featuring vertical baluster spacing gaps wider than 100mm.
  • Horizontal climbing frame balustrade designs that create an easy foothold trap for infant occupants.
  • Deteriorated, un-pinned, or loose stair carpets, missing nosing strips, or loose tread boards prone to pivoting under load.
  • Visual track distortion fields caused by unshielded luminaire glare blinding descending lines of sight or casting deep shadows.

Remedial Safety Actions

  • Reconstruct underlying timber or concrete step frameworks to establish strict dimensional uniformity across the flight.
  • Install mechanical high-visibility, slip-resistant step nosing strips to define step edge horizons.
  • Retrofit durable matching timber or composite closure panels to seal open-riser gaps.
  • Mount continuous handrails anchored directly into structural load-bearing masonry walls using heavy-gauge fixings at a standard 950mm high.
  • Erect code-compliant vertical timber or metal guard balusters to seal open flight sides down to below 100mm spacings.
  • Relocate luminaire junction points or apply diffusing covers to evenly distribute light down step faces without direct eye glare.

Hazard 3: Falling Between Levels

Deficiencies & Diagnostic Indicators

  • Sub-standard internal window sill elevations sitting lower than 800mm from finished floor levels on upper floor elevations.
  • Complete lack of operational, key-lockable safety restrictor hooks on high windows, allowing unrestricted outward travel.
  • Structural decay, wood rot, metal corrosion, or structural looseness within external balcony balustrades, parapets, or roof railings.
  • Vertical gaps within safety barriers or protective parapet enclosures that exceed the critical 100mm spacing threshold.
  • Placement of climbing anchors such as space heating radiators, fixed pipework runs, or built-in furniture items beneath low-silled windows.
  • Uncovered, un-guarded, or fragile subterranean basement lightwells or cellar steps lacking perimeter floor barriers.

Remedial Safety Actions

  • Retrofit heavy-duty, key-lockable restrictor stays to windows to mechanically limit outward window sash travel to under 100mm.
  • Construct internal structural guardrails to a minimum height of 1100mm over low-silled window voids.
  • Cut out decayed timber or rusted metal balcony sections; install code-compliant safety screens without climbable rails.
  • Reposition loose internal room layouts to relocate furniture structures away from window zones.
  • Install fixed metal mesh grids or continuous perimeter balustrades over exposed floor openings and lightwells.

Hazard 4: Fire and Explosions

Deficiencies & Diagnostic Indicators

  • Complete absence of dedicated detection infrastructure or reliance on isolated, standalone battery-operated sensors.
  • Lack of mains-powered, wirelessly interlinked heat and smoke detector loops across high-risk zones and circulation pathways.
  • Containment failures including standard thin hollow-core timber doors separating kitchens or utility rooms from escape routes.
  • Missing, non-functional, or painted-over automatic self-closing hinges and intumescent cold-smoke brush seals on fire doors.
  • Physical blockages along escape pathways, or doors fitted with complex key-locked deadbolts along primary emergency exit tracks.
  • First-floor escape windows locked solid, painted shut, or displaying open dimensions too tight for emergency passenger egress.
  • Ignition source hazards including old, uncertified gas installations, damaged electrical wiring, or cooking hobs set next to soft furnishings.
  • Structural collapse vectors resulting from fire exposure due to unprotected steel joists or missing fire-rated plasterboard linings.

Remedial Safety Actions

  • Install a comprehensive mains-powered, wirelessly interlinked smoke and heat detection system.
  • Upgrade standard internal doors along escape routes to certified FD30 fire-resistant door assemblies equipped with self-closers.
  • Fit perimeter intumescent strips and smoke seals into fire door frame recesses.
  • Remove key-operated locks along egress paths and swap with internal thumb-turn mechanism deadbolts.
  • Overhaul windows along escape routes to guarantee clear opening zones meet exit guidelines.
  • Isolate cooking hobs from combustible vertical surfaces; line structural steel components with double-layer fire-rated boards.

Hazard 5: Flames, Hot Surfaces, etc.

Deficiencies & Diagnostic Indicators

  • Thermal water storage spikes where domestic tap outputs deliver water exceeding a safe 60 degrees.
  • Absence of local thermostatic balance control valves on showers, bathtubs, or high-pressure basin mixers.
  • Exposed high-temperature heating components, bare system pipework runs, or open flame hearths lacking structural guards.
  • Kitchen layout congestion faults where cooking stoves or hobs are situated immediately adjacent to internal doorways.

Remedial Safety Actions

  • Lower boiler control modules and thermal cylinder stats to cap tap feed supplies at 50 degrees.
  • Integrate inline Thermostatic Mixing Valves (TMVs) directly below basin and bath tap installations to limit water delivery to 43 degrees.
  • Secure heavy-gauge metal wire guards over exposed space heaters, radiant bars, and combustion hearths.
  • Alter kitchen worktop flow paths to introduce a clear 300mm minimum safety buffer zone away from doors.

Hazard 6: Collisions, Entrapment and Ergonomics

Deficiencies & Diagnostic Indicators

  • Entrapment vectors including broken window sash cords or non-functional multi-stage friction stays that allow frames to fall under gravity.
  • Heavy structural doors lacking soft-close hinges or buffer plates that can crush fingers.
  • Collision projections including low door frames (under 1900mm) or window casements that open outward across external pathways.
  • Ergonomic strain defects including sub-standard kitchen worktop heights, or high-mounted storage forcing unstable over-reaching.
  • Inadequate clear space around major fixtures, forcing awkward bodily contortions during standard use.

Remedial Safety Actions

  • Replace frayed window sash counterweights and fit modern adjustable friction stay tracks.
  • Apply heavy-density foam protection cushions to low door lintels and accent with contrasting paint coats.
  • Re-hang outward-opening window sashes to pivot inward or slide vertically within frame lines.
  • Reconfigure work surface layouts to align all key manual interaction zones between 400mm and 1400mm floor heights.

Hazard 7: Structural Collapse and Falling Elements

Deficiencies & Diagnostic Indicators

  • External structural deflection indicators including leaning chimney stacks, bowing brickwork facades, or open stepping mortar cracks.
  • Unstable roof elements including fractured ridge tiles, loose roofing slates, rusting gutter brackets, or blown external render coats.
  • Internal overhead threats including water-logged, sagging ceiling plasterboards caused by service water leaks.
  • Timber core framing degradation where floor joists, wall plates, or rafter sets are soft due to active rot.
  • Deterioration of external boundary elements, chimney pots, or high-level decorative corbels.

Remedial Safety Actions

  • Rake back failed mortar lines and point masonry walls using structurally appropriate lime or cement mortar mixes.
  • Secure chimney pots with specialized metal brackets or strip away loose tiles and nail down new slate arrays.
  • Cut out sagging ceiling plaster sections; secure new 12.5mm plasterboard sheets fixed with zinc-plated screws to joists.
  • Treat joist ends with industrial wood preservatives; bolster weak timber runs using double flitch plates.

Hazard 8: Electrical Hazards

Deficiencies & Diagnostic Indicators

  • Exposed live electrical parts including cracked socket plates, open junction boxes, or bare wiring sheathing cores.
  • Outdated network distribution setups including consumer units with rewireable fuse holders that lack modern Residual Current Devices (RCD).
  • Wet zone installation faults where standard rocker switches or 240V plug points sit within 3 meters of a bath or shower tray.
  • Damaged external service supplies, loose meter tails, or absence of main protective earth bonding lines to incoming gas and water pipes.

Remedial Safety Actions

  • Replace cracked socket faceplates, light fittings, and pendant assemblies with impact-resistant polycarbonate gear.
  • Replace rewireable fuse boards with modern dual-tariff consumer units featuring dedicated RCBO miniature circuit breakers.
  • Remove standard toggle switches inside bathrooms and substitute with low-voltage ceiling pull-cords.
  • Establish correct earth bonding using 10mm green/yellow copper conductor links clamped to incoming utility mains.

GROUP 2: PHYSIOLOGICAL REQUIREMENTS

Hazard 9: Excess Cold

Deficiencies & Diagnostic Indicators

  • Thermal envelope breaches including uninsulated loft spaces, uninsulated solid masonry brick walls, or single-pane sash window frames.
  • Underpowered space heating systems including old, manual night storage units or small boilers unable to maintain living areas at 21 degrees.
  • Severe air filtration defects including missing window seals, rotten sash frames, or doors letting in cold drafts.
  • Fuel poverty risks where high-tariff, inefficient plug-in panel heaters form the primary space heating option.

Remedial Safety Actions

  • Lay mineral wool insulating mats across loft floor joists to establish a minimum continuous depth of 270mm.
  • Fit a gas combination boiler system or high-retention smart storage heaters to ensure stable space heating.
  • Install silicone compression profiles into window rebate lines and fix thick brush draft strips onto door tracks.
  • Mount internal or external solid wall insulation systems to slow structural heat loss.

Hazard 10: Radiation

Deficiencies & Diagnostic Indicators

  • Subterranean gas ingress routes where radon ground gas slips up through open floor slab cracks or unvented crawlspaces.
  • Stagnant subfloor air conditions caused by blocked external airbricks or solid concrete extensions cutting off cross-flows.
  • Properties situated in high-risk granite geographical formations lacking gas protection features.

Remedial Safety Actions

  • Clear dirt, debris, and blockages from all external clay airbricks to restore natural underfloor airflow.
  • Seal ground floor structural joints and perimeter lines using flexible, gas-tight radon barrier membranes.
  • Install an active radon sump extraction system with an inline pump to draw gas clear of living areas.

Hazard 11: Damp and Mould Growth

Deficiencies & Diagnostic Indicators

  • Penetrating moisture tracks from split downpipes, overflowing gutter sets, or failed lead flashings dumping rainwater onto masonry.
  • Capillary ground moisture travel where a missing or bridged damp proof course (DPC) allows water to track up internal plaster.
  • Condensation faults including bathrooms lacking mechanical extraction fans, or windows lacking functioning trickle vents.
  • Fungal spore accumulation where visible black mould colonies extend over wall or ceiling footprints beyond 5% of a single room area.

Remedial Safety Actions

  • Replace broken gutter sections and adjust bracket gradients to direct rainwater flow directly to downpipes.
  • Inject a chemical silicone damp proof layer into external brick courses to form a capillary moisture block.
  • Fit humidistat-controlled mechanical extract ventilation (dMEV) fans into kitchens and bathrooms to exhaust humid air automatically.
  • Sterilize mouldy surfaces using an approved fungicidal wash; redecorate using specialized anti-mould paint formulas.

Hazard 12: Lead

Deficiencies & Diagnostic Indicators

  • Heavy metal plumbing pipes present on the incoming communication line or within internal distribution loops.
  • Flaking, peeling, or deteriorated paint coatings containing lead additives on traditional wood paneling or sash frames.

Remedial Safety Actions

  • Replace all lead pipe runs with modern MDPE blue plastic lines from the external boundary stopcock.
  • Strip down deteriorated toxic paint layers using safe wet-shaving tools; encapsulate base wood using oil-based primers.

Hazard 13: Indoor Air Pollutants

Deficiencies & Diagnostic Indicators

  • Combustion product venting due to cracked boiler heat exchangers, blocked chimney pots, or split stove seals.
  • Absence of functional carbon monoxide detection devices near solid fuel, biomass, or gas combustion appliances.
  • Chemical trace storage hazards where solvents, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), or biocides are kept in unvented rooms.

Remedial Safety Actions

  • Run pressure integrity testing on boiler flues and install replacement balanced-flue lines through external wall tracks.
  • Mount sealed ten-year lithium battery Carbon Monoxide (CO) alarms on ceilings within 3 meters of all combustion gear.

Hazard 14: Excess Heat

Deficiencies & Diagnostic Indicators

  • Solar heat trap conditions created by massive unshaded south-facing glazing arrays lacking external solar shades or solar glass coatings.
  • Top-floor flat heat retention caused by an unventilated roof space or lack of roof insulation to block summer heat.
  • Inadequate thermal purge loops where window opening dimensions are too restrictive to dump built-up hot air.

Remedial Safety Actions

  • Apply external solar-control reflective films or tinted skins over south-facing glazing panels.
  • Fit multi-stage roof skylight windows to allow rising hot air to exhaust naturally from upper levels.

Hazard 15: Asbestos and MMF

Deficiencies & Diagnostic Indicators

  • Damaged or drilling asbestos insulating boards (AIB), pipe insulation, corrugated cement tiles, or worn artex ceilings.
  • Uncontained insulation fibers where raw Manufactured Mineral Fibres (MMF) are exposed in lofts without protective covers.

Remedial Safety Actions

  • Encapsulate sound, stable asbestos materials using specialized high-build elastomeric polymer bonding paint layers.
  • Instruct licensed asbestos specialist contractors to handle containment, stripping, or disposal of deteriorated fibers.

GROUP 3: PROTECTION AGAINST INFECTION

Hazard 16: Domestic Hygiene, Pests and Refuse

Deficiencies & Diagnostic Indicators

  • Pest intrusion paths including unsealed holes around incoming pipes, open crawlspace vents, or missing grates letting rodents in.
  • Unhygienic kitchen surfaces including cracked laminate counters, porous raw timber surfaces, or split splashback seals that trap food waste.
  • Inadequate external refuse space, lacking a flat paved zone for wheelie bins and leaving bags vulnerable to scavengers.
  • Defective internal sanitation systems, cracked washbasins, or leaking soil pipe connections that dump foul wastewater.

Remedial Safety Actions

  • Pack structural entry points with dense stainless steel mesh wool and seal with expanding foam.
  • Replace cracked worktops with non-porous food-grade laminate or resin; run clean anti-fungal silicone beads along all joints.
  • Construct a dedicated concrete pad or fenced area outside for secure wheelie bin storage.
  • Overhaul failed wastewater plumbing runs; replace cracked waste traps and line connections securely.

Hazard 17: Water Supply

Deficiencies & Diagnostic Indicators

  • Contamination risks in loft storage cisterns that lack close-fitting lids or insulation, letting in dust and debris.
  • Legionella stagnation hazards inside redundant pipe lengths (dead-legs) or cold lines run directly next to uninsulated hot water lines.
  • Low supply pressure or delivery drops caused by scaled, damaged, or poorly maintained private water infrastructure.

Remedial Safety Actions

  • Fit tightly sealed, dust-proof lids and thick thermal insulation jackets over cold water storage tanks.
  • Cut out dead-leg pipe segments back to the main flow line to eliminate stagnant water pockets.

GROUP 4: PSYCHOLOGICAL REQUIREMENTS

Hazard 18: Crowding and Space

Deficiencies & Diagnostic Indicators

  • Over-occupied rooms where tenant numbers breach statutory floor area and room volume allocation limits.
  • Mixed-gender room sharing faults where opposite-sex children aged 10 or older are forced to sleep in the same bedroom.
  • Compromised internal layout options where key living rooms are used as full-time bedrooms, blocking main access routes.

Remedial Safety Actions

  • Enforce maximum occupancy limits matching the formal floor plan measurements of the property.
  • Convert underused ground floor reception spaces into distinct, partitioned bedrooms to provide proper separation.

Hazard 19: Entry by Intruders

Deficiencies & Diagnostic Indicators

  • Flimsy external portals including thin hollow-core timber doors, rotten frames, or loose window lock plates.
  • Substandard locking hardware on ground level entries, lacking robust 5-lever mortice locks or multi-point locking mechanisms.
  • Poorly lit perimeter boundaries or dark access alleys that hide entry attempts from view.

Remedial Safety Actions

  • Replace flimsy entrance doors with 44mm solid timber doors or composite security sets.
  • Install PAS24-compliant multi-point locking rails or 5-lever mortice deadlocks onto frame plates.
  • Mount dawn-to-dusk LED security lights over rear and side entrance doors.

Hazard 20: Noise

Deficiencies & Diagnostic Indicators

  • Inadequate acoustic separation through shared party walls or uninsulated timber floors, letting neighbor noise transfer freely.
  • Mechanical rattle problems from loose wastewater lines, vibrating heating pipes, or un-isolated water booster pumps.
  • Substandard window glazing insulation properties facing busy public roads or commercial loading zones.

Remedial Safety Actions

  • Build independent acoustic stud linings insulated with high-density mineral wool acoustic batts.
  • Install rubber isolation mats and dampening hangers around water booster pumps and pipe brackets.
  • Upgrade standard perimeter glazing units to specialized acoustic laminate double glazing.

Hazard 21: Lighting and Obstructed Views

Deficiencies & Diagnostic Indicators

  • Substandard daylighting where main living rooms or bedrooms feature window glass footprints covering less than 10% of the room floor area.
  • Severe external view blockages where windows look directly onto close, high blank retaining walls that cut off natural light.
  • Artificial circuit failures in windowless interior hallways or bathrooms, leaving spaces completely dark.

Remedial Safety Actions

  • Cut wider structural wall openings to install larger window assemblies or light-reflective sun tunnels.
  • Coat close boundary walls with white high-reflectivity masonry paint to bounce daylight back inside.
  • Rewire dead lighting tracks and fit low-energy, long-life LED bulkhead fittings inside windowless rooms.

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