The IPHE is one of the organisations involved with The Hot Water Burns Like Fire Campaign, which advocates the use of thermostatic mixing valves to prevent scalding. The aim is to persuade the Government to introduce legislation to restrict the outlet temperatures for baths to 46°C in England and Wales. These Regulations already apply in Scotland.

The problem

Every year around 20 people in the UK die as a result of scalds caused by hot bath water, and a further 570 suffer serious scald injuries that can result in long-term disability and disfigurement. The young (especially the under 5s) and the old are most at risk because their skin is thinner and less tolerant to high water temperatures.

More than 90% of scalding incidents occur in the home. The tender skin of very young children and the slow reaction times of the elderly and the handicapped make them most vulnerable to serious hot water burns. Scalding injuries are tremendously painful, and the effects can last for years.

Scalding occurs for a variety of reasons. In some cases, water heater thermostats are faulty, or set too high. In others, temperature-regulating valves at the domestic hot water source are either malfunctioning or missing altogether.

Recommended use

Although there is no legal requirement in England and Wales to limit water delivery temperatures, DEFRA recommend the use of thermostatic mixing valves (TMVs) for terminal fittings in schools, public buildings and other facilities used by the public. In addition, the Housing Corporation recommends thermostatically controlled supplies to bath taps in all housing. Thermostatic control of showers and all hot water taps is considered essential in housing for the elderly.

TMV2 valves

Valves are available that have been Certified to the BuildCert TMV2 scheme. They are generally made to a different Standard from the TMV3 valves that are made to NHS Specifications. The TMV2 valves require less frequent inspection or servicing than the TMV3 valves; making them more appropriate to domestic installations.

How do the valves work

TMVs automatically add cold water to the hot tap if the water temperature is too high. An information paper - Preventing Hot Water Scalding in Bathrooms: Using TMVs, explains how thermostatic mixing valves work. It has been written by the Thermostatic Mixer Valve Manufacturers Association (TMVA), the Child Accident Prevention Trust (CAPT) and Building Research Establishment (BRE).

The information paper advises on where TMVs should be used (housing, nursing homes, hospitals, schools, etc), illustrates their application in baths, basins and showers, and gives guidance on installation, commissioning and maintenance. It also emphasises the need for care in selecting thermostatic mixing valves that are appropriate for their intended use and provide adequate protection.

For more information on thermostatic mixing valves please visit: www.tmva.org.uk

For further information on the campaign please visit: www.hotwaterburnslikefire.org.uk

If you are looking for a qualified installer registered with the IPHE please visit: www.iphe.org.uk/iphememdb.html