Watersafe Supports Hot Water Burns Like Fire Campaign

WaterSafe pledges its full support for a new campaign by the Children's Burns Trust (CBT) to stop scalding by hot water from taps and showers.

The 'Hot Water Burns Like Fire'campaign is being headed by actress and patron of the CBT,Amanda Redman MBE, who attended the campaign's launch at the Bathroom Manufacturers Association's (BMA) annual conference on Monday 6 October 2014.

The campaign is supported by the BMA and aims to limit water temperatures in all homes to 48°C, by promoting the use of simple and inexpensive thermostatic devices.

Miss Redman, said: "As patron of the Children’s Burns Trust I was delighted to learn of the latest Hot Water Burns Like Fire campaign; it is particularly heartening to see industrial, academic, medical, regulatory and social organisations working together to raise awareness and work towards a solution.

"I know only too well the pain, both physical and psychological, of scalding – the life-long implications of an accident that occurred in an instant.

"I am delighted to endorse the Hot Water Burns Life Fire campaign – and hope that after exploring the excellent website you will agree."

Ken Dunn, Consultant Burns and Plastic Surgeon and Medical Trustee for the CBT, said: "Nearly 300 people a year are so badly burnt that they have to be admitted to an NHS specialist burns service with severe scalds from tap water in their bath, sink or shower, two thirds of these are children.

"The young and elderly are especially vulnerable as their skin is thinner, so burns quicker, and they have less ability to remove themselves from the scalding water."

It only takes one second to get a deep burn in hot water when the water temperature is at 70°C.

Since 2010 there has been a legal requirement in England and Wales and in Scotland since 2006, to limit bathing outlet temperatures in all new homes to 48°C. The risk of legionella is the reason why hot water has to be stored at high levels. The fitting of special valves is a relatively simple way of ensuring water flows at a safe temperature into sinks and baths to ensure both the risk of disease and scalding can be considerably reduced.

All BMA members have back the campaign, which includes the launch of a new website which offers practical advice for families on such topics as converting existing taps to provide thermostatic control and ensuring family members never get scalded in the bathroom. The BMA also recently launched its new industry guide to thermostatic mixing valves.

As part of the newcampaign, the CBT are keen to encourage the use of WaterSafe Approved businesses to help ensure any water temperature-reducing devices such as thermostatic mixers are installed correctly and in accordance with the requirements of the Water Fittings Regulations and Byelaws.

You can visit the campaign's website for further information.