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Scalding occurs well below the boiling point of water. Temperatures above
45deg.C can cause serious injury very quickly. With water at 70 deg.C, partial
thickness injuries occur in well under 1 second, and full thickness burns in approximately
10 seconds. At 60 deg.C, similar injuries occur in approximately 7 seconds (partial),
and 90 seconds (full thickness).
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The Department of Trade and Industry, Consumer Safety publication
'Burns and Scald Accidents in the Home', issued in June 1999, shows that 14% of
domestic accidents occur in bathrooms. Of the 2,700 accidents recorded, 2, 100
that occurred whilst bathing were listed as minor. Disturbingly though, some 600
accidents were classified as severe (more than 5 days in hospital), with 21 of
them involving fatalities. Of these, 15 people were older than 65 years, 4 were
aged between 18-64 and 2 were less than 4 years old. Scald injuries tend to be
severe and may cover large areas of the body. Treatment is usually long and painful.
For children, skin grafts may be required at intervals until they stop growing,
maybe 15 to 20 years later. The pain suffered by these children is severe and
is stressful for both the children and their families.
Experience in other countries has shown that limiting hot water temperatures
to a safe range for bathing and washing can reduce accidents involving hospitalisation
by 50%.
By following the recommendations of this Guide, homeowners can identify where
there is a risk of scalding through accidental contact with hot water in bathrooms,
kitchens and in utility rooms. Controls can then be installed at each 'point of
use' that will prevent them and their families being exposed to such dangers. |
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Thermostatic mixing
valves
A wide range of thermostatically controlled products is readily available to
control the temperature of water accurately for showering, bathing and hand-washing
applications. If installed and maintained correctly, these can significantly reduce
the risk of scalding in the home. |
