Things have been moving ahead fast on the recognition of TMVs (thermostatic mixing valves) as effective anti-scald devices. 

Dr Howard Porter, BEAMA’s Chief Operating Officer explains…

It has been an active few months for developments concerning thermostatic mixing valves. This Spring the Government confirmed its commitment to hot water safety in new-build housing, via its ministerial statement (Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Iain Wright, 13 May 2009).

It’s an announcement our Thermostatic Mixing Valve Group (TMVA, part of BEAMA) was particularly pleased to hear; as for a number of years it has supported the campaign to change legislation.

With Mr Wright saying that regulations have been laid down that amend Part G of the Building Regulations addressing sanitation, hot water safety and water efficiency in new-build homes, recognises relentless ongoing campaigning efforts.

The TMVA has worked closely alongside Mary Creagh MP through the Hot Water Burns Like Fire Campaign, and with Government and leading national charities, to encourage the installation of these anti-scald devices and the Government’s commitment shows the impact we have all sought.    

It was intended that TMVs would be fitted to all new-build houses from October 2009.  However, this decision has now been put back until April next year.. The valves set bath water temperature to a maximum of 48°C. This will allow a hot bath whilst minimising the risk of scalding.                                          

Similar legislation has been passed in Scotland, Canada, New Zealand and Australia.

The TMVA will work with these groups to assist the adoption of similar hot water safety measures in existing homes, delivering a significant reduction in scalding injuries.

We will continue to ensure our industry gives the Government total support and advice regarding the appropriate regulations, especially concerning existing installations, guidelines and the training of installers and merchants. 

Plus, our member manufacturers will look to develop further innovations in ever more effective TMV hot water safety solutions. 

We will help ensure those installing and maintaining these systems are aware of the issues and solutions too.

MP support
MPs have been very supportive and welcomed the Government’s announcement to appropriately change the Building Regulations. 

Mary Creagh MP has played a key role spearheading the three year long ‘Hot Water Burns Like Fire’ (HWBLF) campaign to reduce scalding injuries in the home, along with BEAMA via the TMVA and the support of co-member the BMA (Bathroom Manufacturers Association), plastic surgeons and accident prevention charities.
Several MPs who signed the Wakefield MP’s Early Day Motion in 2006 to raise awareness of scald injuries, applauded the change in the law as a significant step forward for home safety.

Attending a celebratory event at the House of Commons, they paid tribute to Communities Minister Iain Wright, who steered these changes through the Department for Communities and Local Government.

Annually, around six hundred people suffer severe bath water scalds, three quarters of whom are children. 

Every day a child under five is admitted to hospital with serious injuries resulting from scalding hot bath water.                               

Fifteen pensioners a year die from burns from bath water.
Hot Water Burns Like Fire Campaign - Every year, in the UK, around 20 people die as a result of dangerously hot bath water in their homes.

Children, the young (especially the under 5’s), elderly and infirm are particularly vulnerable.

Hot bath water is the number one cause of severe scalding injuries among young children and for scalds the bath is the number one killer.

But, scalding injuries are wholly avoidable via the installation of thermostatic mixing valves (TMVs), to prevent hot bath water scalds in the home.

Taking just seconds for a serious scald injury to occur, the young and the elderly are most at risk. Horrendous scald injuries, which could be avoided are happening every day. Plus, there’s the long-term impact, the after-care, how families are affected.

Provisions for ‘Safe Hot Water’ have already been introduced in Scotland, so why not in England and Wales too?

More information from www.hotwaterburnslikefire.org.uk and www.safehotwater.co.uk

Supporters include:

• Children’s Fire and Burn Trust (CFBT)
• Child Accident Prevention Trust (CAPT)
• Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents  (RoSPA)
• TMV Association
• British Burn Association (BBA)
• Age Concern
• Help the Aged  
• The Royal College of Nursing’s Emergency Care Association.