DOUGLAS GROUP WELCOMES GOVERNMENT COMMITMENT TO HOT WATER SAFETY IN HOUSING

As an active supporter of the Hot Water Burns Like Fire Campaign, which has been highlighting the benefits of thermostatic mixing valve anti-scald devices, the Douglas Group welcomes the Government's commitment to hot water safety in housing.

Following the ministerial statement announcement on 21 June 2007, the company is particularly pleased as it has long been a pioneer in the development of thermostatic mixing valves (TMVs) - and for many years has been a keen supporter of the campaign to change legislation via BEAMA's
Thermostatic Mixing Valve Group (TMVA).

Douglas Group managing director Richard Stammers says: "With the Government saying it is committed to ensuring that Building Regulations support the safety of hot water systems in the home, we fully endorse the hard work of charities like CAPT, and the view of TMVA director

Dr Howard Porter who has commented:

"Through the Hot Water Burns Like Fire Campaign, we have been working closely with Government and leading national charities to encourage the installation of anti-scald devices (TMVs).

"We will continue to ensure our industry gives the Government total support via consultation in developing the appropriate regulations, guidelines and training notes, and help those installing and maintaining these systems to be aware of the issues involved.

"We totally welcome and support the Government's new review of Part G of the Building Regulations (dealing with sanitary installations and the hot water systems that serve them as one package) to determine whether changes are needed, and can be made. Also, the Government is right in recognising that a balance must be struck between ensuring health and safety risks are tackled without placing undue regulatory burdens on industry".

Richard Stammers continues:

"Last autumn, our company took an active role in the staging of the Hot Water Burns Like Fire Campaign launch event at the House of Commons, and in the development of the initiative.

"It's so encouraging to see the groundswell of positive opinion concerning the hot bath water safety issue - and the TMV solution - has had such an impact.

"This is a very important safety campaign aiming to save lives and prevent the horrendous scald injuries hundreds of people suffer - and which are totally avoidable."

Background

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 - a further 570 suffer serious scald injuries.

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.

The Hot Water Burns Like Fire Campaign is driven by the coalition of national children's, elderly persons' and safety charities, industry associations and experts.

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 aftercare, how families are affected etc.

Provisions for 'Safe Hot Water' have already been introduced in Scotland - so why not in England and Wales too?

The TMV solution

Thermostatic mixing valves (TMVs) control hot water to pre-selected maximum temperatures. The Scottish Building Standards Agency mandates that hot water is delivered at no higher than 48°C. TMVs will guarantee this maximum outlet temperature.

TMVs delivering hot water at 48°C and below, will significantly reduce risk of scalds occurring in the home. By blending hot water (stored at temperatures high enough to kill bacteria) with cold to ensure constant, safe, outlet temperatures preventing scalding, TMVs in homes would prevent these horrific injuries, while still allowing adults to enjoy a hot bath, and to top up a cooling bath with hot water.

More campaign information/event downloads from www.hotwaterburnslikefire.org.uk and www.safehotwater.co.uk