Scalding risk from domestic hot water systems
The HSE has issued a safety alert following two similar fatal incidents in the last four years where a large volume of near boiling water poured through bedroom ceilings onto occupants sleeping below.
Even though the accidents are rare, scalding risk from domestic hot water systems are potentially very serious.
Homeowners and landlords should pay attention to systems that are all-electric or part-electric immersion heaters in conjunction with a plastic coldwater storage cistern or 'tank' located in the roof space.
Consideration should be given to systems over 10 years old and systems which homeowners and landlords may have other reasons to suspect the adequacy of the initial installation or any subsequent work.
Visit the HSE website for information such as the typical warning signs and tips to improve your safety.
RoSPA offers a lot of support for homeowners, with free resources available on this website such as Can The Home Ever Be Safe and Accidents To Children.
In fact, the key campaign for RoSPA in 2007 is to increase TMV (Thermostatic Mixing Valve) installations in homes across the UK.
Find out more about how you could donate to help the RoSPA campaign.
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RoSPA is a registered charity: Registered Charity No: 207823 Patron: Her Majesty the Queen RoSPA Head Office: Edgbaston Park, 353 Bristol Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham B5 7ST, UK |
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