Menu
06/01/2004
Measures to reduce scalding accidents considered
A new set of regulations on water temperature controls are to be formulated as part of a drive to reduce the number of accidents in hot baths, it has been announced today.
Every year around 20 people die as a result of scalds in hot bath water and another 570 people suffer serious injuries.
Young children and older people are most at risk because their skin is thinner and less tolerant of hot water. More than 400 very young children are seriously injured every year, leaving toddlers facing years of painful skin grafts.
The government plans to order a review of building regulations which could see all new or converted private properties fitted with a safety device to control the temperature of water in showers, baths and basins.
Building regulations are overseen by building control inspectors working for local councils. The regulations over safe water temperatures could come into force early in 2006.
Government Minister Phil Hope said: "Safe water temperatures are essential since most accidents occur with the young, elderly or infirm either getting or falling into baths that are initially too hot, or in topping up with hot water."
Actress and scald victim Amanda Redman, now a patron of the Children's Fire and Burn Trust, welcomed the prospect of new regulations.
"Parents can minimise the risk of scalding by closely supervising bath-time, so that a child has no opportunity to turn on the hot tap while their parent is distracted," she said.
"However, the most effective safety measure is the installation of a thermostatic control device to regulate the bath water outlet temperature to reduce the risk of severe scalding."
(gmcg)
Every year around 20 people die as a result of scalds in hot bath water and another 570 people suffer serious injuries.
Young children and older people are most at risk because their skin is thinner and less tolerant of hot water. More than 400 very young children are seriously injured every year, leaving toddlers facing years of painful skin grafts.
The government plans to order a review of building regulations which could see all new or converted private properties fitted with a safety device to control the temperature of water in showers, baths and basins.
Building regulations are overseen by building control inspectors working for local councils. The regulations over safe water temperatures could come into force early in 2006.
Government Minister Phil Hope said: "Safe water temperatures are essential since most accidents occur with the young, elderly or infirm either getting or falling into baths that are initially too hot, or in topping up with hot water."
Actress and scald victim Amanda Redman, now a patron of the Children's Fire and Burn Trust, welcomed the prospect of new regulations.
"Parents can minimise the risk of scalding by closely supervising bath-time, so that a child has no opportunity to turn on the hot tap while their parent is distracted," she said.
"However, the most effective safety measure is the installation of a thermostatic control device to regulate the bath water outlet temperature to reduce the risk of severe scalding."
(gmcg)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
09 January 2014
Burst Water Main Causes Chaos
A burst water main has caused considerable flooding in Glasgow. A statement from Scottish Water said: "An issue with a faulty valve which regulates pressure has resulted in burst water mains in Mount Stuart Street, Shawlands; Cowcaddens and Duke St at the junction of East Wellington Street and Shettleston Road.
Burst Water Main Causes Chaos
A burst water main has caused considerable flooding in Glasgow. A statement from Scottish Water said: "An issue with a faulty valve which regulates pressure has resulted in burst water mains in Mount Stuart Street, Shawlands; Cowcaddens and Duke St at the junction of East Wellington Street and Shettleston Road.
07 November 2003
Water price rise proposals 'unacceptable for customers'
WaterVoice has today described companies' proposals for billing as "unacceptable to customers in their current form", and called on water companies, regulators and the government to "think about customers' priorities" in terms of value for money.
Water price rise proposals 'unacceptable for customers'
WaterVoice has today described companies' proposals for billing as "unacceptable to customers in their current form", and called on water companies, regulators and the government to "think about customers' priorities" in terms of value for money.
18 January 2007
Water companies lift hosepipe bans
Several water companies have eased restrictions on water usage by lifting hosepipe bans today. Thames Water, Southern Water, Three Valleys Water and Sutton and East Surrey Water have announced the end of restrictions this morning. However, customers of South East Water and Mid Kent Water remain subject to hosepipe bans.
Water companies lift hosepipe bans
Several water companies have eased restrictions on water usage by lifting hosepipe bans today. Thames Water, Southern Water, Three Valleys Water and Sutton and East Surrey Water have announced the end of restrictions this morning. However, customers of South East Water and Mid Kent Water remain subject to hosepipe bans.
01 March 2006
Water firm to introduce meters
A water company in the south east of England has been given permission to install compulsory water meters in homes. Folkestone and Dover Water Services was granted "water scarcity status", which will allow it to force all 65,000 homes in its service area to install meters.
Water firm to introduce meters
A water company in the south east of England has been given permission to install compulsory water meters in homes. Folkestone and Dover Water Services was granted "water scarcity status", which will allow it to force all 65,000 homes in its service area to install meters.
26 October 2011
Use Less Hot Water – Gov
After weeks of wrangling between the energy regulator and energy providers over the rising costs of electricity and gas, the Government is telling the public to use less hot water to bring down their bills.
Use Less Hot Water – Gov
After weeks of wrangling between the energy regulator and energy providers over the rising costs of electricity and gas, the Government is telling the public to use less hot water to bring down their bills.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A dry evening with late sunny spells and some long clear spells overnight. Becoming cloudier across the north towards dawn with a few showers possible. Touch of frost in south. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
