'HOT WATER BURNS LIKE FIRE’
The aim
The Hot Water Burns Like Fire campaign was launched on the 14th September by Wakefield MP Mary Creagh. The aim is to persuade the Government to introduce legislation to restrict the outlet temperatures for baths to 48oC in England and Wales. These Regulations already apply in Scotland.
Why?
Every year in the UK around 20 people die and 570 suffer serious scald injuries due to hot bath water. The under fives and the elderly are most at risk. These injuries and deaths are preventable by the installation of thermostatic mixing valves to regulate the maximum hot water temperature to 48 degrees.
What is a TMV?
TMVs accurately control water temperatures for bathing, showering and hand-washing. They maintain pre-set temperatures - even if water pressure varies when other appliances are used. TMVs can be fitted under baths and basins, be part of shower fittings, or as a feature of exposed hot and cold water mixers. Further information on TMVs link to www.safehotwater.co.uk
Who is supporting the campaign?
There are presently 11 organisations supporting the campaign as represented on the left. They all have a deep concern for the safety of children, the elderly and infirm. These include leading children’s and elderly person’s charities, the manufacturers of TMV safety valves, and plumbing installation organisations. Details of members link to alliance members
What can you do?
If you want to help the campaign as an organisation or an individual you can write to the Government ministers responsible for these regulations. You can download suggested letters of what to say from here. Click here. In addition you can register your support by contacting Mary Creagh’s office SMITHMI@parliament.uk- or registering your interest on this site.
Mary Creagh, MP for Wakefield tests the water with (from l-r): Katrina Phillips, Chief Executive of the Child Accident Prevention Trust; Dr Ken Dunn, Medical Adviser to the National Burn Injury Database; Carolyn Cripps, Founder and Director of the Children’s Fire and Burn Trust
Conference Gallery
