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News Release from: Association of Plumbing & Heating Contractors | Subject: Failing heating appliances
Edited by the Buildingtalk Editorial
Team on 21 January 2008
Incomplete advice could risk even more
homes
Trade association for the plumbing and heating industry is warning that even more homes could be affected by potential failings in their hot water systems than the 3.5 million suggested by Coroner.
Coroner Michael Rose, following the tragic death of Rhianna Hardie, maybe underestimating potential risk from failing heating appliances The guidance provided by various sources to date has advised homeowners to look more closely only if an immersion heating system over 10 years old is in use
This article was originally published on Buildingtalk on 14 Nov 2005 at 8.00am (UK)
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This advice is potentially flawed as other forms of hot water system can also "run away", continuously heating water like the faulty immersion heater cited in this particular case did (which, when coupled with the defective installation of a cold water storage cistern with an unsupported base, has the potential for a repeat occurrence).
The Association of Plumbing and Heating Contractors (APHC) says more than five million homes could be affected by hot water systems heated by other fuel types which, when installed in conjunction with an inadequately mounted cistern, could affect more families than estimated at first.
John Thompson, Technical Services Manager of APHC, says: "While the coroner was absolutely right to warn people about the thermostat failure in an electrical immersion heater, it is not the only potential danger to homeowners and tenants".
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"Risks exist with a broad range of other heating appliances".
"For example, gas or oil-fired hot water systems fitted with a single thermostat have the ability to be able to continue to heat the water to boiling point if the thermostat fails".
"Similarly, solid fuel systems with no thermostat -or with simple thermostatic controls that can get jammed open in use - will create considerably more heat than immersion heaters." "The Rhianna Hardie case was not just as a result of a faulty immersion heater thermostat".
"The incorrect installation of the cistern was a major contributory factor".
"Cisterns correctly fitted on an adequate base can readily receive boiling water for many hours without failure".
"A combination of faults gave rise to this sad case".
"However, more than just homes with immersion heaters fitted over ten years old should be checked." APHC now looks to Government to ensure the review of Part G of the Building Regulations is adequate in ensuring that a repeat of the tragedy does not occur.
The Association also calls for wider dialogue and the involvement of key stakeholders in providing effective guidance.
Clive Dickin, CEO of APHC, says: "The review has been on the Government agenda for almost three years and a lack of resources in Communities and Local Government has resulted in this being placed as a low priority".
"In addition, not all facets of the plumbing and heating industry are being engaged in this process; this will give rise to amendments to the guidance being questioned, especially in light of the incomplete information being given to consumers in this case".
"If a review of this nature is to take place, then all stakeholders should be involved in ensuring safety is not compromised." Following the inquest verdict, APHC issued comprehensive guidance for consumers, available at http://www.competentpersonsscheme.co.uk/news/rhianna-hardie-inquest-guidance-46.aspx The Guidance tells consumers what sort of warning signs they should look for and the action they should take if they are concerned.
While the Association reminds consumers that the likelihood of a similar fault is low, it is better to be safe than sorry and they should contact a qualified plumbing and heating engineer if they have any concerns.
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