Thermostatic mixing valves save lives

Barrie Plant, Product Manager at Pegler, discusses the importance of Thermostatic mixing valves.

Around 20 fatalities and 570 severe scalding injuries occur each year in the UK as a result of high bath water temperatures.

Around 440 of the scalding incidents happen to children under 5 years old, mostly as a result of falling into the bath or topping up a bath they are in with hot water.

Other incidents involve elderly or vulnerable people in the community.

Most scalding incidents are preventable, but perhaps surprisingly, the number of incidents has remained unchanged for many years.

Domestic hot water temperatures are usually set at 55C or above - a temperature that can see a child badly scalded in less than 4 seconds.

The tender skin of young children and the slow reaction time of the elderly and less able, clearly makes them the most vulnerable to serious hot water burns.

Hot water scalding tends to create emotional costs in terms of associated guilt and financial costs because of the possibility of years of hospital visits and treatment.

So why does scalding occur and how can this be prevented?.

Water heater thermostats may be faulty or set too high.

Temperature regulation at the domestic water source may not be working or may not even have been installed.

High stored water temperatures are also required to prevent bacteria such as Legionella.

There is now a means of reducing these hot water temperatures to safe levels at the point of use is available.

A product that has been tried and tested in NHS Estates has now been adapted for use in the domestic field.

This thermostatically controlled mixing valve (TMV) allows hot water to be supplied at safe temperatures at the point of use for basins, bidets, showers and bath applications.

Pegler, one of the leading UK manufacturers of valves and fittings, is a member of the TMVA - the Thermostatic Mixing Valve Association.

The TMVA has been working closely with a number of other bodies to promote the use of Thermostatic Mixing Valves in domestic properties.

These include the Child Accident Prevention Trust, The British Burns Association, the Building Research Establishment, the Housing Corporation, the Institute of Plumbers and the ODPM.

The use of thermostatic mixing valves in domestic markets will be included in a review of Part G of the Building Regulations that is currently being undertaken.

Pegler has a range of independently approved TMVs.

The Buildcert TMV2 and TMV3 Scheme approvals are independent and cater for testing, monitoring, listing and approval of manufacturers TMVs.

The aim of the scheme is to ensure that all Members valves meet the requirements and perform as they are claimed to do and materials from which they are manufactured must satisfy the requirements of The Water Regulations.

Buildcert also test and monitor the valves on a regular basis and all Approved valves are listed on their website.

The Buildcert TMV3 Scheme, is the far more arduous standard for TMVs installed in the highest risk situations.

Products carrying this approval are typically used in NHS hospitals, nursing homes, nurseries, young persons care homes and schools for the severely disabled.

However, circumstances may require their use in a domestic situation, depending on the risk assessment.

Social housing providers in the UK should consider the installation of a safety device in all immersion areas in their homes as most serious scalds occur in the bath.

Housing Associations have been at the forefront of awareness of the need to utilise thermostatic mixing valves in their properties to address scalding incidents.

The Housing Corporation Scheme Development Standard (April 2003 5th Edition) states that hot water taps to baths should have a thermostatically controlled supply.

All housing for the elderly, where showers are provided, must have a mixing valve that is thermostatically controlled.

Hot water taps to fittings for residents use should also have thermostatically controlled supplies.

Pegler has launched two new in-line thermostatic mixing valves - one that meets the TMV2 standard and one that meets TMV3 requirements.

The Peglertherm 402UA with angle servicing valves, is designed to provide water safety and greater flexibility for commissioning and maintenance.

The 402 range has been tested under the auspices of the Buildcert TMV3 scheme, following tests outlined in the NHS Estates DO8 specification.

The Peglertherm 403H is designed specifically for the domestic market and has the facility to be used on 15mm and 22mm pipework.

The 403H thermostatic mixing valve is designed predominantly with the domestic user and new build applications in mind, but is also relevant for offices, hotels, schools and leisure centre projects.

Again this product is suitable for use with wash basins, bidets, shower and bath applications.

Both thermostatic mixing valves are approved as suitable for applications in washbasin, bidet, shower, bath and bath categories ensuring safe delivery of water across the whole washing spectrum.

They are supplied pre-set at approximately 43C, however adjustment must be made to deliver a mixed temperature of between 38C and 46C depending on the outlet it is supplying.

The Peglertherm ranges are designed such that should for any reason the cold water supply fail, they will automatically shut off the hot water supply.

Pegler has seen increasing numbers of enquiries and mounting sales success for these high quality units.

With increased awareness and use of these thermostatic mixing valves, the potential for scalding will be greatly reduced and provide increased safety in the bathroom.

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