GW supplies are a Dartford based plumber’s merchant providing quality plumbing materials to the trade and public. They are concerned that many UK households are not aware of the anti scald products on the market and the damage hot water from the tap can do to your skin.

Every year 20 people die and 600 are badly injured from scalds caused by hot water. The Elderly and very young are most at risk from scalding. To prevent the growth of harmful legionella bacteria, hot water must be stored at 60°C or above. Unfortunately at this high temperature, healthy adult skin can be scalded with third degree burns in only five seconds.

The new Part G of the Building Regulations comes into force on 1st October 2009 and aims to help reduce the number of incidences of scalding by requiring that all baths and showers in new dwellings or new dwellings created by a change of use of an existing building have a device fitted that limits the temperature to 48°C. This is considered a safer temperature for adults and will help prevent these unnecessary deaths and injuries.

What’s the best way to limit water temperatures?

The most effective way of delivering safe hot water temperatures is by using a thermostatic mixing valve (TMV). A TMV will take the stored hot water and mix it in the correct proportions with the cold water supply to deliver a safe, stable temperature at point of use, whether it is a bath or basin.

TMVs are available in 15mm or 22mm pipe sizes.

While the legislative requirements of the new Part G only cover new dwellings or new dwellings created by a change of use of an existing building, Gurney & White Ltd and gwsupplies.co.uk believe in the interest of safety not only for the young and old, but for the safety of all. The installation of a TMV, either through the use of thermostatic bath shower mixers, or an under bath/basin thermostatic blending valve, should be standard practice for ANY bathroom refurbishment. Thermostatic mixing valves can also be added to existing plumbing to save an accident from happening.

Another advantage of fitting TMV blending valves is that of saving energy by not wasting hot water and thereby reducing the household’s carbon footprint.

GW Supplies stock a range of Intamix TMV blending valves in 15mm and 22mm sizes, and Inta, Bristan and Hansgrohe thermostatic bath shower mixers.

Via EPR Network
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