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Thermostatic Mixing Valves: Scalding
Risks |
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| The following recommended temperatures are 'typical'
but user preferences will vary. Thermostatic Mixing Valves usually
allow adjustment whilst still providing protection from scalding. |
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Baths
Baths are responsible for the highest number of reported
fatal/serious scalding incidences. Safe water temperatures
are essential. Most incidents relate to the young, elderly
or infirm either getting into baths that are initially too
hot, or in topping up with hot water. |
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Bath Scalding Risk |
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| Thermostatic Mixing Valves can be used to control
hot water at a safe pre- selected maximum temperature of typically
43°C, which allows for temperature loss in metal baths.
Temperature adjustment to suit user preferences is still possible,
but Thermostatic Mixing Valves limit the top temperature to
a safe level. |
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Showering controls scalding risk
Showering with water that is too hot can cause scalding.
Any sudden changes in temperature, whether hotter or colder,
can also lead to injury through shock, slips and falls. A
Thermostatic Shower Valve offers individual users the ability
to set their preferred showering temperature.It then responds
to changes in water pressure or temperature to maintain the
selected showering temperature. |
| In the event of loss of either hot or cold water
supply, the HOT Thermostatic Shower Valve provides automatic
shut down to reduce the risk of scalding. It is recommended
that Thermostatic Shower Mixing Valves be limited to delivering
water at safe temperatures of 40-43°C |
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Bidet Scalding risks
For water being directed at such sensitive areas of the
body, a lower temperature setting is required. It is recommended
that the bidet water temperature be controlled to 37°C
maximum using a Thermostatic Mixing Valve.
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Basins Scalding Risks
When hand washing, people may put their hands directly into
running water without waiting for it to get hot. When the
hot water reaches full discharge temperature, scalding can
occur without warning. As with bathing, the young, elderly
and infirm are most at risk, but scalding can occur to anyone.
It is recommended that an under-basin Thermostatic Mixing
Valve be used to control the hot water at each outlet to a
safe temperature, typically 40°C. |
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Kitchen sinks/dishwashing
In the kitchen environment, practicality and safety from
scalding come into direct conflict. Water needs to be at a
temperature of between 46°C and , 48°C to ensure thorough
removal of grease, but at the risk of scalding. This application
is not covered by any known published recommendations, so
; special care must be taken to avoid injury. The majority
of occupied buildings in the UK are served by hot water storage
and distribution systems. |
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