The CIPHE has added its voice to those calling on the government to make the installation of thermostatic mixing valves compulsory in all homes. It follows the issue of the latest hospital admission statistics from NHS Digital which reveal that 34% of scalding admissions were aged 9 years or under and nearly 19% were over 60. The statistics reflect figures from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) which show that the elderly are five times more at risk of a fatal burn or scald injury than the general population.
CEO Kevin Wellman comments: “I find it unacceptable that so many innocent people are suffering scalds and burns. The majority of scalding incidents can be avoided, however a lack of legislation and general knowledge continues to hinder efforts to eliminate these incidents. In my opinion, it is unforgivable that Government officials have continued to avoid taking responsibility for household burn and scald injuries.
“Our perspective on this is clear. We need to reduce the risk by raising general awareness of the dangers in our homes, we need to change legislation to enforce the use of protective devices such as TMVs in all homes (not just new build), we need to educate the public on the importance of regularly maintaining these devices and we need to ensure that all those working on plumbing and heating systems are qualified and competent to do so.”
