Product category:
Control Valves (Rotary, Mixing, Temperature Control etc)
News Release from: Thermostatic Mixing Valves Association | Subject: Domestic mixing valves
Edited by the Engineeringtalk Editorial
Team on 22 March 2001
Keep out of hot water with mixing valves
In support of the Department of Trade and Industry's 'Keep Your Kids Out of Hot Water' campaign, the Thermostatic Mixing Valves Association (TMVA) is issuing a code of practice
In support of the Department of Trade and Industry's 'Keep Your Kids Out of Hot Water' campaign, the Thermostatic Mixing Valves Association (TMVA) is issuing a code of practice for the use of mixing valves in domestic properties This guide has been prepared for building professionals and homeowners, providing information that will increase both comfort and safety in the UK's 25 million homes
This article was originally published on Engineeringtalk on 19 Mar 2001 at 8.00am (UK)
Related stories
High head pumps for wastewater pumping
ABS is introducing a new series of HiLift pumps for high head pumping. The new range offers reliable wastewater pumping from buildings and sites.
Higher efficiency and output from sewage pumps
New models in the AFP pump range, suitable for pumping of heavily polluted sewage in commercial, industrial and municipal applications, feature improved efficiencies and output
There are currently no national regulations describing safe temperatures of hot water in homes.
This is despite the fact that all scaldings are wholly avoidable by the installation and use of appropriate safety products.
The new TMVA guide, entitled 'The Control of Hot Water Temperatures in Domestic Properties', provides clear guidance on safety issues relevant to all domestic installations, including private homes, holiday homes, rented accommodation, hostels, hotels and guesthouses.
Best practice dictates that hot water is generated and stored at temperatures of no less than 60øC in all domestic dwellings.
However, scalding occurs well below the boiling point of water, with temperatures above 45øC able to cause serious injury very quickly.
Experience in other countries has shown that limiting hot water temperatures to a safe range, for bathing and washing, can reduce accidents involving hospitalisation by 50%.
The TMVA guide recommends that Thermostatic Mixing Valves be used on all household applications from baths to bidets.
This allows hot water entering the valve to be mixed with cold water and cooled to a safe, pre-set, temperature before use.
Thermostatic Mixing Valves offer a further safety measure in that, in the event of a cold water failure, they will shut down to prevent dangerously hot water being discharged.
Mathew Gordon, Chairman of the TMVA, said, "This represents a real step forward in terms of safety and is a genuine shot in the arm for the industry.
I think this will raise safety levels by making people more aware of what, to many, is a hidden danger.
If all this action can result in one saved life, or one child less having to undergo the agony of skin grafts, then it will be worthwhile." For non-domestic and specialist applications, such as Hospitals and Care Homes, guidance on safety measures can be obtained from the TMVA's 'Recommended Code of Practice for Safe Water Temperatures'.
• Thermostatic Mixing Valves Association: contact details and other news
• Email this article to a colleague
• Register for the free Engineeringtalk email newsletter
• Engineeringtalk Home Page
Search the Pro-Talk network of sites
