The Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE) is drawing on NHS scalding statistics as ammo in a renewed bid to get the UK government to make thermostatic mixing valves (TMVs) mandatory.

Admission figures from NHS Digital show that scalds from tap water remained a significant issue for the old and young in 2018/19, with 34% of scalding admissions aged nine years or under, and nearly 19% of scalding admissions aged 60 years or over.

Similarly, The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) states that “hot bath water is responsible for the highest number of fatal and severe scalding injuries among young children. Around 500 children, mainly under-fives, are admitted to hospital and a further 2,000 attend A&E departments every year as a result of bath water scalds”.

RoSPA figures also show that the elderly are five times more at risk of a fatal burn or scald injury than the general population.

NHS Digital admission figures also showed that:

  • 29% of admissions for contact burns from heating appliances, pipes, and radiators were aged nine years and under
  • 39.7% of admissions for contact burns from heating appliances, pipes, or radiators were aged 60 or over.

Kevin Wellman, CEO of the CIPHE, said: “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.

“The CIPHE’s 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 newbuild), 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.”