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Business Home Business TMVs to Reduce Risk of Scalding Hot Water at Home
| TMVs to Reduce Risk of Scalding Hot Water at Home |
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| Written by Tal Potishman |
| Thursday, 09 October 2008 07:15 |
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It happens often, you turn on the hot water tap in the bathroom and you get a flash of super hot water scalding your hands. Although most such cases only result in a small area of burned skin, some cases end up with a serious injury and some even lead to fatal injuries. In autumn 2007 the Health and Safety Executive has introduced new directives for care homes. According to the new directive they have to install thermostatic mixing valves and make them temper proof. This latest development follows a tragic case of a fatal injury from scalding water. The Building Standard in Scotland currently includes a requirement to install thermostatic mixing valves in all new housing developments or major re-developments. It is not yet compulsory in England and Wales, but there is indication the Building Regulations authorities are reviewing this issue. To reduce the risk of Legionella, it is required to keep hot water (for example within a hot water tank) at temperatures of between 60 and 65 degrees Celsius. At these temperatures it is believed that the Legionella virus does not survive. Nevertheless, water coming out of the tap at that temperature is too hot and should be mixed with colder water first. Public buildings and communal hot water systems are predominantly in need of a TMV. This is due to the requirement of keeping the hot water at extremely high temperature all the way to the point of delivery to reduce the risk of Legionella. There are primarily two groups of users at risk of burns - young children and old people. Every year UK hospitals admit hundreds of children that suffer from burns from extra hot baths. Children have a very sensitive skin and such burns may leave scars for the rest of their lives. Similarly, old people get scalded from extra hot water when their less sensitive skin and slow reactions may hinder their movements thus exacerbate the injury. Mentally and physically impaired people are also slow to react or easily confused under such circumstances leading to injuries. Broadly speaking there are two groups of thermostatic mixing valves that are certified and approved for installation: TMV2 are thermostatic mixing valves that are designed for domestic premises but are suitable for most other circumstances. A risk assessment must be undertaken to confirm whether the premises are used by disabled or vulnerable people. TMV3 valves are designed for higher performance to offer the maximum safety levels. TMV3 valves are required for all healthcare premises, or premises with disabled or vulnerable people (such as mentally or physically handicapped people). Manufacturers of thermostatic mixing valves recommend that they are installed only by qualified plumbers. The valves are positioned between the hot and the cold pipes to prevent the water coming out of the tap at an extremely high temperature. Most common TMVs are installed under the bath or under the hand basin for a simple installation. Most kits are sold with tailpieces which include isolation, a strainer and test points. Some kits have flexible connectors and isolating filter vales to deal with space limitations. About the Author: Tal Potishman, editor of Heating Central, publishes content about high efficiency boilers, Watford plumbers, central heating, underfloor heating and solar thermal. He specializes in helping save money by advising on efficient heating Kindly provided by MoneyHunter.org You are welcome to use this article on your own website, if you include the link just before this text. |
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