New regulations herald a step change in bathroom safety

(17/08/2009)

Changes to Building Regulation Part G were laid before the House of Commons in a written ministerial statement on 13 May 2009.

The changes to the regulations come into force on 1 October 2009. Building Regulation Part G now specifies that baths in new homes (including those created through change of use) incorporate measures to ensure that water is delivered at no more than 48ºC. The supporting guidance suggests the use of a thermostatic mixing valve to do this.

MPs have welcomed the Government’s announcement that it is to change building regulations to ensure all baths in new houses have a Thermostatic Mixing Valve (TMV).

Mary Creagh MP has played a key role spearheading the three year long ‘Hot Water Burns Like Fire’ (HWBLF) campaign to reduce scalding injuries in the home, along with BEAMA via its thermostatic mixing valve group – the TMVA – and the support of co-member the BMA (Bathroom Manufacturers Association), plastic surgeons and accident prevention charities.

Several MPs who signed the Wakefield MP’s Early Day Motion in 2006 to raise awareness of scald injuries applauded the change in the law as a significant step forward for home safety.

Attending a celebratory event at the House of Commons, they paid tribute to Communities Minister Iain Wright, who steered these changes through the Department for Communities and Local Government.

Dr Howard Porter commented: “The fact that this will mean the installation of TMVs in new-build homes will become law in England and Wales, and their safety benefits have been discussed - and recognised - at the highest levels is terrific news!”

The BMA’s Christian Taylor-Hamlin added: “The new regulations herald a step change in bathroom safety, helping to reduce scalding accidents. The BMA is always looking for ways to improve safety in the bathroom and our members welcome the revisions to the building regulations. We now need to make ALL householders aware that this relatively inexpensive device, the TMV, can be retro-fitted in ALL homes and will prevent scalding, particularly in the elderly and very young.”

Recently, Mary Creagh, Dr Judkins and representatives from the West Yorkshire Fire Service and Wakefield District Housing joined 13 year old scald victim Holly Devonport at Pinderfields Hospital, Wakefield to celebrate the success of HWBLF campaign – it started in Wakefield Burns Unit.

Annually, around six hundred people suffer severe bath water scalds, three quarters of whom are children. Every day a child under five is admitted to hospital with serious injuries resulting from scalding hot bath water. Fifteen pensioners a year die from burns from bath water.

Thermostatic mixing valves (TMVs) will be fitted in all new build houses from October 2009. The valves set bath water temperature to a maximum of 48°C. This will allow a hot bath whilst minimising the risk of scalding. Similar legislation has been passed in Scotland, Canada, New Zealand and Australia.

Related categories:  Hot water generation and supply   Legislation and regulations   Residential applications   Showers   Taps   Valves