Save Energy and Save Lives by Reducing Your Water Temperature
says GW Supplies
Released
on: September 30, 2009, 7:53 am
Author: GW Supplies
Industry: Construction
GW
supplies are a Dartford based plumber’s
merchant providing quality plumbing materials to the trade
and public. They are concerned that many UK households are not
aware of the anti scald products on the market and the damage
hot water from the tap can do to your skin.
Every
year 20 people die and 600 are badly injured from scalds caused
by hot water. The Elderly and very young are most at risk from
scalding. To prevent the growth of harmful legionella bacteria,
hot water must be stored at 60°C or above. Unfortunately at
this high temperature, healthy adult skin can be scalded with
third degree burns in only five seconds.
The
new Part G of the Building Regulations comes into force on 1st
October 2009 and aims to help reduce the number of incidences
of scalding by requiring that all baths and showers in new dwellings
or new dwellings created by a change of use of an existing building
have a device fitted that limits the temperature to 48°C.
This is considered a safer temperature for adults and will help
prevent these unnecessary deaths and injuries.
What's
the best way to limit water temperatures?
The
most effective way of delivering safe hot water temperatures is
by using a thermostatic mixing valve (TMV). A TMV will take the
stored hot water and mix it in the correct proportions with the
cold water supply to deliver a safe, stable temperature at point
of use, whether it is a bath or basin.
TMVs are available in 15mm or
22mm pipe sizes.
While
the legislative requirements of the new Part G only cover new
dwellings or new dwellings created by a change of use of an existing
building, Gurney & White Ltd and gwsupplies.co.uk believe
in the interest of safety not only for the young and old, but
for the safety of all. The installation of a TMV, either through
the use of thermostatic bath shower mixers, or an under bath/basin
thermostatic blending valve, should be standard practice for ANY
bathroom refurbishment. Thermostatic mixing valves can also be
added to existing plumbing to save an accident from happening.
Another
advantage of fitting TMV blending valves is that of saving energy
by not wasting hot water and thereby reducing the household's
carbon footprint.
GW
Supplies stock a range of Intamix
TMV blending valves in 15mm and 22mm sizes, and Inta, Bristan
and Hansgrohe thermostatic bath shower mixers.
To
see the full range of high quality temperature controls visit
Gurney & White Ltd at www.gwsupplies.co.uk.
Contact Details: GW Supplies
211-213 London Road
Greenhithe
Dartford
Kent
DA9 9DQ
08444 871963
http://www.gwsupplies.co.uk/
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