You wouldn’t think that your own sink or bath water would be hot enough to burn you, but according to the Public Health Association Australia, every year around 5,800 people are admitted to hospital for hot liquid burns and that actually accounts to 45% of all burns across Australia.
It’s not a great statistic and is something that can be fixed by making sure your facilities or centres are fitted and tested for safe water temperatures. The Public Health Association of Australia want to advocate for the ongoing policy and legislative commitment to have heated water temperature regulations, as scalding and other injuries can be prevented.
Groups most at risk are children aged under four years of age and elderly people as their skin is not tolerant to such heat. Hot water tap burns account for 8% of burns that result in hospitalisation for children aged 0-4.
This is why The Public Health Association of Australia support lowering tap temperatures through Thermostatic Mixing Valves (TMV) and providing a safe option in gaining hot and cold water.
We don’t want you or anyone else to be subjected to scalding hot water temperatures where it can cause injuries and be life threatening in extreme cases. At Mathiou Services, we are pushing for regular maintenance and checks on all TMV systems and urging you to install a TMV if you don’t already have one.
How TMVs Work:
TMVs automatically mix hot and cold water to a preset temperature. They respond to changes in water temperature or pressure, adjusting the mix to maintain the desired temperature. If either the cold or hot water supply fails, the valve automatically shuts off, preventing scalding or thermal shock.
Key Components:
Thermostatic Element: Senses the water temperature and adjusts the mixing ratio accordingly.
Inlet Ports: For hot and cold water.
Outlet Port: For the mixed water.
Control Mechanism: Adjusts the ratio of hot to cold water based on temperature changes.
Benefits:
Safety: Prevents scalding by controlling the water temperature.
Comfort: Provides a consistent water temperature, enhancing user comfort.
Efficiency: Reduces the risk of thermal shock and maintains efficient water usage.
Compliance: Meets health and safety regulations in various settings, including healthcare and childcare facilities.
Applications
Residential: In homes, especially where young children or elderly people are present.
Healthcare: Hospitals and nursing homes, to protect patients and residents.
Educational Institutions: Schools and nurseries, ensuring safe water temperatures for children.
Commercial: Hotels, spas, and public buildings, providing consistent water temperatures for users.
Maintenance
Regular maintenance is crucial for TMVs to function correctly. This includes:
Periodic Testing: To ensure the valve is accurately maintaining the set temperature.
Cleaning: To prevent blockages from debris or scale.
Replacement of Parts: Worn or damaged components should be replaced to maintain performance.
Types of TMVs
Point-of-Use TMVs: Installed directly at the water outlet (e.g., showers, sinks).
Group TMVs: Control the temperature for a group of fixtures or an entire bathroom.
Central TMVs: Used for larger systems, such as entire buildings, ensuring consistent temperatures throughout the facility.
TMV’s accurately ensure controlled water temperatures, even if the water pressure changes when other appliances are used. They react to temperature changes with incoming water supply and adjust cold and hot water temperatures accordingly. This provides a stable and safe temperature that can be used by everyone.
This month, make sure you get the team at Mathiou Services to check your water supply, ensuring your facility’s safety and hygiene.
Contact us at 1300 363 423 for more information.
