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Annette Brooke MP welcomes new legislation to prevent scalding in homes.

June 24, 2009 12:00 AM

Annette with the now mandatory Thermostatic mixing valvesAnnette Brooke MP today 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).

This is following the 3 year long 'Hot Water Burns Like Fire' campaign - which Annette has supported since the beginning - aimed at reducing scalding injuries in the home.

Annette said, "I am delighted that after 3 long years the Government has finally changed its mind on this issue. The need for change was overwhelming and I pay tribute to Communities Minister Iain Wright, who has steered these changes through the Department for Communities and Local Government."

Each year 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. And fifteen pensioners a year die from burns from bath water.

Plastic surgeons and accident prevention charities have all welcomed the change in the law as a significant step forward for home safety.

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.

Katrina Philips, Chief Executive, Child Accident Prevention Trust said: "This is fantastic news. Bath water can cause horrific, life-changing injuries and young children are the most frequent victims. Thermostatic mixing valves protect children's delicate skin but still allow adults to enjoy a hot bath. It's a great win-win for children and for families".

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