Posted By peter gotch
Hi Clare
There are various U.K. standards for maximum water [and, in some cases associated metal work] temperatures in bathing environments, which take account of research into the relationship between water temperature and the exposure time associated with severe burns.
Various of these standards are referenced in Building Research Establishment [BRE] Information Paper IP14/03 “Preventing hot water scalding in bathrooms : using TMVs”.
NHS Estates Health Guidance Note “Safe hot water and surface temperatures” gives guidance on maximum point of delivery water temperatures for a range of applications. These are set out below.
MAXIMUM SET HOT WATER TEMPERATURES
Application Maximum temperature oC
Bidet 38.00
Shower 41.00
Washbasin 41*
Bath 44.00
Bath 46*
Notes
* For washbasins, washing under running water is assumed
** Bath fill temperatures of more than 44oC should only be considered in exceptional circumstances where there are particular difficulties in achieving an adequate bathing temperature. If a temperature of more than 44oC is to be used then a safe means of preventing access to the hot water should be devised to protect vulnerable patients.
Standard practice in procurement within the NHS and e.g. care setting environments is to specify a maximum point of delivery water temperature of 43oC, and a similar maximum temperature for accessible associated metalwork, e.g. radiators.
At paragraph 20 of Local Authority Circular [LAU] 79/5 at
www.hse.govluk/lau/lacs/79-5.htm, the Health & Safety Executive [HSE] comment that it was consulted as to whether 43oC should be retained as the limit in NHS Estates and other guidance. They add that “However, no convincing evidence of a significant increased risk, at the higher temperature of 44oC, could be found.
BRE note the findings of research into injuries associated with exposure to hot water:
“Severe scalds in seconds
The degree of scalding depends on the temperature and volume of hot water, and the length of time the body is exposed to it. However, it can take only seconds for a severe scald to occur. Research (Waller et al, 1993) indicates that:
As the temperature of the water increases above 50°C, the duration of exposure needed to suffer third-degree burns decreases rapidly. Healthy adult skin requires 30 seconds of exposure to water at 54°C – 55°C before third-degreeburning occurs, but only 5 seconds at 60°C and less than one second at 70°C. However, the skin of children and the elderly is even more sensitive to extreme temperatures.”
Regards, Peter