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#1 Posted : 19 August 2003 10:26:00(UTC)
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Posted By Andrew I. Butler Good Morning All, Can anyone advise as to whether there is a maximum temperature for hot water in the workplace and where I may find guidance on the subject? Many thanks Andy
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#2 Posted : 19 August 2003 11:45:00(UTC)
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Posted By Sean Fraser Andy, I think you'll find that a legal determination of maximum water temperature is the same that for room temperature indoors - there isn't one! However, the ACoP for the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regs 1992 states that: "199 - Showers which are fed by both hot and cold water should be fitted with a thermic mixer valve to prevent users being scalded." I think the point here is that where there are separate dispensers (i.e. hot and cold taps) then warnings at the hot tap will suffice to ensure people know it is a) hot water and b) can be b****y hot too! Whereas, reliance on a single dispenser (mixed tap) needs some form of control, but note that it only applied to the shower, so full body scalding is prevented. It doesn't necessarily apply to mixer taps in a kitchen, where the harm is significantly lower - good practice is to run the cold first and add hot gradually, never the other way round. As long as the taps are identified correctly, of course! My thought is, as long as people are aware that it is a hot tap, they should be aware of the potential dangers. Only an unmarked tap is truly dangerous - the rest is down to human (mis)behaviour.
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#3 Posted : 19 August 2003 11:56:00(UTC)
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Posted By Michael Moore Andrew Scalding is unlikely to occur at less than 43 degC although for Bidets the figure recommended is much lower at 38 degC (I wonder why!). Unfortunately this can contrdict L8 Legionella guidance (storing water at 60degC) and should probably be achieved by the localised use of Thermostatic Mixing Valves. The NHS has a Health Guidance Note "Safe Hot Water and Surface Temperatures" ISBN 0-11-322158-4. Another source of information is Thermal Mixing Valve Association (TMVA) www.tmva.org.uk Hope this is of help Mick
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#4 Posted : 19 August 2003 12:57:00(UTC)
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Posted By Andrew I. Butler Thank you for your comments they are most appreciated. Andy
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