KEEP YOUR FAMILY OUT OF HOT WATER

Everyday, on average, in New Zealand a child is treated at hospital after being scalded by hot household water that is too hot.

Young children, especially toddlers, are most at risk. They are mostly scalded in the bathroom - under the hot bath tap, in a bath already filled with hot water, or at the basin tap.

Why? Because the majority of New Zealand homes have hot water coming from their taps which can burn a child's skin in one second.

So What is a Safer Temperature?

A safer temperature for hot water coming from the tap is 55°C. At this temperature a serious burn to a child's skin will take about 10 seconds. Even safer is 50°C. This allows about a minute before a serious burn occurs.

Is your hot water too hot? Try the "wrist test" - but be careful!

Children's skin (and the elderly) is far more fragile than adult skin and burns more quickly. The skin on your wrist is most like a young child's skin. A simple way to tell if your tap water may be too hot is to run it over the inside of your wrist. If you need to pull your wrist away within a few seconds you probably need to reduce your hot water temperature.

The best way to protect your family from household hot water scalds is to make sure your hot water comes out of the tap at a safe temperature. If you feel your hot water is currently too hot, you can make it safer in 1 of 2  ways.

OPTION 1 - RECOMMENDED

Install a tempering valve (generally considered the safest long term option).

As hot water leaves your hot water cylinder, a tempering valve mixes in cold water. This means it reaches your taps at a safer temperature. The main advantage of the tempering valve is that it can deliver hot water to all your hot water outlets at 55°C, reducing the likelihood of scalding throughout your home.

A tempering value will allow you to store hot water at a higher temperature, helping you stretch your hot water supply, and in turn save power. Installing a tempering valve is also the best solution if you have a "wetback" system.

Note: Since 1993, most new homes (and existing homes which have added new showers, baths or hand basins) will have had a tempering valve installed in order to comply with the NZ Building Code. The requirement states that household hot water must be stored at 60°C plus, but delivered at the tap at a safer 55°C (maximum). A tempering valve costs around $200 - $400 to fit. However, there can be some problems in homes depending on the situation and certain kinds of shower mixers. For further information, contact your nearest Chesters branch for a recommended plumber.

OPTION 2

Temperature limiting taps and shower mixers - check to see if yours can be adjusted.

Some single lever taps and shower mixers can limit the temperature of the hot water delivered. To see if your existing taps or mixers have this capability, phone Chesters with the brand of tap for verification. You will probably need a plumber's help to set them correctly.

If you are thinking of replacing your taps or shower mixer consider buying a brand with this capability, especially if your home has no tempering valve fitted. Remember that other taps in your home may still be too hot.

Follow some simple hot water safety rules - but remember, your WHOLE family will need to do them EVERY TIME.

When filling the bath, always run cold water first, then add hot water to a safe temperature.

Always test the bath temperature using the inside of your wrist before putting your child in.

Always supervise young children in the bath (and bathroom). Never leave them alone or in the care of slightly older children. If you need to answer the door or telephone, take your child with you.

Keep the bathroom door closed when not in use. Make sure your child can't get to the hot taps when you're not there.

FIRST AID FOR BURNS:
Place the burn under slowly running cold water (or other cold liquid) FOR AT LEAST 15-20 MINUTES.

Call your doctor.

Remember the Rule: SECONDS TO BURN, 20 MINUTES TO COOL.