Thermostatic mixing valve manufacturer, Honeywell, welcomes the inclusion of ‘Severe Scalding of Patients’ in the expanded list of ‘Never Events’ (events that are unacceptable and eminently preventable in the NHS), published by the Department of Health.  It endorses the thermostatic mixing valve (TMV) as a vital and reliable safety device for use in healthcare properties to prevent scalding.

The addition of scalding to the list resulted from campaigning by the Thermostatic Mixing Valve Association (TMVA), of which Honeywell is an active member.

Scalding is a wholly preventable ‘accident’ because TMVs will prevent scalding hot water in basins, showers and baths, says Honeywell, the leading manufacturer of heating and water controls.

In healthcare, thermostatic mixing valves certified to Buildcert TMV3, such as Honeywell TM200VP, must be fitted.  BuildCert TMV3 approval is granted if a TMV complies with the requirements of NHS specification D08.

Valves to the domestic TMV2 standard, such as Honeywell TM300, are acceptable for most other premises but a risk assessment should be carried out to determine if the facilities are used by vulnerable people, such as the elderly, young children or the mentally or physically disabled.  If so, TMV3 valves should be installed to provide the maximum safety level.

Designed for convenient ‘under-bath’ or ‘under basin’ installation, the Honeywell valves provide a safe uniform temperature and also cut off the hot water inlet automatically if the cold supply fails.

Children, the infirm and the elderly are at particular risk of life-threatening scald burns, warns Honeywell: a few seconds’ lapse can damage a child for life.  The elderly are at increased risk because their skin tends to be less sensitive.  They might not be able to pull away from hot water quickly enough to avoid scalding.