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Tap Water and Scald Burns (part II)

Hot water scalds can cause severe burn injuries leading to lengthy hospital stay that may result in scaring and permanent disfigurement or even death. As the majority of these scalds injuries happen at home it’s important to follow certian measures that may prevent these types of burn injuries which are common in elderly, young children and people with disabilities.

Prevention of tap water scald injuries may include:

  • Setting water heater thermostats at a temperature not higher than 120°F (49°C), the safest water to bathe is about 100°F (37°C)
  • Educating parents and caregivers about the consequences and complications of hot water scald injuries
  • Constant adult supervision of young children, children with disabilities and elderly who have difficulty in removing themselves from hot water while in bath water or near facets.
  • Filling tub with cold water first then add hot water, check the temperature of sink or bath water before allowing children contact with it.
  • Don’t bathroom tub unattended while it’s filling and never leave older sibling with a younger one alone in bath water or near faucets
  • Facing children away from tap handles in a bathtub or sink while bathing them so that the child can’t reach the handle and turning the handle to the cold position when not in use
  • Keeping bathroom door closed when not using it and not using it as a play area
  • In elderly and unsteady people install grab bars and non slip mats in the showers or tubs
  • If there is difficulty or a problem with standing unassisted than use a shower chair when showering or bathing.
  • Elderly and People who need assistance have to be provided with a way to call for help like a bell or a whistle in case of emergency
  • To prevent sudden fluctuations in water temperature while someone is showering avoid running water, flushing the toilet or using a machine that uses water
  • Installing a master thermostatic mixing valve at the water heater and thermostatic mixing valves in bathrooms
  • Installing an anti scald devices which are inexpensive, simple to install on most existing taps and can be found in pluming and hardware stores. These devices are heat sensitive and interrupt or stop the flow of water when its temperature reaches a predetermined temperature generally 110-114° but before reaching 120°F (49°C)

This information is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice; it should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. Call 911 for all medical emergencies.

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