The importance of Thermostatic Mixing Valves
Each year, thousands of people fall victim to water temperature-related injuries due to non-compliant Thermostatic Mixing Valves. These scalding injuries can cause serious scarring or even hospitalisation. Extreme changes in water temperature are often caused by faulty Thermostatic Mixing Valves.
Thermostatic Mixing Valves allow the user to select a desirable temperature and limit the release of hot water. The device delivers a combination of hot and cold water and, when correctly maintained, has been proven to help prevent scalding injuries. Thermostatic Mixing Valves are particularly important for organisations like schools or child care centres, as young children are most susceptible to serious scalding injuries. It takes less than four seconds for a child to be scalded by 55°C of hot water.
If your vales are not correctly maintained, anyone exposed to water in the workplace is at risk of being seriously scalded – even if they’re just washing their hands. This is why the Australian Standard has placed such serious compliancy laws regarding the regular maintenance and testing of Thermostatic Mixing Valves in the workplace.
Organisations are legally required to have their Thermostatic Mixing Valves tested every twelve months. Failure to comply with the Australian Standard can result in fines of up to $1.1 million dollars.
If a Thermostatic Mixing Valves causes injury and there has been no adequate testing or maintenance, the organisation is liable to pay for damages. In 2012, the District Court ruled in favour of an employee who was badly scalded by faulty plumbing due to the business’s negligence. The injured worked was entitled to $440,000 in damages.
4 ways to ensure your Thermostatic Mixing Valves are compliant
You can ensure your organisation’s Thermostatic Mixing Valves remain compliant by improving the management of your plumbing maintenance.
Here are the 4 crucial steps you can start taking:
- Proactively make sure that your Thermostatic Mixing Valves are tested annually. If you cannot recall your organisation’s last plumbing check-up, book one now.
- Always keep a record of your Thermostatic Mixing Valves’ test results. The Australian Standard requires that organisations keep a record of all testing completed on Thermostatic Mixing Valves. A record of regular testing will look favourably on your organisation should an accident occur.
- Make note of when your Thermostatic Mixing Valves need replacing. Thermostatic Mixing Valves must be replaced every 5 years, even if regular testing shows they are in good working order.
- Always make sure the replacement or maintenance of your Thermostatic Mixing Valves are undertaken by a qualified professional plumber.
Alternatively, you can leave it to the professionals. Running an organisation is hard enough without worrying about the management of your plumbing facilities.
As experience business professional, Toscano Plumbing can handle all your plumbing management, from testing Thermostatic Mixing Valves to scheduling your annual check-up. See our vast range of plumbing services, or give us a call on 1300 867 226.
