Launch of Kidsafe WA's latest safety campaign

6/8/99
Water Resources Minister Dr Kim Hames today launched Kidsafe WA's latest safety campaign - Hot Water Burns Like Fire - Is Your Hot Water Kidsafe?
This follows the WA Government adopting legislative changes to the National Plumbing Code to lower water temperatures in homes, schools, hospitals and facilities for the aged and people with disabilities in an effort to reduce the number of injuries through scalding.
Dr Hames said the campaign focussed on the numbers of children injured by scalds in the home and would include television commercials to raise public awareness.
"Scalds and burns are among the most traumatic injuries suffered by children in our community," he said.
"Scald injuries are a highly distressing event for victim and parents alike and they usually occur in the place where children feel most protected - at home.
"About 145 children every year are admitted to the Princess Margaret Hospital for Children burns unit with scalds.
Dr Hames, who is a medical practitioner, said scalds caused great pain and, in some cases, disfigurement.
"Injuries such as this can lead to a victim spending many days in hospital followed by long-term treatment including surgery and skin grafts," he said.
"Unfortunately, the most likely victims are children under four years of age."
Dr Hames said Kidsafe had lobbied hard to have amendments made to the National Plumbing Code which now limit water temperature to a maximum of 50 degrees celsius from bathroom taps in new homes.
This also applies where additional hot water systems are installed in homes.
"Water at 60 degrees can seriously scald a child in just one second," Dr Hames said.
"At 50 degrees it takes more than five minutes to inflict a similar injury, giving children more time to get away from the water or to be rescued."
A limit of 45 degrees has been set for new hot water installations in early childhood centres, primary and secondary schools, nursing homes and facilities for young, aged, sick or disabled persons.
"This was done because scalds also pose a significant danger for older or disabled people who are not able to get away from hot water fast enough," he said.
Dr Hames said he was pleased to see the plumbing industry's and the Water Corporation's solid support for the changes.
The Corporation and the Master Plumbers' Association have held workshops for plumbers to explain the amendments and the kinds of fittings available to limit water temperature.
"While both hot drinks and hot tap water are the leading cause of scalds in children, tap water scalds tend to be the most serious due to the large body area affected," Dr Hames said.
"Fortunately, there is growing awareness of the danger of scald injuries.
"Five years ago, 'Kidsafe WA' ran a successful 'Hot Water Burns Like Fire' campaign which raised awareness of the risks of scalds from hot drinks.
"This latest campaign follows on from that and builds on the legislative changes now adopted in Western Australia."
Media contact: Caroline Lacy on 9424 7450