Reliance Water Controls welcomes the commitment by the Government to hot water safety in new-build housing, as announced in its ministerial statement (Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Iain Wright, 13 May 2009).  Regulations have been laid down that amend Part G of the Building Regulations addressing sanitation, hot water safety and water efficiency in new-build homes in England and Wales which will come into effect in October 2009. 

The main changes are:

• Introducing a requirement that baths in new homes are fitted with protective measures, such as a thermostatic mixing valve, to limit the temperature of the hot water, thereby helping to reduce the number of scalding injuries there are each year. 
• Delivering on the commitment we made in July 2007 to introduce into the Building Regulations for the first time a water efficiency standard of 125 litres per person per day for new homes.
• Introducing amendments to the existing provisions on hot water systems so that they apply to all such systems. The legislation and guidance also introduces additional controls to ensure hot water systems are able to resist the effects of temperature and pressure during normal operation and in the event of malfunction and are adequately supported.
• Amending the existing requirements on the provision of cold water to specify the delivery of wholesome water to key appliances and to clarify where greywater and harvested rainwater can be safely used.

 

©Reliance Water Controls Ltd

Reliance has been a key campaigner to change the legislation for many years through its support of charities such as the Childrens Fire and Burn Trust, and its association with the TMVA and the Hot Water Burns Like Fire Campaign.

Hot bath water is the number one cause of severe scalding injuries among young children and for scalds, the bath is the number one killer.  Scalding injuries are wholly avoidable via the installation of Thermostatic Mixing Valves (TMVs), to prevent hot bath water scalds in the home. 

The Part G amendments will require the installation of Thermostatic Mixing Valves (TMVs) which have been recognised as effective anti-scald devices in new-build homes in England and Wales.  Indeed this legislation has already been in place in Scotland since 2006. 

In addition it is likely the Part G amendments also cover any new bathrooms in existing buildings so flat conversions and en-suite bathrooms if installed with baths will need to have TMVs fitted.  Installers and builders’ merchants will need to be aware of these products required to meet regulations. 

Reliance offers a range of TMV2 approved TMVs that meet the installation requirements of the Part G amendments.

 
In November 2003 Buildcert launched a new scheme for the testing of thermostatic mixing valves called the TMV2 scheme. TMV2 valves are specifically designed , built and tested for the domestic market. The basis of the performance testing for TMV2 are the European standards BSEN 1111 and BSEN 1287. Other requirements like audit testing, instructions, marking etc. are also included.

For many years now Reliance has worked with regulators, charities and trade organisations to educate the public to the dangers of scalding. Reliance are 100% committed to raising the industry standards and maintaining them at a high level to ensure that thermostatic mixing valves are always fit for purpose and the public are protected from scalding injuries.

Heatguard® DC2 Market leading TMV2 approved TMV		Heatguard® BF2-2 Suitable for high flow bathfill applications at low pressure		Heatguard® LS2 Designed for easy installation in basin applications
For further information: Hot Water Association        Hot Water Burns Like Fire Campaign Thermostatic Mixing Valve Association		www.hotwater.org.uk www.hotwaterburnslikefire.org.uk www.safehotwater.co.uk
Eric Winter, Technical Manager June 2009 ©Reliance Water Controls 2009

Housing Minister, Iain Wright has announced enhanced hot water safety and water efficiency measures for all new homes regarding Part G of the Building Regulations. These measures will come into force in October 2009.  

In parallel with these regulatory changes, WRc is offering one-day briefings to provide a detailed understanding of the changes to Part G in England and Wales. The workshops are being held in June/July to allow you to prepare for the changes and the opportunities that this new edition offers in terms of allowing new technology and benefits to householders.

The new edition will bring about significant changes to the design of hot and cold water supplies in buildings. It will support sustainability by:

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