Boiling water tragedy warning
RESIDENTS in West Norfolk are being urged to check their thermostats in a bid to prevent tragedies like the one in which a Somerset baby scalded to death when a water tank burst over her head.
An inquest into the death of ten-month-old Rhianna Hardie heard this month that a fault with an ageing thermostat, which allowed hot water to flood the cold water tank, could affect up to 31/2 million homes.
West Norfolk Council is now urging homeowners, tenants and landlords to watch out for tell-tale signs of a faulty system.
Guidance from the Health and Safety Executive has warned that particular consideration should be given to systems more than ten years old and where there may be reason to suspect the adequacy of the installation or any subsequent work.
Warning signs people should look out for include:
l Excessively hot water coming out of the hot water taps;
l Excessive noise or bubbling from the hot water cylinder;
l Hot water coming out of certain cold water taps;
l Steam/moisture in the roof space.
Councillor David Harwood, the council’s cabinet member for community, said: “Councils treat their role of protecting local residents exceptionally seriously and will do everything within their power to prevent any further tragic losses of life through faulty thermostats.
“Local people with systems more than ten years old should be aware of how to spot whether their thermostat is faulty and who to contact to get it fixed as soon as possible.
“In the first instance, tenants should alert their landlords. If homeowners are concerned they should seek advice from a qualified plumber.”
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Weather for King's Lynn
Saturday 26 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 12 C to 24 C
Wind Speed: 18 mph
Wind direction: East
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 10 C to 24 C
Wind Speed: 15 mph
Wind direction: East
