Faulty Thermostat Warning
Rhianna was killed when boiling water cascaded over her cot due to a faulty thermostat on a hot water tank in the house.
National guidance, states that particular consideration should be given to hot water systems over 10 years old and systems where homeowners and landlords may have other reason to suspect the adequacy of the initial installation or any subsequent work.
The warning signs that people should look out for with their water system include:-
o Excessively hot water coming out of the hot water taps;
o Excessive noise or ‘bubbling’ from the hot water cylinder;
o Hot water coming out of certain cold water taps (some storage cisterns also feed cold water taps in the bathroom);
o Steam/moisture in the roof space.
Cllr Budge Wells, Environmental Services Portfolio Holder, said:- “Mid Beds has a role to play in protecting local residents and we will do everything within our power to prevent any further tragic losses of life through communication with residents on the dangers as they become known to us. Unfortunately in the case of Rhianna, the information on the danger was not available to councils before the needless tragedy happened.
“Local people should be aware of how to spot whether their thermostat is faulty and who to contact to get it fixed as quickly as possible. We would recommend that all systems particularly those over ten years old are checked.”
Mid Beds recommends only using reputable contractors. Those undertaking works to a gas heated system should be CORGI registered or where they are dealing with electrics they should be NICEIC registered,
A list of reputable contractors is available from Bedfordshire County Council’s Trading Standards Approved scheme on their website – www.bedscc.gov.uk or 01234 228280. Mid Beds also holds a list of contractors, available by calling 01462 611222.
Residents can get more information from http://www.hse.gov.uk/press/2007/e07027.htm or http://www.hse.gov.uk/services/localgovernment/alert.htm
