Anti-scalding regs ignored by plumbers

Regulations to fit anti-scald devices in new bathrooms are being ignored by Scottish plumbers and fitters, a new survey has shown.

The new regulations which came into force in 2006 dictated that all bathroom refurbishments and new build bathrooms in Scotland must be fitted with a thermostatic mixing valve, in order to prevent the life threatening injuries that can occur from bath time scalding.

However, a report by specialist firm Intatec has found that there is only a “patchy awareness” of the new regulations. Cynthia Fisher, the company’s commercial director said: “Some knew about it, some didn’t.

“Our survey revealed that if a bathroom was subject to any official inspection, for example new build, anti scald valves were being fitted as matter of course. On the other hand, plumbers and fitters involved with refurbishments that involved no element of official inspection avoided anti-scald valves where they could.”

The survey was carried out in Glasgow and Edinburgh and examined the sales of anti-scald valves since the regulations came into force, also using anecdotal evidence about plumbers’ and fitters’ attitudes to the changes.

One anonymous plumber’s merchant said plumbers wouldn’t bother fitting an anti-scald valve if they thought they could get away with it.

Fisher added: “There is definitely a need for increased awareness in Scotland, not just with people working in the industry, but also amongst the general public. If more people know that anti-scald valves should be fitted, then they will demand them from those carrying out work in their bathrooms.”