Important Safety Information 

Trent & Dove Housing has been in communication with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), concerning the recent news paper article regarding the tragic death of a baby in Somersetdue to the failure of an immersion heater thermostat. 

Firstly, we would like to reiterate the comments of the HSE who said “this is an extremely rare occurrence caused by a combination of faults on the system in question.”  We would also add that Trent & Dove Housing has developed a staged approach to deal with this situation, one which will help inform tenants of what to look out for and assist us in targeting any required alterations. 

There are several warning signs that will show on a domestic hot water system to indicate that stored water is becoming excessively hot. These would take the nature of; 

• Scalding or excessively hot water temperatures at the taps
• A very hot cylinder or airing cupboard
• Moisture or steam in the airing cupboard
• Hot water coming through cold taps
• Rumbling or whooshing sounds coming from the airing cupboard/cylinder

Should you notice any of these symptoms or are concerned about the operation of your hot water system, please follow the instructions below; 

• Turn off the immersion heater switch and or the central heating boiler switch
• Run off all of the stored hot water, being mindful of the temperature that the hot water may be at.
• Contact Trent & Dove Housing immediately on 01283 528528 to report the incident.

Over the coming months Trent & Dove Housing will be surveying all of its properties to assess if there are any installations that fall below the standards required. Any such installations will then be prioritised for immediate upgrade.  

Again, let us reassure you that this is a very rare occurrence, and if people are vigilant and follow this advice, any such situations can quickly be assessed, made safe and if required, repaired / replaced as necessary.  

More information can be obtained from the Health & Safety Executive’s website, by following the link below.  

www.hse.gov.uk 

www.hse.gov.uk/press/2007/e07027.htm

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