How to Prevent Scald Injuries on Young Children?
Scalding is a serious matter especially if it involves young children and babies. Scalds are different from burns. Both scalds and burns involve damage to the skin caused by heat. The difference is that burns are caused by dry heat like fire while scalds are caused by wet heat like boiling water. 80% of burn and scald incidence in young children occur at home.
Of these incidences, 1 out of 4 are admitted to the hospital and 1 out of 5 is admitted due to severe injuries. Scalding incidences on young children especially babies are more serious compared to adults since their skin is much thinner compared to adult skin. They can cause scarring and severe cases would require skin grafting and multiple visits to the hospital which would have a psychological impact on any child.
So how can we prevent scalding on our children, especially with regard to our plumbing works? Scalds on young children usually involve hot water. Of these, the majority occur in the bathroom area. This can occur when a child is left unattended when opening the hot water taps or using the bath.
Here Are Some Tips to Prevent This From Occurring:
- Install a Tempering Valve: Australian standards require a tempering valve to be installed on any hot water system unit. This valve regulates the water temperature produced by the unit, ensuring it is safe.
- Use Mixer Taps: Mixer taps combine cold and hot water to deliver a controlled temperature, preventing excessively hot water from coming out of the taps.
- Add Child-Resistant Taps or Covers: These can help prevent small children from easily turning on taps.
- Run Cold Water First: When running a bath for young children, start with cold water before adding hot. Test the temperature with the inside of your wrist; a safe bathing temperature is between 37°C and 38°C.
- Maintain Safe Water Temperatures: Ensure the water temperature does not exceed 50°C, the recommended maximum under Australian plumbing codes for new homes.
- Supervise Baths: Never leave a child unattended in the bath. If you need to leave, take your child with you. Do not leave younger children in the care of older children.
In Case of a Scalding Incident Involving Your Children, Follow These Steps:
- Cool the Affected Area:
Place the scalded area under running cool water for at least 20 minutes. This helps dissipate the heat and prevents further damage to the skin and underlying tissues. Avoid using ice or ice water, as extreme cold can cause additional harm. - Protect the Wound:
Cover the scalded area with non-stick gauze or a non-clinging plastic wrap. Do not leave it on for more than three hours. - Seek Medical Attention:
If the scalded area is 3 cm or larger, or if it affects the face, hands, genitals, or airways, take the child to the nearest hospital immediately. - Avoid Harmful Remedies:
Do not apply oil, butter, cream, or toothpaste to the scalded area. These substances trap heat and may worsen the damage.
Here is another article that you may find interesting in regard to “Mixer Tap vs Standard Taps“.
If you need help with your existing plumbing fixtures or want your water temperature checked, don’t hesitate to give us a call at 13 10 91. We are serving areas in Canberra, Newcastle, Central Coast, Hunter Valley, Lake Macquarie and Port Stephens. At The Plumbing and Electrical Doctor, we have made these articles downloadable to PDF for our customer’s convenience.
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