Dorf has addressed the risk of scalding in tapware by introducing a new feature in their mixer tap range.
Each year in Australia, an average of 1,800 children suffer scald burns requiring admission to hospital. Of these, approximately one in five is due to exposure to hot tap water. The elderly and people with disabilities are also at increased risk of burns from hot tap water, with Victorian data indicating that more than 60 Victorians over 65 years of age are hospitalised for hot water scalds annually.
Specific mixer taps from Dorf now feature a fully adjustable cartridge with an inbuilt safety function that limits the rotation of the handle, restricting very hot water from flowing out of the mixer. This anti-scald feature means that if the handle can only be turned so far, the water temperature can be set at a chosen maximum level and cannot increase further.
Dr Steve Cummings, Research and Development Manager at Caroma explains that the fully adjustable cartridges will ensure only mixed tempered water leaves the tap, avoiding scalding. They are designed specifically to protect children, elderly people and others with sensitive skin.
Setting the maximum temperature is quick and simple. The cartridge has a plus (+) and minus (-) sign printed on the integrated ring, which can be easily moved towards the relevant symbol to adjust the temperature and restricting how far the handle can turn.
Caroma recommends trade professionals adjust the anti-scald cartridge in small increments until the ideal maximum water temperature is reached. By restricting the temperature, the amount of energy required to heat the water will be decreased, thereby reducing energy bills.
Dorf’s fully adjustable cartridges come standard with the ability to adjust water flow, a feature that is particularly handy when children wash their hands. By reducing the water flow, wastage is decreased and splashing from the basin is eliminated, reducing the amount and frequency of cleaning required.
