January 2008
Advice on flooding
The Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (IPHE), has a link on its website – www.iphe.org.uk - to an advice sheet on what to do in the case of flooding. The information covers practical advice on safe drinking water and how to deal with appliances affected by flooding. Visitors just need to click on the link on the home page.
If residents are affected by flood water and they need to employ a plumber or heating engineer, it is important for the consumer to choose a professional. In the past floods have presented an opportunity for those who prey on consumers when they are at their most vulnerable.
Blane Judd, chief executive of the IPHE gives the following advice: “If a firm is a member of the APHC, HVCA, SNIPEF or the individual is an IPHE member then these bodies will have checked that the qualifications meet the industry standard. Many people mistakenly think that if they use someone who is CORGI registered that person will be a competent plumber, but CORGI is gas safety registration."
If you are in any doubt give the IPHE a call on 01708 472791 (office hours) or check the website www.iphe.org.uk.
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JANUARY 2008
Rhianna scalding fatality
The chief executive of The Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (IPHE), Blane Judd, was deeply worried by the summing up of the Coroner in the Rhianna Hardie inquest.
“My fear is that by focusing purely on the failure of a particular type of thermostat many members of the public may be confused about the true causes of this catastrophe and the earlier one in 2002. The facts are that the cold water storage cistern was incorrectly installed and not supported over its full diameter, this in conjunction with the thermostat failure was the reason that the cistern split and boiling water cascaded through the ceiling of baby Rhianna’s bedroom.
“The concern is that due to the use of unqualified plumbing and heating engineers there are many more incorrectly installed cisterns which may remain unchecked as people are being advised to check their thermostat.
“As the standard setting and professional body for the plumbing and heating industry, we provided advice to the government and informed our members immediately on the problem arising from the older style thermostats and inadequate support of the cold water storage cistern.
“What makes me so angry is that cases like this and similar tragedies will continue to happen because the unqualified and inept are allowed into people’s homes to carry out plumbing and heating jobs. The public need to be sure that the people they use to check their systems are professionally qualified and up-to-date.”
A list of professionally qualified plumbing and heating engineers is available at www.iphe.org.uk or by ringing 01708 472791.
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JANUARY 2008
Reducing the risk
According to Coroner Michael Rose, a fault with a thermostat in a hot water storage cylinder, that caused eleven-month-old Rhianna Hardie to be scalded to death, could affect up to 3.5 million homes where the older style of thermostat is still in use.
Modern immersion heaters are required to have an independent non- self-resetting over temperature cut-out to prevent the water temperature from exceeding 90 degrees Celsius. Whereas older thermostats would overheat, and once the temperature of the water in the cylinder cools, they would self reset. However, the correct installation of the cold water storage cistern will help to eliminate the risk of scalding water pouring through the ceiling.
Dale Courtman, Technical Director of The Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (IPHE), said that it was imperative that the installation of the cold water storage cistern should be installed on a level purpose built platform that fully supports it across the whole of its base, preferably with a 150mm clearance all-around. Cold water storage cisterns are designed to withhold boiling temperatures for 500 hours, however, this is only the case if the cistern is appropriately supported.
“Our recommendation would be for anyone who has concerns about their immersion heaters or cold water storage cistern to call in a professional plumber or heating practitioner,” said Mr Courtman.
Details of IPHE Registered Plumbers can be found on www.iphe.org.uk or ring 01708 472791 Monday to Friday in office hours.
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JANUARY 2008