|
Every year, thousands of people are
scalded by hot water taps. Children, senior citizens and people
with disabilities are most often affected by scalds. Most scaled
injuries occur in the home bathroom with hot tap water.
How severe a scald injury is depends on
the temperature of the hot liquid and how long the skin is in contact
with it. It takes approximately five minutes for water (or other
hot liquids) with a temperature of 120 degrees Fahrenheit to cause a
third-degree burn on skin. When the temperature is increased to
140 degrees Fahrenheit, it may only take five seconds! |
|
* Set your home water heater no higher
than 120 degrees Fahrenheit. To test your hot water temperature,
run hot water for three to give minutes, and then test it with a
thermometer (candy, meat or water). Adjust the water heater and
wait a full day to allow the temperature to change, and then test it
again.
* Avoid flushing toilets, running water or
using the dishwasher or washing machine while anyone is taking a shower.
* Provide constant adult supervision of
children or anyone who may experience difficulty removing themselves
from hot water.
* When filling the bathtub, run cold water
first, and then add hot water. When the tub is filled, turn off
the hot water first. This can prevent scalding in case someone
should fall into the tub while it is filing. Mix the water
thoroughly.
* Install anti-scald or tempering devices.
These heat-sensitive instruments stop or interrupt the flow of water
when the temperature reaches a pre-determined level. |
3 Types of Burns:
Superficial (First Degree) Burn:
Least severe
Reddens the skin
Can be painful
Example: Sunburn
Partial Thickness (Second Degree) Burn:
Destroys top layers of the skin
Causes blistering and white, pink or red
splotchy patches
Very painful
Can lead to permanent scarring and
possible skin graft
Full Thickness (Third Degree) Burn:
Destroys all layers of the skin
Skin looks dry and leathery, white, brown
or charred
Grafting is necessary |
