Statement on the scalding incident in Taunton

The Penzance and Taunton incidents were similar, but did have important differences. The Penzance incident at Treneere estate involved insufficient support to a cold water storage in the roof space and residents that had been in occupation for some time.

Following the Treneere accident in 2002, Penwith Housing Association (PHA) did a significant number of things to avoid the risk of repetition, including:

• writing to all our residents explaining that checks were being undertaken to all homes and any relevant improvements would be carried out. Residents were also urged to contact PHA if the temperature of their hot water was excessive or if there were other related symptoms.
• inspecting all PHA homes identified as having roof storage tanks and undertaking any remedial work required to tank supports.
• homes with hot water storage cylinders and immersion heaters were inspected and safety cut-out thermostats were installed, which was not a mandatory requirement at the time.
• issuing a formal press statement on behalf of the Health & Safety Executive and PHA to publicise the incident and warn of the tell-tale signs to look for.

Typical warning signs indicating possible thermostat failure and overheating of water in the hot water storage cylinder are: excessively hot water coming out of the hot water taps; excessive noise or ‘bubbling’ sounds coming from the hot water cylinder; hot water coming out of certain cold water taps (some storage tanks also feed cold water taps in the bathroom) steam/moisture in the roof space In such circumstances tenants should switch off the immersion heater system and contact PHA.

PHA has continued to refine our gas safety procedures, taking a robust line on gaining access to homes to safety check and service gas appliances and to undertake electrical testing, in the interests of residents’ health and safety. PHA gas appliances in homes not only receive a service and statutory gas safety check annually, but also when there is a change of tenancy, before a new resident moves in.

PHA tenants can be reassured that their landlord has acted in advance and beyond government advice in this area with safety in mind.