ASSE Releases White Paper to Address and Minimize Potential Water Heater Scald Hazards

March 16, 2012
The American Society of Sanitary Engineering (ASSE) has released a white paper intended to educate and give guidance on minimizing potential water heater scald hazards.
The American Society of Sanitary Engineering (ASSE) has released a white paper intended to educate and give guidance on minimizing potential water heater scald hazards. "Understanding Potential Water Heater Scald Hazards: A White Paper" was developed by the American Society of Sanitary Engineering Scald Awareness Task Group; a group comprised of 36 industry professionals who have dedicated their time and expertise to the development of this paper. The ASSE Scald Awareness Task Group was formed to educate the general public and plumbing industry about scalding hazards associated with hot water at the point of use. "Understanding Potential Water Heater Scald Hazards: A White Paper" focuses on the general misconception that the water hear thermostatic control is capable of delivering a consistent and safe water temperature without further temperature-control downstream of the water heater outlet. This paper gives examples of problems associated with relying solely on the thermostatic setting at the water heater as the primary water temperature control, details how scalding, thermal shock and other health-related concerns can be avoided, and explains how to properly control the final point-of-use temperature. "Understanding Potential Water Heater Scald Hazards: A White Paper" can be viewed and downloaded online at: http://www.asse-plumbing.org/WaterHeaterScaldHazards.pdf. The American Society of Sanitary Engineering strongly encourages all industry professionals, industry associations, members of the media and those with a desire to protect the general public to join ASSE in disseminating this white paper and the important safety information it contains. Additional information is available from Richard J. Prospal, ASSE Scald Awareness Task Group Chairman, a: [email protected]. ASSE is an ANSI Accredited standards developer and product certification body that is comprised of individual and sustaining members who represent all disciplines of the plumbing industry. Its mission is to continually improve the performance, reliability and safety of plumbing systems. ASSE's product performance standards, professional qualifications standards, professional certification and product listing programs are developed in the interest of public health and the society's motto: "Prevention Rather Than Cure."

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of Contractor, create an account today!