With many incidents occurring each year due to hot surfaces, it’s important to have the right safety guards installed to prevent accidents.
Most of the time, surface burns occur when residents have fallen and cannot move resulting in prolonged contact with a radiator or heater.
With so many legislations and Health and Safety laws to follow, it can be difficult to know just what safety procedures your care home should have in place.
That’s why we’ve put together a simple guide answering FAQs regarding care home radiator regulations.
Are Radiator Guards a Legal Requirement in Care Homes?
The Health & Safety Executive states that under Health and Safety Legislation, radiator guards ARE required when people who have limited mobility are at risk of falling onto a hot surface which could cause harm.
According to the Health & Safety Executive (HSE), where assessment identifies that vulnerable people could come into prolonged contact – such equipment should be designed or covered so that the minimum accessible surface temperature does not exceed 43˚C.
The legislation that applies is:
- Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 (HSWA), section 3;
- Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations (MHSWR), regulation 3;
- Provision of Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER).
Do I Need Radiator Covers / Heater Covers on all my radiators?
It is important to assess the individual situation of each resident in your care home. Important things to consider are:
- Lack of mobility. Will this resident be able to quickly move away from a hot surface in the case of a fall?
- Sensitivity to temperature. Will the resident be able to recognise if they are touching a heated surface?
- Mental capacity. Will the resident be able to recognise or react to a heated surface?
- Furniture fittings or fixings. Are there any nearby objects such as wardrobes or drawers near the radiator/heater which will restrict movement away from the heat source?
Will Radiator Covers affect the heating efficiency of the radiator?
A properly designed radiator cover should not affect the heat flow of the room. Mesh radiator covers will prevent surface burns whilst still allowing the radiators to heat up the room.
What are the Benefits of Radiator Guard by Cardea?
- Mesh wire design to allow for free heat flow
- Conforms to HSE guidelines.
- Custom designed to allow for access to valves.
- Hook mounted design for easy removal for cleaning and maintenance.
- Range of colours to match your décor.
If you have any questions regarding Radiator Guard, please feel free to speak to our team of specialists on 0161 413 0766 or send us an email.
