The development of guidance, based on user susceptibility, for protecting against the risks of scalding and legionella

出 版 物：《Safety and Reliability》 

年 卷 期：2006年第26卷第3期

页      面：34-44页

学科分类：08[工学] 0837[工学-安全科学与工程] 

主　　题：bath guidance legionella Legionnaires' disease risk safety scald shower thermostatic mixer valve 

摘      要：Government guidance for the control of legionella bacteria in water systems places everyone at risk from being scalded by recommending that hot water systems are operated at unsafe, high temperatures. As a result, every year around 20 people, mainly young children and the elderly, die from scald injuries sustained in the *** have shown that fitting thermostatic mixer valves to provide protection against scalding, can newly expose users to infection from the potentially deadly legionella bacteria where no significant risk existed before. This study examines the reasons why the risks are linked and why some users are more susceptible than others. By mapping these factors against primary design characteristics of the available thermostatic mixer valves, the study demonstrates that social risk management, in this case, can be served by providing guidance in decision alternatives, i.e. by the appropriate selection of safety device.