Hot water can scald up to half an hour after it has been boiled. A freshly poured hot drink will burn a child instantly.
It takes less than a second for a child or elderly relative to be severely scalded with hot water at 149 degrees F
The maximum safe temperature for your hot-water system is 120 degrees F. At this temperature, it takes five minutes to severely scald a child.
The safe bath temperature for newborn babies is around 97 degrees F, for older children is between 99 degrees F to 100 degrees F Adults tend to bathe in water between 108 degrees F to 109 degrees F
A hot cup of tea or a bath that is too hot can scald and burn your child or elderly relative in the same way fire can. Hot drinks are the main cause of scalds, the most common type of burn in young children. Call an ambulance if you are worried about a scald or burn.
Seek immediate medical attention for any burn that is bigger than a 25-cent piece. Call an ambulance for any burns to the face, airway, hands, neck or genital area, or burns that are larger than a child’s hand.
Did you know?
Causes of scalds:
Boiling water
Hot drinks
Soups, sauces and other hot food
Hot tap water
Hot baths
Kettles, pans and cups
Tip!
Take the temperature of your hot water at the faucet using a food thermometer. If the temperature is higher than 120 degrees F, turn the temperature dial on your hot water tank down until the temperature is 120 degrees F.
