Barriers and facilitators to compliance with hot tap water temperature regulations in NSW

Primary Research Stream

Other

Full Project Title

Barriers and facilitators to compliance with hot tap water temperature regulations in NSW.

Project Period

2007

Rationale / Background

Hot tap water scalds account for 8% of all burn injuries in NSW (1998-2003). These scalds are serious, but potentially preventable by restricting the temperature of hot water delivery. Since 2000, legislation in NSW requires all new hot water installations to deliver hot water at temperatures not exceeding 50 degrees Celsius. The study will survey key stakeholder groups involved in hot tap water regulations and aims to identify barriers to, and facilitators of, the implementation of this evidence-based policy into practice.

Aim and Objectives

The research will seek to answer the following questions:

1. What is the level of knowledge amongst plumbers about hot tap water safety?
2. What is the attitude of plumbers towards the delivery of safe hot tap water?
3. What is the practice of plumbers with respect to hot tap water safety?
4. What are the barriers to, and the facilitators of, the delivery of safe hot tap water?
5. To what extent do regulating authorities enforce the delivery of safe hot tap water?
6. What are the barriers to, and the facilitators of, the enforcement of the regulation?

Method and Study Design

This study is a cross sectional survey of plumbers, plumbing students and regulatory authorities. The survey will be conducted by semi-structured telephone interviews (regulating authorities and plumbers) or by self-administered questionnaire (plumbing students). Three survey questionnaires will be developed and will cover knowledge, attitudes and practice. In addition participants will be asked to identify any barriers to, and facilitators of getting policy into practice with regard to the delivery of safe hot water.

A study steering committee comprising the chief and associate investigators and representatives from the Master Plumbers Association, the water authorities, NSW TAFE and the Australian & New Zealand Burn Association will oversee the survey development, implementation, interpretation and dissemination of results.

Key Findings (to Date)

Publications and Resources

Exploring the impact of legislation to limit the temperature of hot tap water delivery in NSW, Australia. Harvey L, Poulos R, Jennings P, Harvey J, Finch C. Poster. 9th World Conference on Injury Prevention and Safety, Merida, Mexico, March 2008.