09/08/1999

Hot water at 70 degrees Celsius takes less than half a second to cause third degree burns.

Burns and scalds are the third most common cause for admission to hospital for children under five.

Each week 7 children will require hospital treatment, in some cases these children will require long term medical treatment involving painful skin grafting and permanent scarring.

More than one of those children, or approximately 67 children each year, will be admitted to hospital from a scald caused by hot tap water. Some 80% of these injuries occur in the bathroom.

Dr Julian Keogh, one of Australia's leading burns specialists said, "Hot water in baths causes the most serious scalds to young children. Within a second a scald from hot water can cause an injury which may require hospitalisation and could take considerable time to heal leaving both a psychological and cosmetic scar for life."

'What is often overlooked is the impact on the family during recovery of many victims and the strain it can put on family resources and relationships."

Mr Robert Caulfield, Victorian Chairman of Kidsafe today called for parents of young children to implement a safety strategy for hot water in their home including: