ASSE International Calls for Scald Awareness Task Group Members

MOKENA, Ill. — ASSE International’s board of directors has voted to re-form the ASSE Scald Awareness Task Group to develop a white paper concerning proper and improper applications of temperature-limiting devices within ASSE’s portfolio of product performance standards. This white paper will follow the Task Group’s three previous publications: “Scald Hazards Associated with Low-Flow Showerheads,” “Understanding Potential Water Heater Scald Hazards” and “Adjustment of Automatic Compensating Valves to Prevent Potential Scald Hazards.”

“It has been brought to the attention of ASSE International that there are many misapplications of temperature-limiting devices and many questions about proper usage among the industry — especially among our plumbing inspector community,” said ASSE International Executive Director Scott Hamilton. “The Task Group’s assignment will be to develop a white paper that clearly explains where each ASSE temperature-limiting device should be used and create an understandable reference tool that everyone in the plumbing industry can use.”

The temperature-limiting device product performance standards that will be addressed in this white paper include: ASSE 1016-2011/ASME A112.1016-2011/CSA B125.16-11, Performance Requirements for Automatic Compensating Valves for Individual Showers and Tub/Shower Combinations; ASSE 1017-2009, Performance Requirements for Temperature Actuated Mixing Valves for Hot Water Distribution Systems; ASSE 1069-2005, Performance Requirements for Automatic Temperature Control Mixing Valves and ASSE 1070-2004, Performance Requirements for Water Temperature Limiting Devices.

All committee work for this paper will be conducted via conference call — no face-to-face meetings are anticipated. The first conference call will be held in late August or early September.

All who are interested in volunteering for the ASSE Scald Awareness Task Group must complete a working Group application, which can be downloaded online at http://goo.gl/NRYTRV. Applications must be completed and emailed to Scald Awareness Task Group Chairperson Richard J. Prospal at rjprospal@asse-plumbing.org no later than July 10.