Time to step up on: Public Safety
Problems with plumbing and heating systems can pose a serious danger to health in the place where people should feel safest: their home. However, according to NHS England statistics, the number of Finished Consultant Episode (FCE) bed days due to contact with hot tap water increased by 31% for the financial year 2023-2024, when compared with statistics for the previous 12-month period
On top of this, draughty, damp and mouldy homes are also endangering the health of millions of people around the country. It is critical that funding is made available to upgrade homes, especially for the most vulnerable
Out in society
Scalding remains a significant issue out of the home too, particularly as more public toilets and hospitality environments try to mitigate the risk of legionella. To combat this, many public places use water above 60°C, but too often without warning signs, resulting in severe scalding injuries.
Additionally, the lack of public toilets is an increasing issue. Since 2010, at least 673 public toilets have closed, with only 15 available per 12,500 people. These closures are unacceptable, disproportionately impacting upon the elderly, families and those living with health issues.
The CIPHE’s actions
The CIPHE is an educational charity. Our purpose is to protect the health and safety of the public through a strong qualified membership that is reinforced by their competency and technical expertise.
Driving competence
The CIPHE will continue its Working Groups to ensure members have access to high quality technical and educational materials to ensure the safety, health and wellbeing of the public.
It will also monitor, maintain and grow the CIPHE’s accessible lists of qualified installers in plumbing, heating and renewables to provide members of the public with a service that ensures they have access to a safe and qualified engineer.
Creating change
The CIPHE will work with fellow trade and engineering organisations to lobby the government to take meaningful action on the public health issues facing the industry today and unlock funding to support those most in need.
It will also continue to promote the ‘Love Your Local Lav’ campaign to raise awareness around the importance of public toilets and maintain pressure on local authorities and the government to protect funding.
Want to find out more?
Download our manifesto
The CIPHE manifesto outlines the key issues facing the industry, the crucial steps that the government and other key stakeholders should take, and how we will spearhead this change.
Download the 2025-2027 CIPHE manifesto here.