CH181-Burns and Scalds Policy

Registration Number: {{org_field_registration_no}}

Burns and Scalds Policy

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to outline {{org_field_name}}’s commitment to preventing, identifying, and responding to burns and scalds within all home care environments. Burns and scalds are a significant risk, particularly for older adults, individuals with reduced mobility, or cognitive impairments. This policy provides a structured approach to ensure all individuals supported by {{org_field_name}} are safeguarded from preventable harm while ensuring their independence and dignity. This policy is in line with CQC Regulation 12 (Safe Care and Treatment), Regulation 13 (Safeguarding from Abuse and Improper Treatment), and Regulation 17 (Good Governance).

2. Scope

This policy applies to all employees of {{org_field_name}}, including care staff, support workers, clinical staff, volunteers, contractors, and agency personnel who work in the homes of the people we support. It applies to all domestic care environments, including supported living and shared settings where support is provided with personal care, bathing, cooking, or the use of heat-generating appliances. It also outlines responsibilities for managing the risk of burns and scalds from hot surfaces, liquids, water, appliances, and chemicals.

3. Related Policies

CH11 – Safe Care and Treatment Policy
CH15 – Premises and Equipment Policy
CH16 – Health and Safety at Work Policy
CH17 – Infection Prevention and Control Policy
CH18 – Risk Management and Assessment Policy
CH37 – Moving and Handling Policy
CH40 – Assisting with Personal Care Policy

4. Common Causes of Burns and Scalds

Burns may be caused by dry heat such as fire or hot surfaces, friction, radiation, or chemicals. Scalds result from exposure to hot liquids or steam. In a home care setting, common causes include:

Hot water used during bathing or washing
Boiling kettles, pots, or food preparation equipment
Radiators, heaters, and pipes
Electrical appliances like irons, hairdryers, or toasters
Spilled hot drinks or soups
Cleaning chemicals or corrosive substances
Understanding these hazards enables staff to implement preventive measures specific to each individual’s needs and environment.

5. Risk Assessment and Prevention

Each person supported by {{org_field_name}} will have a personalised risk assessment identifying their risk of burns or scalds. This is completed at the initial assessment and reviewed monthly or following any changes in health, cognition, or mobility. The assessment includes:

Ability to manage personal care independently
Cognitive awareness of temperature and danger
Skin integrity and frailty
Environmental hazards in the home
Based on the assessment, the care plan will include clear instructions for safe water temperature, supervision needs, and use of assistive devices such as bath thermometers, kettle tippers, or microwaveable meals. Preventive actions include setting water heaters to a safe maximum of 44°C, ensuring thermostatic mixer valves are functioning, and checking water temperature before baths or handwashing.

6. Equipment and Environmental Safety

Care staff must regularly check that equipment and household appliances are used and maintained safely. This includes:

Ensuring radiators and exposed hot pipes are covered where necessary
Avoiding overloaded sockets or faulty appliances
Using kettle tippers and stove guards for individuals with limited mobility
Replacing damaged or frayed appliance cords
Ensuring cleaning products are stored securely and labelled clearly
Any concerns must be reported to the Registered Manager and documented. If the person lives in rented accommodation, staff should liaise with housing providers or families to make safety adjustments.

7. Safe Practice During Personal Care

When assisting with bathing, shaving, or preparing hot beverages, staff must:

Always check the water temperature using a thermometer or hand test
Support individuals at their pace and avoid rushing or distractions
Avoid filling kettles or carrying hot liquids near the person
Offer alternative clothing or protective sleeves for people at high risk of contact burns
Dry wet surfaces immediately to prevent slips and accidental contact with hot equipment
Supervision levels should match the individual’s assessed need and promote independence without compromising safety.

8. Responding to Burns and Scalds

In the event of a burn or scald, staff must act immediately using first aid principles:

Remove the person from the source of heat
Cool the burn under cool or lukewarm running water for at least 20 minutes
Remove any jewellery or clothing near the burn unless stuck to the skin
Cover the burn with cling film or a sterile dressing
Do not apply creams, oils, or ice
Call 999 or seek urgent medical help for large, deep, or facial burns
Stay with the person to provide reassurance and monitor for signs of shock
An incident form must be completed, and the event escalated to the Registered Manager {{org_field_registered_manager_first_name}} {{org_field_registered_manager_last_name}} and Safeguarding Lead {{org_field_safeguarding_lead_name}} as required. The care plan and risk assessment must be reviewed following any incident.

9. Safeguarding Considerations

Burns or scalds may be accidental, but unexplained or frequent injuries must be treated as potential safeguarding concerns. Any suspicion of neglect, abuse, or avoidable harm must be reported in line with CH13 – Safeguarding Adults from Abuse and Improper Treatment Policy and referred to {{org_field_local_authority_authority_name}}. All such cases are investigated and documented thoroughly.

10. Staff Training and Responsibilities

All staff receive mandatory training on:

First aid and burns management
Risk assessment and safety planning
Infection prevention related to wound care
Safe use of appliances and temperature regulation
Incident reporting and safeguarding procedures
Refresher training is provided annually and evaluated through supervision. Staff are expected to maintain vigilance, report hazards, and adhere to all risk control measures outlined in individual care plans.

11. Efficient Burns and Scalds Management at {{org_field_name}}

We manage the risk of burns and scalds efficiently through:

Robust and personalised risk assessment procedures
Daily care monitoring, temperature checks, and environmental reviews
Structured care planning that reflects the person’s individual capabilities
Prompt incident response protocols and learning from incidents
Liaison with families, housing providers, and healthcare professionals for joined-up prevention
Our proactive approach ensures that preventable harm is minimised and safety is embedded in all aspects of care delivery.

12. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or earlier following any burns-related incident, changes in legislation, or updated CQC or HSE guidance. The Registered Manager is responsible for reviewing this policy and ensuring that all staff are trained and practice is monitored in line with current best practice.

Responsible Person: {{org_field_registered_manager_first_name}} {{org_field_registered_manager_last_name}}
Reviewed on: {{last_update_date}}
Next Review Date: {{next_review_date}}
Copyright © {{current_year}} – {{org_field_name}}. All rights reserved.