Scalds related to bleeding domestic heating radiators

While scalds are the commonest burns within the home, scalds resulting from bleeding domestic central heating radiators have not previously been reported. We have encountered two examples of significant burns to the hands received in this way. The incidence of these injuries in the UK is unknown but several similar cases have been identified by the Consumer Safety Unit of the Department of Trade and Industry. The mechanism of injury is described and recommendations made for safely bleeding domestic central heating radiators.