In January 2008 it was widely reported in the media about a "heating fault that puts 3.5 million homes at risk". This relates to the tragic circumstances in 2006 and the failure of a domestic hot water system, where the immersion heater thermostat failed.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) carried out an investigation and determined it was due to a "rare" incident but was "strikingly similar" to another tragic event in 2002.
The seriousness of these two incidents within a four year period has resulted in the HSE issuing a Safety Alert to landlords and householders regarding "a rare but potentially serious scalding risk" from "domestic hot water systems which include a fixed all-electric or part-electric immersion heater in conjunction with a plastic cold water storage cistern or 'tank' located in the roof space".
In addition the Water Regulations Advisory Scheme (WRAS), who are responsible for advising the water industry on acceptable plumbing practices, has issued an Information Note relating to the technical aspects that will allow plumbers, landlords and householders to carry out the relevant system checks.
One simple check you can do is to look at your cold water storage cistern (tank) in the roof space. Make sure it has a strong sturdy level board that supports the whole of the cistern. This should extend beyond the edges of the cistern and be properly supported underneath.
For the other checks you may need to seek professional advice. Anglian Water has a list of approved plumbers who are aware of this incident and have been issued with the all the relevant advice so should be able to help. If you are in any doubt seek professional advice.