As part of a consumer information campaign timed to coincide with the arrival of the colder weather, Heart of the South West Trading Standards Service is advising people to check their hot water bottles and follow safety guidelines before use.
The year of manufacture is shown in the middle of the flower on hot water bottles (image credit: Heart of the South West Trading Standards)
The campaign is warning that hot water bottles can cause serious burns if not used safely, and can degrade over time. People with older hot water bottles at home are being urged to check the number in the middle of the flower symbol indicating the year of manufacture, and may wish to consider replacing them with newer ones.
Fakir Mohamed Osman, Head of Heart of the South West Trading Standards, said: “Hot water bottles can cause serious injury if used improperly. Always read the instructions that come with the bottle and check for signs of wear and tear before use.
“If you have an older bottle or two in the house, it may be time to pick up some new ones to keep yourself and your family safer this winter. Our advice is to replace your hot water bottles two to three years after first use.”
Freshly boiled water should never be used to fill a hot water bottle. It is advisable to allow boiled water to cool for a few minutes before adding, or to add a mix of cold and hot water to the bottle. Boiling water can damage the seams of hot water bottles, weakening them over time.
Hot water bottles should only be filled to two thirds of their capacity, and any air at the top should be squeezed out so that the hot water bottle has room to expand when using. This reduces the risk of the bottle splitting when in use.
Hot water bottles should always be used with a cover and never be placed directly on the skin. They should also never be sat on or laid on. These precautions can help to reduce the risk of burns when in use.
It is also advised not use hot water bottles in baby’s beds or cots, as doing so can cause young children to overheat.
In an emergency, be sure to follow NHS advice for scalds and burns.
