Here at The Hot Water Bottle Company we take the safety of hot water bottles very seriously and this includes educating people on how they can stay safe whilst using a hot water bottle.
Hot water bottles look harmless enough but they can cause serious burns or scalding if they are faulty, unsafe or used incorrectly.
Burns can occur while filling the bottle, when the bottle bursts or leaks, or when a bottle filled with hot water directly contacts the skin.
Rubber products do perish over time and this can be accelerated by the conditions the rubber is exposed to. The rate of deterioration for rubber hot water bottles will depend upon an individual's use: how they are filled, how often they are used, how they are used and how they are stored. To ensure you are always using a safe bottle it is advised that you replace your hot water bottle regularly – each winter or every second year, depending on how much you use it and how well you store it.
Tips on safe use of hot water bottles
- Inspect your hot water bottle carefully. Throw it out if there are any signs of leaks or if it looks cracked, damaged or brittle. A simple way to check for leaks is to put cold water in the bottle first.
- Avoid injuries by waiting until hot water has cooled down a bit before filling the bottle and be careful not to overfill it.
- Laying, resting, sitting or putting pressure on a hot water bottle may cause it to burst. For this reason, take the bottle out of bed before you climb in.
- When relieving aches and pains use a cover or wrap the bottle in a towel to prevent direct contact with the skin. Do not leave the bottle on one part of the body for too long as burns can occur gradually. [At The Hot Water Bottle Company we advise that a cover is always used on a hot water bottle].
Remember to always follow the British Standard 1970:2012 instructions for filling, using and storing your hot water bottle.
Using heat packs safely
Microwavable heat packs are another great way to keep warm, but they also come with their own safety in use guide.
Heat packs can be a fire hazard if used incorrectly. They have been linked to fires when placed under bedding immediately after being heated and can catch fire in the microwave if heated for too long.
- Do not put your heat pack under covers immediately after heating. Wait a few minutes.
- Minimise risks by buying heat packs that come with clear heating instructions. Be cautious of wheat bags bought at markets and craft stalls; if they do not have heating instructions, do not buy them as it very possible that they have not been tested for safety to the British Standard 8433:2004.
- Always follow the heating instructions and allow the heat pack to cool fully before re-heating.
- As soon as your heat pack to smell burnt or charred, or if you notice this smell when heating it, let it cool down in the kitchen sink before disposing of it.