AS THE cold weather continues hot water bottle users are being warned of the dangers of serious burns and scalds.
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accident (RoSPA) has issued advice on how to stay safe and warm.
Data from the Children’s Burns Trust showed that burn injuries from hot water bottles rose 11 per cent in 2024 compared to 2023, with nearly 1,000 cases in 2024 — the highest annual total in more than 20 years.
Injuries have doubled since 2019, showing a sustained five-year increase.
Adrian Simpson, RoSPA’s head of policy and chair of the Hot Water Bottles and Microwaveable Personal Warmers Committee, said: “These items can still pose risks – especially older ones – so we urge the public to follow simple safety steps to stay warm without injury. We will also consider this issue in future engagement with policymakers and standards bodies.”
RoSPA has offered the following tips:
- Identify the age: Most hot water bottles have a date wheel – a small circular mark that resembles a daisy – usually stamped near the neck. This indicates the month and year of manufacture. As hot water bottles age, the materials can degrade, increasing the risk of splitting or leaking, so it’s important to check and replace older bottles regularly.
- Check for damage: Before each use, inspect your hot water bottle or warmer for cracks, splits or signs of wear. If in doubt, replace it.
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions: Always read and follow the safety instructions provided with the product.
- Don’t overfill: Fill hot water bottles to a maximum of two-thirds capacity using hot (not boiling) water to reduce the risk of bursting.
- Use a cover: Always use a fabric cover or wrap the bottle in a towel to prevent direct contact with skin.
Avoid sitting or lying on them: Pressure can cause the bottle to burst or leak.
- Microwaveable warmers: Only heat for the recommended time and never reheat before the item has fully cooled.
