Hot Water Bottles - The Hidden Dangers

Very recently a good friend of mine was severely burned, by hot water from a hot water bottle that ruptured.

One of his requests while hospitalised is to get the message out about the hidden dangers of hot water bottles.

According to Peter Kjell1 of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) there are over 200 similar reported incidents throughout Australia every year.

This is a startling statistic, one that I have never heard before. Given how common this danger is, I thought I would post this quick article on our web site, where the issue can be more widely circulated.

Many people suffer serious burns when their hot water bottle bursts or leaks. That?s why there is a mandatory standard for hot water bottles in Australia that covers:

• filling characteristics
• the thickness of the rubber or PVC
• and the amount of water to use according to individual bottle design.

Make sure you choose an approved hot water bottle with a large opening to reduce the risk of water spilling while you fill it.

The vast majority of these incidents could be prevented by following a few safety tips.

Hot Water Bottle Safety Tips

Always use a cover or wrap a towel around the bottle to prevent contact burns.
Only use a hot water bottle to warm the bed.
Remove the bottle before you get into bed and empty it or place it out of reach.
Never use hot water bottles where babies or children may come into contact with them.
Never use a damaged hot water bottle?throw it away and get a new one.
Never use a hot water bottle in a bed fitted with an electric blanket.
Never lean on, roll on, press against or lie on a hot water bottle.
Never place a hot water bottle in a microwave or ordinary oven.

For more information visit the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission - Product Safety Australia.

• 1. Australian Competition and Consumer Commission - Product Safety Australia (Hot Water Bottles, The Hidden Dangers)