Published: 12 August 2010

Every year 200 people are admitted to hospital with serious burns related to hot water bottles ranging from scalds to full thickness burns. Learn what you can do to reduce the incidence of hot water bottle burns in your home.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) is concerned that every year 200 people are admitted to hospital with serious burns related to hot water bottles ranging from scalds to full thickness burns.

While hot water bottles can give you warmth, comfort and relief from aches and pains, they can also cause serious burns.

Your hot water bottle safety checklist

• Before using a hot water bottle, check it for cracks, splits, brittleness, breaks and other damage
• Heat the water in a kettle using cold tap water. Do not fill the bottle with water from the hot water tap, which can cause the rubber to perish.
• Do not use boiling water. if the water is very hot, add cold water from the tap.
• Hold the hot water bottle upright, over the sink and away from your body when filling it.
• Pour water into the bottle slowly until it is two-thirds full.
• Remove excess air from the bottle before closing it. To do this, lower the bottle slowly towards a lying position on a flat surface. When you see water at the opening, put in the stopper and tighten it.
• 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.

ACCC currently has a suite of hot water bottle safety information available at www.productsafety.gov.au including a safety video, how to buy safe hot water bottles and steps to ensure you fill your hot water bottle safely.

Stay warm and safe this winter.

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