Hot water bottle safety
This advice is designed to provide basic guidance to consumers. It is not a complete or authoritative statement of the law. A large print version is available.
Hot water bottles can leak or burst and cause painful burns and scalds.
- Check the safety standard on your rubber hot water bottles - the current standard is British Standard BS 1970.
- Check your rubber hot water bottle for a symbol shaped like a daisy.
- Always be careful when filling and using hot water bottles.
- Use a cover or wrap the bottle in a towel before using - this will help prevent burns.
- Check hot water bottles regularly for any splits or perishing.
- Replace a hot water bottle that is showing signs of wear.
- Make sure the top is firmly closed before using.
- For children and elderly, use the bottle to warm the bed, then remove before the person gets into bed.
- Never use boiling water to fill your hot water as this can cause the bottle to split or leak, very hot water is fine.
- Do not lie or sit on the hot water bottle.
- Do not overfill - three-quarters is the maximum.
- Never use a hot water bottle at the same time as an electric blanket.
Hampshire County Council, The Castle, Winchester, Hampshire, SO23 8UJ
This page was last updated on 6 February 2013. © Copyright Hampshire County Council 2013.