As winter approaches, many people are reaching for their hot water bottles to stay warm. However, what most people don’t realise is that these household items come with a crucial hidden code that indicates their safety. The materials in hot water bottles can degrade over time, putting users at risk of scalding injuries if the bottle ruptures. Therefore, understanding this coding system is essential to ensure safety.
Consumer specialist Alice Beer shed light on this issue on This Morning after being contacted by a parent whose child suffered severe burns from an exploding hot water bottle. Beer highlighted the seriousness of these injuries, with half of hot water bottle burns requiring skin grafts and surgeries to treat deeply penetrating burns. She stressed the importance of being aware of the safety measures in place.
Hot water bottles should ideally be replaced every three years, but determining their age can be tricky. While some bottles have clear expiry or manufacturing dates, others feature a more complex coding system, such as a circle with petals marked by dots. Deciphering this code reveals the year, month, and week of manufacture, ensuring users can assess the safety of their hot water bottles effectively.
One victim, Emma Walters, shared her harrowing experience after suffering burns from a hot water bottle. Returning home after work, she filled the bottle with boiling water and placed it against her stomach while sleeping. Upon waking, she discovered a large blister and required a skin graft to treat the burn. Her testimony serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers posed by hot water bottles if not used correctly.
Plastic surgeon Jeremy Yarrow emphasised that injuries from hot water bottles are unfortunately common, with patients of all ages experiencing burns throughout the year. These injuries can result from bottles bursting, rubber failure, or prolonged contact during sleep. Yarrow urged the public to follow safety guidelines to prevent avoidable injuries and emphasised the importance of proper hot water bottle usage.
Overall, raising awareness about hot water bottle safety and understanding the hidden codes on these items is crucial to prevent serious injuries. By staying informed and following recommended safety practices, individuals can enjoy the warmth of hot water bottles safely during the colder months.