As winter approaches, the use of hot water bottles is on the rise in the United Kingdom. However, recent data has raised alarms regarding safety concerns. The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) has issued a warning about the increased risk of burn injuries associated with these common household items.
According to data from the Children’s Burns Trust and the International Burn Injury Database (iBID), burn injuries from hot water bottles surged by 11 percent from 2023 to 2024, resulting in a total of 978 cases. This figure marks the highest annual total in over two decades. Over the past five years, the number of injuries linked to hot water bottles has nearly doubled, rising from 499 cases in 2019.
Ken Dunn, a retired consultant burns and plastic surgeon, and vice chairman of the Children’s Burns Trust, expressed concern about the rising trend, particularly among young children. “It’s alarming to see such a sharp increase in burns caused by hot water bottles,” he stated. “We know that these injuries can lead to long-term physical and psychological effects, which is why prevention is crucial.”
With winter’s chill setting in and many families facing financial pressures, Dunn advises against using hot water bottles for children. He emphasizes two critical safety measures. First, individuals should never fill hot water bottles with boiling water. Second, they should check the rubber flower symbol located on the neck of the bottle, which indicates the manufacture date. Any bottle older than two years should be replaced.
In response to the rising number of incidents, the British Standards Institution (BSI) has reinstated a national committee to review and update the hot water bottle safety standards. The previous standard was published in 2012, but the committee overseeing it was disbanded in 2024 due to a lack of leadership.
Adrian Simpson, head of policy at RoSPA, reinforced the importance of adhering to safety guidelines. “These items can still pose risks—especially older ones—so we urge the public to follow simple safety steps to stay warm without injury,” he said.
As National Burns Awareness Day approaches on October 15, 2024, the emphasis on safety becomes increasingly crucial. Families are encouraged to take proactive measures to prevent burn injuries while enjoying the comfort of hot water bottles during the colder months.
