As a severe cold snap tightens its grip on Britain, millions are reaching for traditional hot water bottles to stay warm. However, a leading health expert has issued an urgent warning, urging the public to check a crucial symbol on their bottles to prevent serious injury.
The Hidden Danger in a Winter Staple
Dr Richard Anderson, Head of Learning and Development at High Speed Training, highlighted the risks associated with this common household item. "Hot water bottles are a fantastic way to beat the chill, and with energy costs remaining a concern, they are more popular than ever," he said. "However, like any household item that utilises high heat, they aren't without risk."
His warning is backed by stark figures from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA), which show that nearly 1,000 people in England and Wales required treatment in burns units during 2024 due to hot water bottle accidents.
How to Decode the Vital 'Daisy Wheel' Date
The key to safe use lies in knowing your bottle's age. Experts recommend replacing hot water bottles every two years, as the rubber can degrade, becoming prone to bursting or leaking. To find the manufacturing date, you must locate a flower-shaped stamp known as the 'daisy wheel'.
This symbol is typically found on the bottle's neck or main body. Here is how to read it:
- The single digit in the centre of the wheel indicates the year of manufacture (e.g., '5' for 2025).
- The twelve segments surrounding it represent the months of the year.
- Dots within a segment show the month. For example, if the first six segments are filled, the bottle was made in June.
- If a segment contains multiple dots, the number of dots in the last filled segment indicates the week of that month. Three dots mean the third week.
Therefore, a symbol with a '25' in the centre and dots filling the first six segments means the bottle was produced in June 2025.
Essential Steps for Safe Use
Dr Anderson provided a clear safety checklist for using hot water bottles correctly:
- Inspect Before Use: Always check for signs of wear, damage, or thinning rubber before filling.
- Avoid Boiling Water: Never use water straight from a rolling boil. Let it cool slightly first to protect the bottle's internal seams.
- Fill Two-Thirds Full: Only fill the bottle to around two-thirds capacity, then squeeze out excess air before sealing the stopper tightly.
- Always Use a Cover: A fabric cover is essential to prevent direct contact burns on the skin.
- Never Sit or Lie on It: Applying pressure can cause the bottle to fail and scald the user.
- Store Correctly: When not in use, empty the bottle, remove the stopper, and keep it in a cool, dry place like a cupboard.
By following this expert advice and regularly checking the daisy wheel symbol for the manufacturing date, Brits can enjoy the warmth of their hot water bottles safely throughout the winter months.
