As a severe cold snap tightens its grip on Britain, millions are reaching for the classic hot water bottle to stay warm. However, a leading health expert has issued an urgent warning, urging the public to check a small but vital symbol on their bottles to prevent serious injury.
The Hidden Danger in a Winter Essential
Dr Richard Anderson, Head of Learning and Development at High Speed Training, highlights that while hot water bottles are a cost-effective way to beat the chill, they pose a significant burn risk if not used correctly. Shockingly, data from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) shows nearly 1,000 people in England and Wales required hospital treatment for burns from hot water bottles in 2024 alone.
"Hot water bottles are a fantastic way to beat the chill, and with energy costs remaining a concern, they are more popular than ever," Dr Anderson stated. "However, like any household item that utilises high heat, they aren't without risk."
How to Decode the Crucial 'Daisy Wheel'
The key piece of safety advice revolves around a small, flower-shaped stamp known as the 'daisy wheel'. This marking, found on the bottle's neck or body, reveals its manufacturing date and indicates when it needs replacing.
Experts recommend replacing your hot water bottle every two years, as the rubber can degrade, becoming prone to leaks or bursts. The daisy wheel symbol is simple to read: the number in the centre indicates the year of manufacture. The twelve segments surrounding it represent the months of the year.
For example, a symbol with '25' in the centre and the first six segments filled with dots means the bottle was made in June 2025. If a segment contains multiple dots, the number of dots in the last filled segment shows the week of that month it was produced (e.g., three dots means the third week).
Essential Steps for Safe Use
Dr Anderson provided a clear safety checklist for hot water bottle users:
- Inspect Before Filling: Always check for signs of wear, cracks, or damage.
- 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: Do not overfill. Fill only about two-thirds, then squeeze out excess air before sealing the stopper tightly.
- Use a Cover: Always encase the bottle in a fabric cover to prevent direct skin contact and potential contact burns.
- Never Sit or Lie on It: Applying pressure can cause the bottle to fail.
- Store Correctly: When not in use, empty it completely, remove the stopper, and keep it in a cool, dry place like a cupboard.
With freezing temperatures set to continue, this timely advice serves as a crucial reminder that a simple check of the daisy wheel symbol and following safe practices can help ensure a warm and safe winter.
