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14/10/2025
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Keeping safe as well as warm: How RoSPA is reducing the risk of burns from hot water bottles

As the cold weather draws in, anyone thinking of buying a hot water bottle can trust it should be safer, after RoSPA drew attention to the dangers of serious burns and scalds from hot water bottles and microwaveable personal warmers in the media.

The scale of the problem has been brought into stark focus by new data from the Children’s Burns Trust released for National Burns Awareness Day on October 15. This showed that burn injuries from hot water bottles rose 11 per cent in 2024 compared to 2023, with nearly 1,000 cases in 2024 — the highest annual total in more than 20 years. Injuries have doubled since 2019, showing a sustained five-year increase.

In response to the concerns raised by RoSPA and members of the public who have suffered serious injuries, the British Standards Institution (BSI) has now reinstated the British Standards for these products – meaning manufacturers now have clear guidance on how to ensure the hot water bottles and microwaveable personal warmers available for sale are safe.

The BSI has also appointed RoSPA Head of Policy, Adrian Simpson, as Chair of the Hot Water Bottles and Microwaveable Personal Warmers Committee, which has the authority to review and revise both standards following full public consultation as needed to reflect industry developments and safety requirements.

Adrian said: “We’re pleased that the British Standards for hot water bottles and microwaveable warmers have been reinstated, giving manufacturers clear guidance to improve product safety. RoSPA is proud to lead this work as Chair of the standards committee, helping to ensure these products reflect the latest safety requirements. However, these items can still pose risks - especially older ones - so we urge the public to follow simple safety steps to stay warm without injury. We will also consider this issue in future engagement with policymakers and standards bodies.”

While updated standards will help improve product safety, it’s still important to use these items carefully, especially older ones. Here are RoSPA’s top tips:

  • Identify the age: Most hot water bottles have a date wheel - a small circular mark that resembles a daisy - usually stamped near the neck. This indicates the month and year of manufacture. As hot water bottles age, the materials can degrade, increasing the risk of splitting or leaking, so it's important to check and replace older bottles regularly.
  • Check for damage: Before each use, inspect your hot water bottle or warmer for cracks, splits or signs of wear. If in doubt, replace it.
  • Follow the manufacturer’s instructions: Always read and follow the safety instructions provided with the product.
  • Don’t overfill: Fill hot water bottles to a maximum of two-thirds capacity using hot (not boiling) water to reduce the risk of bursting.
  • Use a cover: Always use a fabric cover or wrap the bottle in a towel to prevent direct contact with skin.
  • Avoid sitting or lying on them: Pressure can cause the bottle to burst or leak.
  • Microwaveable warmers: Only heat for the recommended time and never reheat before the item has fully cooled.