1 June 2007

Ban on unsafe hot water bottles continues

Government has declared a new ban on the sale of unsafe hot water bottles.

The new Unsafe Goods Notice not only covers rubber hot water bottles but also hot water bottles made from PVC.

“This new notice covers both rubber and PVC hot water bottles, because over the last year PVC hot water bottles were found in the market that did not meet the British Standard,” says Stephen O’Brien, Acting Manager, Measurement and Product Safety Service, Ministry of Consumer Affairs.

The ban will ensure consumers are protected from unsafe rubber hot water bottles as well as PVC ones.

The new Unsafe Goods Notice is effective for 18 months from 25 May 2007.

The ban on unsafe rubber hot water bottles was first put in place in November 2004 after a number of incidents were reported to the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, where hot water bottles had perished or leaked and in some cases causing serious burns.

“Since the ban on unsafe rubber hot water bottles was first put in place in 2004, the Ministry of Consumer Affairs has received no complaints about hot water bottles. This shows the ban is working,” says Stephen O’Brien.

To make sure their hot water bottles are safe, consumers are encouraged to check the safety standard on their hot water bottles. If they are unsure whether it is genuine, they should either dispose of the hot water bottle or contact the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Measurement and Product Safety Service free phone: 0508 627 774 (0508 MAPSS Info).

The Ministry reminds consumers that they do need to take care when filling and using hot water bottles. They should not to use boiling water when filling a hot water bottle, and cover the bottle in some way, for example by wrapping it in a towel.

Consumers can report unsafe products to the Measurement and Product Safety Service.