Rubber Hot Water Bottles

This Topic Includes:
Rubber Hot Water Bottles factsheet - PDF

The Minister has used her powers to ban the sale of unsafe rubber hot water bottles following incidents where hot water bottles split, perished or leaked, and in some cases caused serious burns.

In some brands of hot water bottles, the rubber was less than the 1.4 mm thickness required by the British Standard BS 1970:2001. Many of these were marked with the British Standard BS 1970, but on closer inspection didn't appear to meet the standard.

These rubber hot water bottles are also subject to an Unsafe Goods Notice, which bans the sale of rubber hot water bottles that do not meet the current British Standard.

The Unsafe Goods Notice will be in place until 25 May 2006, while the Ministry of Consumer Affairs reviews the need for either a Product Safety Standard or an indefinite ban.

Do’s and Don’ts

DO

• Check the safety standard on your rubber hot water bottles – the current standard is British Standard BS 1970.
•  Check your rubber hot water bottle for a symbol shaped like a daisy.
•  If you are unsure whether the standard listed on the bottle is genuine, either dispose of the rubber hot water bottle or report it to the Commerce Commission.
•  Always be careful when filling and using hot water bottles.
•  Use a cover or wrap the bottle in a towel before using – this will help prevent burns.
•  Check hot water bottles regularly for any splits or perishing.
•  Make sure the top is firmly closed before using.
•  For children and the elderly, use the bottle to warm the bed, then remove before the person gets into bed.

DO NOT

• Never use boiling water to fill your hot water bottle as this can cause the bottle to split or leak. Very hot water is fine to use.
• Do not lie or sit on the hot water bottle.
• Do not overfill – three-quarters is the maximum.
• Do not use a hot water bottle that is showing signs of wear or splitting – replace it with a new one.
• Do not use a hot water bottle without a cover or wrapping it in a towel first.

PDF of publication/Ordering publication

The Rubber Hot Water Bottles factsheet is now available online in PDF format (80 KBs). Instructions for obtaining the Adobe Acrobat viewer. The printed factsheet can also be ordered using our online Publications Form.