Why people use hot water bottles, and what is the worry?
In the cold of winter, we all look for ways to keep warm. With the price of fuel so high, many try to avoid having the heating on all day long. Using blankets and wearing extra clothing can help. Many people will also use a hot water bottle. They can be very helpful for keeping warm, as well as comforting. However, using a poor-quality or old hot water bottle, or filling it directly from the kettle, can have extremely serious consequences. The use of hot water bottles can present a serious risk of scalding.
Filling a hot water bottle
Never be tempted to fill a hot water bottle from a kettle. Instead, hot water bottles should be filled from the hot water tap, no more than three-quarters full. Remember that excess air should be expelled before the hot water bottle is securely fastened. If a client or their relative asks you to fill a hot water bottle from a kettle, it is important that you don't do this and that you explain the reasons why. Also report this back to your manager, who can reinforce this important safety message to clients and their family.
Checking a hot water bottle
Before using a hot water bottle, you should always examine it. Only hot water bottles that have been manufactured to British Standard BS 1970:2012 (indicated by a daisy-like symbol on the surface) should be used. Also check for any cracks, fading or small holes. If you find any, the hot water bottle must not be used and should be thrown away.
Care workers, if you think a hot water bottle is not safe to use, explain the reasons why to the client and advise that they throw it away. You could also offer to help organise buying a new one that is safe to use. It is a good idea to buy a new hot water bottle every year. If in any doubt about the safety of the hot water bottle, do not use it. Remember to report the issue to your manager and to document your concerns and actions in your care notes.
Using a hot water bottle
Another thing to be wary of is that hot water bottles should never be placed in direct contact with the skin. A cover must be used to help prevent burns and insulate the bottle so it stays warm for longer. The hot water bottle should be positioned so that the user is not sitting or lying on it. The increased pressure from sitting or lying on a hot water bottle can cause it to burst, leading to potentially serious burns.
We all know how serious burns can be. Clearly, we are best to avoid and reduce the risk wherever possible. This page from the NHS outlines how to treat burns and scalds.
One final note of caution: never use a hot water bottle at the same time as using an electric blanket.
