At this time of year, a warming wheat bag soothes winter chills and eases stiff, aching joints and muscles. Wheat bags provide comfort, but improper use can make them a fire risk. They are popular presents, especially for older people and children. Please consider carefully before buying them to avoid putting your loved ones at risk.
Most people see wheat bags as a safer alternative to hot water bottles unaware of the dangers they pose. Many are shocked to learn that these comforting little bags have caused fatal accidents.
Firefighters have issued warnings about the dangers of improper wheat bag use after fires caused by them resulted in several deaths.
Cheshire Fire and Rescue are one service that produced safety guidelines for using wheat bags in the hope of reducing the fire risk and the risk of burns.
Follow these safety steps to keep warm and safe this winter.
Shop bought wheat bags
These usually contain buckwheat that has specific moisture content. Knowing the moisture content, plus the volume of the wheat bag, allows the manufacturers to give exact guidelines as to how long the bag can be safely heated. If you stray from these guidelines you could cause the wheat bag to overheat. This could either result in a fire or burn your skin.
Buy from a reputable company offering clear heating instructions and their contact details in case you have any problems.
Always follow the instructions
Always follow the manufactures instructions when heating up a wheat bag. Factor in the wattage of your microwave – the higher the wattage the quicker the bag will heat up – and the length of time you are heating it for.
Be careful not to heat it for too long OR on too high a temperature.
Never heat for longer than the recommended maximum. This is usually 3 minutes for manufactured bags.
Be aware of an over cooked smell – like burning, charring or smoking.
Never leave the wheat bag in the microwave unattended.
Home made wheat bags
Home made wheat bags can pose a greater injury and fire risk since the exact moisture content of the bags isn’t known, nor is the volume. This means that proper heating time cannot be recommended.
Using alternative fillers for wheat bags other than buckwheat can be more dangerous and further increase the risk of fire or injury.
Scented oils
Although it is tempting to use essentials oils to add soothing scent to your wheat bag, it is not advisable. The oil content builds up on the bag over time and can increase the fire risk.
Overheating
The problem centres on the wheat bag’s ability to absorb and store heat. This can then lead it to overheat. So do use the wheat bag as a heat pack for the body, but don’t use it as a bed warmer. Covering it with bedclothes, such as duvets or blankets can lead to it spontaneously heating up and it may catch fire. This issue has been directly responsible for the death of quite a few people.
Wheat bags can also overheat and catch fire if left in direct sunlight.
Once you have heated the wheat bag, do not reheat it again until it has completely cooled. This could take up to two hours.
Continual heating is dangerous
Continual heating of the wheat bag can lead to it becoming dryer which can increase the risk of it igniting. Putting a cup of water in the microwave when heating the wheat bag can reduce this risk.
Careful storage as they can spontaneously combust
Do not store the wheat bag until it is cold. Leave it to cool down property in a non-combustible area such as a sink.
Particular care
Should be given to wheat bags given to children (and to older people). These are offered as a comfort for night-time and are often cartoon characters, teddy bears or soft toys.
Be aware that when heated in a microwave where the turntable doesn’t work properly, the bag may develop hotspots that can cause burns.
Always check the wheat bag carefully before giving it to a child or older person and please comply with the other advice within this article. When used properly they can indeed be lovely, warm and soothing.
Hot water bottles
How to fill your hot water bottle safely
Follow these rules to prevent burns or scalds:
- Bottles should only be filled by adults
- The bottle should be held upright by the neck
- Use cooled boiled water from the kettle to fill the bottle. Let the boiled water cool for about 5 mins before filling the bottle
- Fill to a maximum of two thirds full
- Carefully let out the air from the bottle, holding the neck away from you as you do it, before putting the stopper on
- Make sure the stopper is screwed on tightly
Using your hot water bottle safely
- Check for damage before each use
- Lullaby Trust advises never putting a hot water bottle in your baby’s sleep space – instead use the water bottle to warm the bed and then remove
- Never put a hot water bottle directly on your skin, use a cover
- Don’t put pressure on it, remind older children not to sit or lie on hot water bottles
Storing hot water bottles
- Fully drain after each use
- Store away from sunlight
Do hot water bottles expire?
Yes, they do. Rubber deteriorates over time so old hot water bottles can burst or leak and cause serious burns. It is advised to regularly check for signs of wear and tear and not use hot water bottles that are more than two years old.
The hot water bottle flower symbol
The flower symbol, below, found on hot water bottles, helpfully indicates exactly when it was made which enables you to know if it is more than two years old and should be replaced. The number in the middle is the year it was made, the flower segments represent the 12 months of the year and the dots inside those represent the number of weeks. So, this hot water bottle was made in third week in April, 2021 and is more than two years old.
Written by Emma Hammett for First Aid for Life
It is strongly advised that you attend a fully regulated Practical or Online First Aid course to understand what to do in a medical emergency. Please visit https://firstaidforlife.org.uk or call 0208 675 4036 for more information about our courses.
First Aid for Life is a multi-award-winning, fully regulated first aid training provider. Our trainers are highly experienced medical, health and emergency services professionals who will tailor the training to your needs. Courses for groups or individuals at our venue or yours.
First Aid for life provides this information for guidance and it is not in any way a substitute for medical advice. First Aid for Life is not responsible or liable for any diagnosis made, or actions taken based on this information.
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