The Consumer Protection Agency has issued a warning that the arrival of winter has brought with it the need to check the safety of cold-season products taken from storage including woollies, electric blankets and hot water bottles.
Commissioner for Consumer Protection, Lanie Chopping said a number of winter warmer products might pose a safety risk if they were old, worn or not used properly.
“As with any product, but particularly products that could cause scalds or burns, consumers should always follow the user guide or instructions carefully,” Ms Chopping said.
“Electric blankets, hot water bottles, heat (or wheat) packs are just some items used regularly in winter that can pose a risk,” she said.
“More than 200 people in Australia are treated for serious burns caused while using hot water bottles each year.”
She urged people to use hot tap water, not boiling water from the kettle, to fill hot water bottles and to replace the bottle as soon as it started to look cracked or worn.
“If using wheat bags or other heat packs, check that they come with clear heating instructions attached to the product and allow them to cool completely before reheating,” Ms Chopping said.
“If you notice a burning smell, you’ve probably overheated it so allow the wheat bag to cool down completely then dispose of it.”
She said electric blankets should be checked for signs of wear and tear before use, and advice should be sought from a health practitioner if the user was pregnant or had diabetes.
“Every year there are multiple admissions to hospital emergency departments of children suffering burns from their clothing catching fire from an open heat source,” Ms Chopping said.
“Even children’s clothing and nightwear with a ‘low fire danger’ label is still flammable, so always keep children away from fireplaces and heaters where there is a risk of their clothes coming into contact with the flame,” she said.
