Using safe winter products |
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Throughout the winter season the Office of Fair Trading and other government agencies will be providing helpful advice on safely using winter products, including hot water bottles, children´s nightwear and heating appliances. By using these products in a safe manner you can prevent injuries occurring to you and your family.
Hot water bottles
Hot water bottles can cause serious burns if the hot water bottle is placed directly onto your skin. This type of burn happens gradually as you can not feel your skin burning until it´s too late. Make sure your hot water bottle is wrapped in a towel or fabric cover before placing the hot water bottle onto your skin. Young children and older people often have thinner and more delicate skin therefore they are more at risk to serious burns.
Hot water bottles that are not made properly or have past their expiry date can burst or leak. If the water in the hot water bottle is still hot it can scald the skin causing third degree burns. Before using your hot water bottle always check for leaks.
Most hot water bottles have a daisy wheel located on the bottle which shows when the manufacturer has produced the hot water bottle. Make sure you throw away your hot water bottle a year or two after this date. Hot water bottles that look fine on the outside can be damaged on the inside.
The Product Safety Australia website provides more information on how to use your hot water bottle safely and mandatory standards. You can also view a short film on the hidden dangers of hot water bottles.
Children's nightwear
Children´s nightwear is usually made from cotton which can burn rapidly if ignited by heat. Children can be severely injured if the clothing they are wearing catches on fire from open heat sources such as heaters. Always be cautious of children around any heating appliances.
Children´s nightwear must have a fire hazard label and this should be located as close as possible to the top of the garment.
Fire hazard labels on children´s nightwear are classified into one of four categories according to the garment or fabric type. Children´s nightwear in categories 1-3 are classified as a low fire hazard and children´s nightwear in category 4 are classified as high fire hazards.
Do not choose children´s nightwear that is labelled with a ´high fire danger´ if your child will be around open heat sources. Also be cautious of garments with a ´low fire danger´ label as they can still be flammable.
The Product Safety Australia website provides more information about night wear for children, fire hazard labels and mandatory standards.
Heating appliances
With the arrival of winter, appliances such as electric blankets and heaters get pulled out of storage and plugged in around many Queensland homes.
These appliances can help keep us warm during the colder months, but misuse, faulty wiring and leaving them unattended for a long period of time can lead to house fires and potential tragedy. The Queensland Fire and Rescue Service and the Electrical Safety Office websites provide fire and electrical safety tips for around the home.
The Queensland Fire and Rescue Services also recommends completing a simple safety checklist to keep your how fire safety. The winter checklist can be downloaded form the Queensland Fire and Rescue Service website.
Last reviewed 22/06/2011 |
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