13 safety rules when using a wheat bag

A while ago an Australian woman died when a wheat bag placed in her bed started a fire. This has generated a wealth of media coverage. Fire Services investigated the fire cause and the wheat bags risks and warned people to be careful when using these devices. Choice, a consumer advocacy group in Australia, did a couple of extreme tests in order to highlight the dangers wheat bags can pose when misused.

The wheat bags have been used for many years as an inexpensive, convenient and reusable heat treatment for sore muscles, aches and pains and also as a winter warmer.
The wheat bags can be heated in the microwave oven between 1 to 3 minutes depending on the microwave wattage and size of wheat bag. You usually find the instructions in the manufacturer's package.

However, wheat retains heat for a long time and the bags can be dangerous if used incorrectly.
If a wheat bag is over-heated the likelihood of ignition is enhanced if the wheat bag is insulated with blankets or a quilt when being used to warm a bed.

In addition, burns to the skin may occur with an over-heated wheat bag especially if it is being used on a baby, young child or an elderly person as they have a high level of skin sensitivity.

WHEAT BAGS - 13 RULES FOR SAFE USE

1. Only buy wheat bags that have clear instructions for safe use.
2. Do not overheat wheat bags. Follow the manufacturer's instructions.
3. Ensure the timer on the microwave oven is correctly set when heating your wheat bag. Accidentally setting 30 minutes instead of 3 minutes is easy to do and has caused potentially fatal fires.
4. Always put a cup of water in the microwave oven along with the wheat bag, to help prevent it drying out.
5. Use wheat bags only as a heat pack for direct application to the body. Do not use them as bed warmers and cover them with blankets.
6. Do not use wheat bags in bed to avoid the danger of falling asleep whilst they are in use.
7. Use wheat bags with extreme caution with the elderly.
8. Do not use wheat bags with babies or young children.
9. Do not reheat until the wheat bag has completely cooled. Reheating before the bag has cooled may be just as dangerous as overheating.
10. Watch for these signs of over-use: an over-cooked odour; a smell of burning; or, in extreme cases, smoking and/or charring. Discard the wheat bag after cooling if you observe any of these signs.
11. Do not put wheat bags into storage until they are cold. Leave them to cool on a non-combustible surface such as a kitchen sink.
12. Conventional ovens on a low temperature can also be used for heating the bag but be very careful - unlike a microwave oven, the conventional oven won’t switch itself off.
13. Fragrant oils added to the wheat bag may increase the fire risk. Use them sparingly, or preferably not at all.

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