Download the PDF file: Therapeutic Wheat Bags
Therapeutic wheat bags, also known as heat bags or heat packs, are fabric bags filled with wheat (or other grains). They are heated in a microwave oven and then placed on the body to apply warmth. Wheat bags or wheat pillows are often used to provide relief from the body’s aches and pains, but if they are used incorrectly they are also a fire and a burn hazard.
If a wheat bag is over-heated in a microwave the contents can begin to smoulder. The likelihood of ignition is increased if the wheat bag is insulated with blankets or a quilt when being used to warm a bed. For this reason the SA Metropolitan Fire Service (MFS) does NOT recommend using wheat bags as ‘hot water bottles’ 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.
The MFS recommends that the following fire and life safety guidelines be applied when using these products:
- Only buy wheat bags that come with clear heating instructions.
- Do not overheat wheat bags. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Use wheat bags only as a heat pack for direct application to the body. Do not use them as bed warmers.
- Do not use wheat bags in bed to avoid the danger of falling asleep whilst they are in use.
- Use wheat bags with extreme caution with the elderly or frail people.
- Do NOT use wheat bags with babies or young children.
- Do not reheat the wheat bag until it has completely cooled. Reheating before the bag has cooled may lead to dangerous overheating.
- 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. - 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.
For further advice:
Email: mfs.communitysafety@eso.sa.gov.au
Phone: (08) 8204 3611
Country Callers: 1300 737 637
