Council safety checks show risks people take with electric blankets

Previous safety checks have also revealed a number of alarming risks that residents take with their blankets, including:

 a blanket that had been adapted by the owner to enable it to be plugged into a bedside lamp instead of a bulb;
 a 1950s blanket that failed checks due to half a century’s wear and tear; and
 a blanket being presented for testing that had caught fire the week before.

An estimated 5000 fires are blamed on faulty electric blankets each year(1), and councils are organising roadshows in a bid to help prevent fires, accidents and even death, before winter approaches.

The Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames has already completed safety checks this year and found a 42 per cent failure rate due to wear and tear.  

Cllr David Rogers, chair of the Local Government Association’s Community Wellbeing Board, said:

“Figures from previous years are shocking.  People must realise that they could be gambling with their lives every time they switch on their old electric blanket.   Councils are providing these safety checks free of charge and hope that as many people as possible take full advantage.

“Councils realise that electric blankets act as a life line to many older residents needing additional warmth and comfort. They are committed to ensuring the most vulnerable and frail receive the services they need.”

Whilst it is recommended that all electric blankets are tested every three years, councils are urging everyone to check for wear and tear, scorch marks, dampness or flex damage before using their blankets this year. They are also collecting and delivering electric blankets to those who have no means of getting theirs to the testing venue.

Examples of what councils have found in previous years include:

 Out of 1390 blankets tested last year by Hampshire County Council, 523 failed immediately on either age or wear and tear. Safety checks on 9000 blankets have taken place over the past eight years.

 In 2008, 102 of 196 blankets tested by Norfolk County Council were deemed to be unsafe, with 203 of 346 failing the checks in 2007.  Qualified electricians will be on hand to carry out checks and offer advice to residents again this year, with safety testing road shows taking place from 19-21 October.
 Stoke on Trent City Council has joined forces with Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service for the past six years and is holding a series of roadshows shortly.  131 blankets failed tests last year with some inspected over 20 years old.
 Last year, 60 per cent of blankets tested by Lewisham Council failed to meet safety standards. Free testing is taking place throughout this month.
 West Sussex County Council found 35% of all blankets tested last year to be dangerous.  Free testing sessions are being held at various locations throughout the rest of the month.