Fall In Electric Blanket Failure Rate
Fewer electric blankets are failing safety tests overall, Warwickshire County Council Trading Standards Service has announced.
Results of its testing programme have revealed that of the 368 blankets tested this year, 24% (88 blankets) failed, compared with the previous three years results: 33% in 2005, 32% in 2004 and 34% in 2003. Only in Leamington Spa did the failure rate exceed the county average.
Mark Ryder, Head of Warwickshire Trading Standards said:
“We are committed to helping to protect older people in Warwickshire by ridding the county of unsafe and dangerous electric blankets. Unsafe electric blankets have the potential to catch fire and kill. Elderly people are particularly at risk making up the majority of accident victims.
I am therefore delighted that this year we have seen a reduction in the failure rate, an indication I hope that there are fewer very old blankets in circulation.”
Dangers spotted included damaged wiring, exposed elements and no over heat safety cut off protection, a problem associated with some very old blankets.
The blanket tests were carried out free of charge, and owners of condemned blankets received a voucher entitling them to money off the cost off a new blanket.
Visitors to the electric blanket tests were each provided with a pack of information by the Consumer Support Network, a partnership of Warwickshire Trading Standards, Age Concern and Warwickshire CAB’s.
Faulty or damaged electric blankets can cause fires and it is therefore important for consumers to ensure that their electric blankets are safe.
Electric blankets sold in the shops are made to strict safety standards, but they wear with age. What’s more, a not-so-old blanket can become dangerous too and can even start a fire if it is misused.
Those that were unable to take advantage of the testing programme can check their own blankets by looking for the following warning signs:
· the fabric is worn or frayed
· there are scorch marks anywhere
· the tie tapes are damaged or missing
· the flex is worn or damaged
· any connections are loose
Remember older blankets in regular use are much more likely to have one or more of the above faults.
An electric blanket testing day at Rugby Library will take place on 3 November in conjunction with Age Concern Rugby.