Electric blanket safety shock

Janet Whittles from Bamford gets her free replacement blanket from Joanne Redford at the safety event

Safety experts are urging older people to take no chances with their electric blankets after 7 out of 10 failed safety tests this month and had to be replaced.

The shock results have been revealed following a safety event were of 130 blankets tested, 90 were found to be dangerous or unsafe and were replaced free of charge with new blankets by the council’s Home Improvement Agency.

Rochdale Borough Council’s Public Protection Manager, Andy Glover said: “A failure rate of nearly 70% is very worrying and suggests that there could be many more potentially dangerous electric blankets in use. Many elderly people have been using their electric blankets for over 20 years and just don’t realise how unsafe and dangerous faulty blankets can be.”

“I urge anyone who owns an electric blanket and has not had it tested recently to examine it carefully for any signs of wear. Blankets should be tested every three years. If it is worn, or it is more than 20 years old, then replace it immediately.”

Old or damaged electric blankets cause more than 5,000 house fires in the UK each year and older people over 50 are at greatest risk, with six times the national average of fatal injuries. Electric blankets should not be used if the fabric is worn or frayed, there are scorch marks anywhere, the tie tapes are damaged or missing, the flex is worn or damaged or any connections are loose.