Electric Blanket Testing
Every autumn Walsall Trading Standards offers the public the opportunity to have their electric blankets checked by a specialist engineer to ensure that they are safe to use.
Free electric blanket testing in Walsall 2011
3 October 2011 to 8 October 2011
For an appointment call Walsall Trading Standards on 01922 652246
Our last event was conducted in partnership with Walsall Libraries and West Midlands Fire Service. During the exercise 316 blankets were safety tested. Of these 95 (30%) were condemned as unsafe and removed from use. This is a reduction compared to the figures for previous years and indicates the positive effect the continued campaign against unsafe electric blankets is having. The campaign was praised by all customers with comments such as “Gives me peace of mind”, “A very good service – much needed, thank you".
In the 12 years the campaign has been running over 1600 unsafe blankets have been removed from people’s homes and thousands of people, some of whom are elderly or vulnerable, have been made aware of the very real danger of old and worn blankets.
People should always be vigilant and check the safety of their blankets before they use them. Here are some important safety points.
Do not use your blanket if:
- the fabric is worn or frayed
- there are scorch marks on the blanket
- the flex is worn or damaged
- the connections have become loose
- the tie-tapes are damaged or missing
Always follow the manufactures instructions. If you purchase an under-blanket you must switch it off and disconnect it, and keep it switched off when you get into bed. It cannot be used as an over-blanket. The blanket needs to be firmly tied to the mattress in order to keep it flat, you need to check this every week. Never use the blanket if it becomes wet or creased. Don't switch it on to dry it out.
When you come to store your blanket an under-blanket can be left tied to the bed all year round. If you wish to store an over-blanket you will need to roll or fold it with as few creases as possible and store in a dry place. Either type of blanket can be stored on a spare bed as long as it is kept dry and flat.
Electric blankets should ideally be serviced every three years. You can contact the manufacturer and request an estimate of the cost for a service, or alternatively please contact us to find out when the next electric blanket safety checks are taking place and to make an appointment to get yours checked.
Remember, if in doubt do not use your electric blanket.
Contact us
Trading Standards
Challenge Building
Hatherton Road
Walsall
WS1 1YG
Telephone: 01922 652246
Fax: 01922 630697
Email trading_standards@walsall.gov.uk
This page was last updated on 26 January 2012