Electric Blanket Testing

As we move into the winter months, we’ve packed away our summer clothes and the temperatures are dropping, it’s the time for many people to get their electric blankets out.  However this year as there are so many restrictions in place due to Covid-19, we wanted to check what the process may be if testing cannot take place in test venues.

John Wilson, Station Manager at Warwickshire Fire & Rescue Services very kindly provided the following information:

The health of your electric blanket is extremely important at any time throughout the year, especially now as we move from summer to autumn and we start to feel the effect of the cooler weather.

Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service along with support from Trading Standards aims to support our local communities with regular testing of electric blankets, however this year will be slightly different, as we may not be able to provide testing in the same way we have previously.  However, we would urge residents to take the time to check their own electric blanket before 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.

If you identify any of the above damage to your blanket, please stop using it and replace it.

Many people do not remove their electric blankets from their beds, simply unplugging them until they are next needed.  If you know anybody in this situation please take the time to remove the blanket and look for the warning signs above.  We would also urge residents to check in on elderly relatives to ensure if they are using the electric blankets that they are checked thoroughly before use.

Remember older blankets in regular use are much more likely to have one or more of the above faults. If your electric blanket is more than 10 years old, industry guidelines suggest you should replace it.  An old BEAB safety mark (a round symbol) is an indication that the blanket is more than ten years old.

For further information on how to stay safe visit www.warwickshire.gov.uk/electricblanket