How safe is your electric blanket ?

Old or damaged blankets cause more than 5,000 fires a year. Research has shown that electric blankets ten years old (or older) still in use in homes in Britain are responsible for 99% of the fires caused by electric blankets. Each year 20 people are killed and 100 injured in such fires.
In surveys carried out over the last few years, over a quarter of the blankets tested by Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin Trading Standards, were found to be unsafe. 

Shropshire County Council Trading Standards aim to offer free electric blanket safety checks each Autumn. We have now finished the Autumn 2008 checks. We will announce the dates of the the 2009 checks as soon as they are known. To see the results of this years test.

• It displays the old BSI safety mark (commonly known as the Kite Mark). This means that if it carries this mark it will be more than 10 years old and will not comply with the latest safety standard. It should now show the BEAB logo
• The fabric is worn or frayed.
• There are scorch marks anywhere.
• The tie-tapes (where originally fitted) are damaged or missing.
• The flex is worn or damaged.
• Any connections are loose.
• The plug or mains lead is damaged
• The heating wires have been damaged or displaced. To check,
  hold the blanket up to the light. The wires should be evenly
  spaced and should not touch each other anywhere.
• It has not been examined by an expert in the last 3 years
• You are in any doubt !

Using your blanket

• Always read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully – and follow them.
• Make sure that the switch/heat control hangs freely, and that the electric flex is not twisted across the blanket or tucked under the mattress or covers.
• Switch your underblanket off before you get into bed, unless it is of the type that can be used at night.
• Make sure your underblanket is kept flat.
• Tie the underblanket to the bed or mattress. This stops it slipping and creasing. Check that the head of the blanket is not at the foot of the bed.
• Never use an underblanket as an overblanket, or an overblanket as an underblanket.
• Do not fit the blanket to an adaptor or multi-socket block with another appliance plugged in.
• Never use the blanket if it is wet, soiled, creased or rucked-up. Never switch it on to dry it out.
• Never use a blanket with scorch marks or exposed elements.
• Do not use a hot water bottle and an electric blanket together.
  

Storing your blanket

• An underblanket can be left tied to the bed all year round if you wish.
• An overblanket can be rolled up avoiding creasing as much as possible, and keep it in a dry place.
• Store separately from other bedding, if possible, or keep on top to avoid bedding pressing down on the blanket.
• Store your blanket by putting it on a spare bed – but make sure it stays dry and flat.
  

Choosing your blanket

• Always buy new. Second-hand blankets may not be safe.
• Make sure your blanket has an overheating protection system – this cuts the power off if the blanket starts overheating. All new UK blankets now have this feature.
• Look out for a European Certification Mark, such as the new BEAB safety mark, on the blanket and packaging. This will mean it conforms to the latest European safety standard.

It is important to get your electric blanket serviced regularly - once a year if possible, but certainly every 3 years.

Main Safety page

Last reviewed October 2008

Shropshire County Council Trading Standards Service
Shirehall, Abbey Foregate, Shrewsbury, Shropshire SY2 6ND