Electric Blankets Fail
Safety Tests |
12 Oct 2005 |
South Tyneside Council's annual electric blanket testing
programme has again proved its worth by perhaps saving
the lives of local residents after scores of blankets
were found to be unsafe.
The Trading Standards Service invited Borough residents
to have their electric blankets tested free of charge
and the results were alarming, with 38 percent of the
blankets failing the tests.
Out of these failures, almost 58 percent were due to
the blankets having no, or problems with, the overheat
protection device, an essential safety feature. Some
failed through a breakdown of insulation due to general
wear and tear, despite having been tested in previous
years.
One blanket was found to have an electronic control
which had been the subject of a previous recall by the
manufacturer.
As part of the scheme, a leading manufacturer provided
residents whose blankets failed the safety tests with
a voucher to contribute towards the costs of a new blanket.
In the main it is elderly people who bring blankets
in for testing. However, the Council believes it is
vital that all residents check their blankets regularly
for damage or faults.
Station Officer Ian Cuskin, of Tyne and Wear Fire and
Rescue Service, said: "On average we believe that
five fires have been caused in the past year by the
poor condition of electric blankets. In order to reduce
the likelihood of these instances in future, we would
urge consumers to store their blankets correctly, and
prior to use carefully check for fraying cable and scorch
marks."
Councillor Michael Clare, Lead Member for Neighbourhood
Services, added: "Once again Trading Standards
have highlighted dangers which may be present in residents'
homes. We hope that if one accident has been prevented,
then the initiative has been a success.
"These results are significant and I advise all
residents who use an electric blanket to check the instructions
or with the manufacturer to determine whether overheat
protection is fitted. If not, you should only use it
to warm the bed and not when you are asleep.
"Trading Standards enforce many of the safety
laws that apply to consumer goods and urge consumers
to contact them if they feel they have purchased an
unsafe product."
Trading Standards can also give advice and assistance
to consumers who have purchased faulty or goods or services
not as described. They can be contacted on 0191 424
7896 or 0191 424 4401.
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