Vale trading standards intercept faulty electric blankets
Trading standards officers from the Vale of Glamorgan Council
have intercepted numerous faulty electric blankets being used by
elderly people across the county.
As part of annual Safe and Sound roadshows - held in Barry
and Penarth - pensioners were offered the opportunity to bring
their blankets along for testing.
More than 60 per cent of 64 blankets failed the tests and were
replaced free of charge. Many were worn out, had poor wiring,
broken controls or no protection against overheating.
Trading standards offer the following advice:
- read the instructions carefully and use the blanket
correctly;
- keep the instructions with the blanket and refresh your
knowledge every year;
- check the blanket is not soiled, scorched or wet, or that any
wires are loose or in bad condition;
- store in the recommended way;
- do not position electric underblankets on top of the bed
covers (that is, above the person sleeping in the bed), and
- remember that 99 per cent of fires caused by electric blankets
are believed to have involved blankets that are over 10 years
old - in particular those without overheat protectors; you are
strongly advised to throw blankets of this age out.
Vale council trading standards consumer education officer Kate
Palmer said: “These results show how important it is to have
electric blankets checked regularly. As blankets get older they are
likely to develop more faults, some of which could prove fatal. We
would recommend that they bring their blankets to our free test
every year for peace of mind.”
Those attending the electric blanket checks were also offered
advice on consumer issues, fire safety and energy efficiency to
help them understand their rights and save money.
Trading standards officers from the council were joined at the
roadshows by representatives from the Local Health Board, Age
Concern, Department of Work and Pensions, local Police and other
accident prevention charities and information providers.
For more information, please contact Vale trading standards on
01446 709105.
Caption: Numerous faulty electric blankets were
intercepted and replaced when Vale of Glamorgan Council trading
standards officers held Safe and Sound roadshows in Barry and
Penarth.