Press Releases
70% of electric blankets fail free safety check (PR 935)
Seventy per cent of electric blankets tested by Ealing Council’s environmental health and trading standards service last month were found to be faulty.
An electrical safety expert tested a total of 53 electric
blankets during a free testing event at Ealing Fire Station on 13
January, where firefighters were on hand to provide fire safety
information and advice.
Funded by the council, the testing service is offered
annually to help prevent home electrical fires and warn residents
about the dangers of faulty electric blankets.
Councillor Will Brooks, cabinet member for environment and transport, who has responsibility for environmental health and trading standards, said: “Old and faulty electric blankets have caused thousands of fires and at least 99 per cent of electric blanket fires are believed to involve blankets that are more than 10 years old.
“The past two years have seen failure rates around the 50% mark so this year’s figure is significantly higher.
“We want to make sure residents are aware of the dangers and take steps to ensure all electrical appliances are safe. Electric blankets do not have an unlimited lifespan and should be replaced or checked for signs of deterioration every few years.”
Making the borough’s communities safer is one of the council’s three priorities. The other two priorities are cleaner streets and providing value for money services.
Residents who brought in their electric blankets for testing were also given fire safety information, a free energy-saving light bulb and a voucher for a half-price new electric blanket.
Sean Stark, Ealing borough commander, London Fire Brigade, said: “Old and faulty electric blankets can kill and tragic incidents have occurred in Ealing in recent years.
“This year’s testing event was the most successful yet and we would encourage more people to seek fire safety information and advice.
“The London Fire Brigade offers free home fire safety checks and in Ealing, we’ve done 1,200 since last April. Residents can call freephone 08000 28 44 28 to request a check and local fire officers will contact them to arrange a visit.”
Department of Industry and Trade figures show faulty blankets caused more than 5,000 fires in 2006.
Signs of deterioration include fraying fabric, scorch marks, exposed elements, significant creasing or folding, soiling, damp patches, damaged or missing tie tapes, loose connexions. Blankets featuring the BEAB safety mark are more than 10 years old.
Notes for Editors:
· At the electric blanket testing event on 13 January, a
total of 53 blankets were tested, 16 passed, four were repaired and
then passed and 33 (or 70%) failed. In 2006, 31 were tested, 14
passed, three passed with repair and 14 (or 55%) failed. In 2005,
29 were tested, 15 passed, one passed with repair, and 13 (or 48%)
failed.