An investigation by Cumbria Trading Standards has revealed that more than 40% of electric blankets submitted for testing were found to be unsafe.

At electric blanket testing events held across the county in late September and early October, 448 blankets out of 1069 tested were found to be far past their safe ‘use by’ dates and in dire need of replacing.

Checks were carried out at ten locations across the county between 21 September and 25 September, and 5 October and 9 October.
Many blankets submitted for testing were between ten and 30-years-old.

The blankets which could not be made safe were handed over to trading standards for disposal and taken out of use.

Phil Ashcroft, head of Cumbria Trading Standards said: "Faulty electric blankets present a real risk of causing house fires and personal injury, often to the most vulnerable members of the community.

"People seem reluctant to replace old worn-out equipment despite the potential risk but I would strongly advise that any blanket which is over 10 years old is scrapped and replaced with a new blanket which will have all the essential protective safety features."

A quick visual check may reveal potential problems such as the on/off controls not functioning, worn fabric exposing live wires or damaged cable joins.
Blankets displaying any of these symptoms need to be taken out of service and replaced or repaired as soon as possible.

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