Free electric blanket safety test available to residents

Darlington residents have been encouraged to book a free electric blanket safety test.

Every year, a third of electric blankets in use by Darlington residents are found to be unsafe. Since 2003, there have been 1725 blankets tested and 651 were found to be unfit for use.

Between Monday 16 and Tuesday 17 September, residents are invited to attend a free electric blanket safety test at Age UK North Yorkshire and Darlington, Bradbury House. You can book an appointment by phone on 01325 357345, and booking is required.

These safety checks, which have been organised by Darlington Borough Council’s trading standards team, Age UK North Yorkshire and Darlington, and County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service, will be conducted by a qualified engineer.

Shaun Trevor from Darlington trading standards said:

“This is a valuable service that saves lives and the testing is free of charge for Darlington residents so ensure your own safety and help elderly loved ones and neighbours by booking an appointment to have those electric blankets checked. Places go quickly for this popular event, so act now and ring to secure your place.”

Councillor Jonathan Dulston, Cabinet Member for Community Safety, said:

“This is a great annual event which highlights the potential safety issues associated with electric blankets if not regularly tested. I am pleased we can continue to provide this service and reduce the number of unsafe blankets we have in our communities. I am keen to reach out to our elderly community in particular, and would urge friends and relatives to share this event with them.” 

How to use an electric blanket safely:

Do:

• read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions before use
• examine your blanket regularly for signs of wear and tear
• use the blanket only for the purpose the manufacturer intended for example,
  • over-blankets must only be positioned above the occupant of the bed
  • under-blankets must only be positioned under the occupant of the bed
• check the manufacturer’s instructions for suitability to wash your blanket
• carry out a visual check of the blanket to make sure the blanket is intact with no visible signs of damage caused in transport when first purchased

Don’t

• use blanket whilst it is still folded, rucked, or creased
• use a hot water bottle at the same time as using your electric blanket
• touch the blanket with wet hands or feet
• insert or use pins to hold the blanket in place on the bed
• use under-blankets on adjustable beds, or if used on an adjustable bed, check that the blanket and the cord do not become trapped
• use an electric blanket on the bed of a helpless person, an infant, or a person with a condition that makes them insensitive to heat
• allowing the appliance to be used by young children unless the controls have been pre-set by a parent/carer or that you are satisfied that the child is able to use the appliance safely
• Allow people with pacemakers fitted to use heated bedding for all night use

To book a safety test, call 01325 357345.