Electric blanket safety warning issued to Nottinghamshire residents as majority fail tests

Electric blanket safety checks in Nottinghamshire reveal high failure rate

At recent safety events in Nottinghamshire, 60% of electric blankets tested were found to be unsafe, as reported by Nottinghamshire City Council.

Conducted across Cotgrave, Newark, and Retford, the testing events uncovered that out of 282 electric blankets tested, 170 were deemed unsafe, with age being a primary factor in their failure.

Some blankets were found to be over 50 years old, far exceeding the recommended 10-year replacement guideline.

Organised by Nottinghamshire County Council’s Trading Standards team and the Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service (NFRS), the events provided residents whose blankets failed the test with free replacements.

The initiative highlights the council’s ongoing commitment to reducing fire hazards associated with ageing and faulty electric blankets.

Signs of wear and recommended disposal

The Trading Standards team advises anyone with an electric blanket to regularly inspect it for signs of damage, including scorch marks, fraying fabric, exposed wires, and other signs of wear.

Blankets showing these issues should be disposed of at any of the county’s 12 household waste and recycling centres rather than in general waste bins.

Councillor Gordon Wheeler, Deputy Cabinet Member for Communities and Public Health, said: “These figures show the reality that we have potentially stopped a number of fires due to unsafe electric blankets in Nottinghamshire.

“However, while the figures offer a sense of relief that these blankets are now longer being used, we know that this is just the tip of the iceberg as there will be other Nottinghamshire residents who use electric blankets who may have an item in the same or worse condition.”

New testing event scheduled for December

In response to the recent findings, Nottinghamshire County Council has scheduled an additional testing event in partnership with Electrical Safety First.

The event will take place on Monday, 2 December, at Ashfield Library, where residents can bring in their electric blankets for safety testing.

If a blanket fails, it will be replaced free of charge. Appointments can be made by calling 0115 804 4555.

Wheeler encouraged residents to attend: “We’re really keen that residents sign up to get their blankets tested at our new date in December.

“I’d like to reassure anyone who may be thinking about attending that they won’t be left without an electric blanket should theirs fail safety testing as our friendly trading standards team will be on hand to issue a brand new one if needs be.”

Fire risk awareness and community engagement

The Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service also highlighted the importance of regular checks on electric blankets to prevent fire risks.

Natasha Neale, NFRS Community Engagement and Partnerships Manager, stated: “Electric blankets can pose a significant fire risk due to their potential of overheating, frayed wires, or loose connections.

“We always recommend that you replace it after ten years, or if it becomes faulty, to minimise the fire risks within your home.”

She added that the testing events provided opportunities for community engagement and raised fire safety awareness among vulnerable residents, generating over 50 Safe and Well Visits.

These visits allow NFRS to promote fire safety across Nottinghamshire, ensuring residents have working smoke alarms.

Neale urged Ashfield district residents to book a December appointment, emphasising the peace of mind that a safe electric blanket can provide.

Electric blanket safety warning issued to Nottinghamshire residents as majority fail tests: Summary

Recent electric blanket testing events across Nottinghamshire revealed that 60% of blankets inspected were unsafe, primarily due to age-related issues.

Organised by Nottinghamshire County Council’s Trading Standards and the Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service, the events offered residents whose blankets failed the tests a free replacement.

Signs of damage residents should watch for include frayed wires, scorch marks, and other faults, with replacements recommended every ten years.

A further testing event will be held at Ashfield Library on 2 December.

Residents are encouraged to book an appointment, where failed blankets will again be replaced free of charge.