Electric blanket testing session atCouncil offices
Nearly three-quarters of electric blankets tested by Home Accident Prevention groups (HAP) last year failed safety checks.
HAP Coleraine is now urging all electric blanket owners to have their blankets tested regularly.
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Hide AdA total of 1,194 blankets were tested across the country from September – November 2012. Of these blankets, 870 (73 per cent) failed the tests because of: faulty/damaged enclosures (which insulate the heating elements); faulty power cords; no overheat protection; or, faulty controllers. In 2011, the failure rate in similar safety testing events was around 60 per cent.
The majority of people who had blankets tested were over the age of 60. Many of those with faulty blankets were given a replacement or a voucher towards the cost of a new one. Get your blanket tested regularly - at least every three years and replace it after 10 years.