Thursday 16 August 2007
16.00hrs
Owners of electric blankets are being invited to
have them checked over by safety experts in Bristol next week, in a
bid to identify life-threatening faults.
Bristol City Council’s Trading Standards team and Avon Fire
& Rescue Service are working together to test blankets at the
Redland United Reformed Church at Whiteladies Road, Clifton from
9.30am to 2pm on Wednesday 22 August.
Similar checks in the past have revealed more than half the
blankets had faults that could be potentially life-threatening to
their users. Among the common issues are problems such as defective
overheating protection, exposed wires or failing insulation.
Improper storage during the summer is one of the main reasons
for blankets to develop faults. As a result the two organisations
are urging owners to take advantage of the free service ahead of
the cooler weather.
Phil Parkyn, Principal Trading Standards Officer at Bristol City
Council said: “The statistics show a simple safety check can help
to save lives. I hope that people, particularly the elderly, will
take advantage of this free service.”
Watch Manager David Hayward, Community Fire Safety Officer at
Avon Fire & Rescue Service added: “Faulty electric blankets
continue to be a major cause of concern in terms of burns, risk of
electrocution and the danger that if a fire starts in bedding it
will quickly become out of control. Sadly it is often the
elderly that are most at risk, but taking just a few moments to
have a blanket tested could ultimately save a life.”
During the safety checks, qualified staff will repair minor
faults free of charge or offer a replacement blanket, subject to
availability. Anyone wishing to have their blanket checked should
make an appointment with Bristol Trading Standards on 0117 922
3522.
Also on offer will be safety advice and a chance to book a free
Home Fire Safety Visit from Avon Fire & Rescue Service, where
smoke alarms will be fitted free of charge. A visit can also be
requested by calling 0800 1693 999.