Wednesday 13 August
11.00hrs
Owners of electric blankets from across Bristol are being
invited to have them checked free of charge by safety experts, in a
bid to identify potentially life-threatening faults.
Over the next two months, Bristol City Council’s Trading
Standards team and Avon Fire & Rescue Service, will be working
together to test blankets at a range of locations across the
city.
Similar checks in the past have revealed more than half the
blankets had faults that could have been 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 colder 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 minutes 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 tested should call Bristol
Trading Standards on 0117 922 3522 to find out when the team will
be in their neighbourhood and book an appointment.