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UK Households Urged to Test Electric Blankets After Safety Failures

Friday, December 5, 2025 electricblankets safety oxfordshire consumerprotection onlinemarketplaces firehazard testing uk heating legislation

UK households have been urged to check their electric blankets following alarming safety test results. Oxfordshire County Council’s trading standards team recently tested 920 electric blankets at county-wide events, revealing that 37% did not meet safety standards. The tests, conducted over the past few months leading into the festive season, uncovered blankets with faults, including one more than 60 years old—far exceeding the recommended lifespan by over five decades. Councillor Jenny Hannaby, the council’s community safety lead, emphasized the significance of regular safety checks.