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. “Some blankets may look safe but can have hidden faults only detected by professional inspection,” she explained. “Neglecting the condition of an electric blanket increases the risk of injury or fire.”
Jody Kerman from the trading standards team added that both new and old blankets can fail safety assessments, highlighting the importance of attending free annual testing events organized by the council.
This warning comes amid findings by Electrical Safety First, which identified highly dangerous electrical products, including electric blankets, sold by third-party sellers on major online marketplaces such as Amazon Marketplace, eBay, Facebook Marketplace, and Wish.com. Lesley Rudd, head of the organization, stressed the ongoing risk to households striving to lower heating costs. “Without legislative changes, consumers remain vulnerable to unsafe products,” she said.
Consumer protection advocates echo these concerns. Sue Davies of Which? called on the government to enforce stricter legal responsibilities for online marketplaces to prevent unsafe and illegal products from reaching consumers. She urged urgent action to safeguard public safety and reduce unnecessary risks posed by cheaply bought electrical items online.
As winter approaches and households rely increasingly on electric blankets for warmth, experts recommend regular professional checks and caution when purchasing online to ensure safety and avoid potential hazards.