Promoting Well Being

Introduction

Each year the Promoting Wellbeing Team coordinates a series of Free Electric Blanket Testing Days across the SHSCT. It is estimated that old or damaged electric blankets cause over 800 fires in the UK each year, with nearly 20 deaths and 200 injuries.  Most of the casualties are people aged over 60 years. 

Aim

The aim of the Electric Blanket Roadshows is to reduce the number of injuries and deaths caused by faulty and misused electric blankets. Tests are carried out by an electrical engineer and clients whose blankets fail receive a voucher for £15.00 towards the purchase of a new blanket. Advice on the use, maintenance and storage of electric blankets is also given to everyone who attends together with information on home safety.

Injuries and fires often happen because people do not use or store their electric blankets properly, do not replace them or never have them checked. In most cases people are often unaware when blankets have become worn or damaged or even how old they are. During some testing days a small number of clients admitted to unsafe practices with their blankets eg using a hot water bottle while their blanket was still switched on or lying on an underblanket that remained swictched on over night. 

There are many different types of blankets (under or over), some blankets that can be machine washed, while others can't. The advice is to retain the product manual that comes with the blanket and refer to it for advice.

Advice

If your blanket(s) is more than 10 years old - replace it immediately. Older blankets do not have a thermostat to prevent over heating and could catch fire. Just because it’s working doesn’t mean it’s safe. If you have an electric blanket under ten years you should have it tested at least every three years. Although the testing service is aimed at older people, it is available to anyone who wishes to have their blanket(s) tested.

Results of testing days 2008-2009

During 2008-2009, 12 testing days were held in Aughnacloy, Banbridge, Benburb, Coalisland, Jonesboro, Kilkeel, Lurgan, Milford, Mountnorris, Portadown, Rathfriland and Warrenpoint. During these sessions a total of 356 blankets were tested. Of these 205 blankets failed the safety test. This represents an overall failure rate of 57%.

Partnership

The Electric Blanket Testing service is coordinated by the Promoting Wellbeing Team. Each testing day is run through local community partnerships who members include representatives from Environmental Health, Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service, Home Accident Prevention Groups, Newry and Mourne Senior Citizens Consortium, South Down Family Health Initiative, Women and Family Health Initiative, Investing for Health.

Further Information

If you would like to have your electric blanket tested or find out about future testing days in 2009-2010, please contact Nina Daly, Promoting Wellbeing Team on Tel: (028) 3834 4973.

The Electric Blanket Roadshows are funded through the Northern Ireland Home Accident Prevention Strategy.