Promoting Well Being

Every year the Promoting Wellbeing Team of the SHSCT organises a number of free testing days across the Trust area. Anyone with an electric blanket can use this free service. Dates usually begin in early autumn and run through until late winter.

Old or damaged blankets can pose a fire risk to users. In Northern Ireland between 2005-2009, there were 22 accidental dwelling fires caused by old or faulty electric blankets at which the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service had to attend.

Tragically an inquest into the death of an 18 month old child from Dungiven, Londonderry who died in June 2009, concluded that the fire had been caused by a faulty electric blanket.

An electric blanket should be tested at least every 2-3 years and requires careful use and maintenance. Generally blankets over 10 years should not be used as they may not have overheat protection. Newer blankets have this safety feature built in by law.

Last year during the 12 testing days that took place across SHSCT 370 blankets were tested of which 222 (60%) failed the safety test. For every failed blanket the owner was given a £15.00 voucher  to redeem against the purchase of a new blanket. Clients who used this service were also given a range of home safety and fire safety information.

How to access this service
To express your interest in having your blanket tested later this coming year (2010-2011), download the form below and return it to us. We will write to you after the events are organised to let you know where your nearest testing days are being held and when.

The electric blanket testing days are run in partnership with a wide range of organisations throughout the SHSCT. For further details contact the Promoting Wellbeing Team on Tel: 028 3834 4973

Download our Expression of Interest Form Here