What are the main causes of electric blanket fires?
Old and damaged electric blankets have caused thousands of fires. Faulty blankets are also responsible for deaths and injuries. Some blankets become faulty because they have been used other than in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, others because of their age. Who is most at risk? Older people aged 65 years or more are at greatest risk, with six times the national average of fatal injuries and twice the national average of non-fatal injuries. Accident statistics Many electric blankets are potentially lethal. DTI research shows that in 1996 faulty electric blankets caused more than 5,000 fires: • There were 19 deaths (compared with 32 in 1985). • There were 91 non-fatal injuries (compared with 438 in 1985). • The majority of non-fatal injuries (76%) are minor in nature, usually involving smoke inhalation, and do not involve admittance to hospital. • At least 99 per cent of electric blanket fires are believed to involve blankets that are more than 10 years old. • 89 per ce
Old and damaged electric blankets have caused thousands of fires. Faulty blankets are also responsible for deaths and injuries. Some blankets become faulty due to having been used other than in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, others due to their age. Who is most at risk? Older people aged 65 years or more are at greatest risk, with six times the national average of fatal injuries and twice the national average of non-fatal injuries. Key safety messages: the danger signs Have your blanket checked or replaced if it shows any of the following danger signs: It displays the old BEAB safety mark (if it carries this mark it will be more than 10 years old and will not comply with the latest safety standard). The fabric is worn or frayed. There are scorch marks anywhere. The tie-tapes (where originally fitted) are damaged or missing. The flex is worn or damaged. Any connections at the plug or controls are loose. The heating wires have been damaged or displaced. To check, hold t
