Croydon Trading Standards are holding its annual electric blanket and small appliance testing days on 23rd and 24th October 2013, in Thornton Heath and Shirley. Appliances can be safety tested free of charge.
The event will take place on 23rd October at the Parchmore Community centre, 55 Parchmore Road, Thornton Heath, from 9.30 to 4.30, AND
On 24th October at the Shirley Library, Wickham Road, from 9.30 to 1pm and then from 2pm until 5pm.
Any Croydon resident was has an electric blanket more than 2 years old is urged to book an appointment to have their electric blanket tested.
Last year 70% of the electric blankets tested failed safety testing.
This year Croydon Trading Standards are extending the event to include the testing of small electrical appliances such as irons, kettles, electric heaters. Any consumer who has an electrical appliance that is more than 1 year old can bring the item to either venue for a free safety test.
If your electric blanket fails safety tests we cannot return it to the consumer as it is
unsafe and likely to overheat and cause a fire. We will however be providing discount vouchers to reduce the cost of replacement electric blankets.
Trading Standards will also be collecting electric blankets prior to 23rd October from anyone in the borough who is housebound or unable to attend the event themselves, but would like to have their electric blanket or an electrical appliance tested.
Please contact Caroline Dawson at Trading Standards on 020 8407 1311, or email her on [email protected] to book and an appointment time for testing, or to arrange for collection of electric blankets.
On 24th July 2013, Debenhams, issued a product recall on their Sleeping Beauty Electric Blanket. The product concerned was the Sleeping beauty single and double tie-on under blankets, model numbers: SB1001 and SB 1002, production dates 9/11 or 8/12. These electric blankets were sold in Debenhams stores and online between October 2011 and June 2013.
Debenhams were recalling the 2 sleeping beauty electric blankets due to an electrical fault that can cause the electrical cable to short out. This could result in the user getting an electric shock or the electric blanket overheating and catching fire.
Debenhams said that if you have one of the affected blankets you should stop using it immediately and return it to any Debenhams store for a full refund.
The Electrical Safety Council recommends that anyone who discovers they have an electric blanket that has been recalled should stop using it until it has been checked by the manufacturer.
The Electrical Safety council has issued guidance on the Do’s and Don’t of using electric blankets. The key points are:
• Always buy electric blankets from a reputable trader.
• Always look for a UK Standard Safety Mark.
• Don’t buy second hand blankets, you cannot be safe that they comply with current safety requirements.
• Do examine your blanket regularly for signs of wear and damage.
• Don’t use the blanket whilst it is folded
