Third of electric blankets tested found to be unsafe

More than 900 electric blankets were tested across Oxfordshire

A local authority is urging people to check their electric blankets, after more than a third of those tested by the council failed safety tests.

Oxfordshire County Council's trading standards team said it tested 920 electric blankets at events across the county over the past couple of months.

It said 37% of those tested failed the safety tests, including one that was more than 60 years old - which is five decades older than the blankets recommended life span.

Councillor Jenny Hannaby, who is the authority's community safety lead, said the results "highlight the importance of taking simple precautions to ensure everyone's safety".

"Some blankets may appear safe visually, but a professional check can help to identify hidden faults," she explained.

"If the condition of a blanket is allowed to deteriorate, there is a risk it could become faulty, posing a danger of injury or fire."

The council said the number of blankets tested at events between 22 September and 10 October had increased by nearly 200 compared to the previous year.

It said 338 failed the checks, which was an increase from 2024.

Jody Kerman, from the council's trading standards team, said: "Blankets and throws might fail a safety assessment for many reasons, and even quite new blankets can fail.

"This is why it's important to have them regularly tested at one of our free annual events."

She added that people should check for exposed or bunched wires, wear and tear, or other damage before using the blankets.

People can check their blankets at home using the Electric Safety First's website, and can dispose of them at waste recycling centres.