Electric blankets

Old electric blankets kill about 20 people a year and injure another 100. They are dangerous either because they have not been used according to the manufacturer's instructions or because they have developed faults as they have got older.

Choosing a blanket

• Always buy new as second hand blankets may not be safe.
• Make sure your blanket complies with the latest European safety standard.
• Make sure your blanket has an overheating protection system that cuts off the power off if the blanket starts overheating. All new UK blankets have this feature.

Using your blanket safely

• Always read the instructions carefully and follow them.
• Make sure that the switch/heat control hangs freely and that the electric flex is not twisted across the blanket or tucked under the mattress or covers.
• Switch your underblanket off before you get into bed, unless it is of the type that can be used at night.
• Make sure that your underblanket is kept flat.
• Tie the blanket to the bed or mattress. This stops it slipping and creasing. Check that the head of the blanket is not at the foot of the bed.
• Never use an underblanket as an overblanket or an overblanket as an underblanket.
• Never plug an electric blanket into a light fitting. It may be switched on unintentionally.
• Do not fit the blanket to an adaptor or multi-socket block with another appliance plugged in.
• Never use a blanket if it is wet, soiled, creased or rucked up.
• Never switch it on to dry it out.
• Never use one blanket on top of another.
• Do not use a hot water bottle and an electric blanket together.
• Do not use pins or sharp objects to attach other items to the blanket.
• Make sure that all electric blankets are checked by an expert every three years. Some authorities say every year after the guarantee has run out.
• Safety inspections are best carried out in the summer months when blankets are not being used.
• Only wash or clean your blanket in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.

Storing your blanket

• An underblanket can be left tied to the bed all year around if you wish.
• To store a blanket for the summer, roll it or fold it with as few creases as possible and keep it in a dry place.
• Store separately from other bedding, if possible, or keep on top to avoid bedding pressing down on the blanket.
• Store by leaving it on a spare bed but make sure that it stays dry and flat.

The danger signs

• It displays the old BEAB safety mark. (This standard is over 20 years old and is rather less rigorous than 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 the blanket up to the light. The wires should be evenly spaced and should not touch each other anywhere.

If a blanket shows any of these signs it needs to be at least serviced if not replaced. Sometimes local authorities or other organisations run electric blanket testing days. Your local Trading Standards Department should know when these are.