Electric blankets

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Free safety checks

Once a year, for a limited period, we offer free safety checks on electric blankets to persons with a disability, and to people aged 55 or over who are resident, or work in Renfrewshire. The service includes free uplift and return of blankets for consumers unable to deliver blankets to the address below.

Last years free safety checks were carried out throughout the months of May and June. This year's safety check dates will be published on this page closer to the date.

Strathclyde Fire and Rescue are also involved in this project and offer any Renfrewshire resident a free home fire safety visit, any time of the year.

Damaged electric blankets cause more than 5,000 fires a year; kill approximately 20 people per year; and injure more than 100 people per year. Most fires are caused by old, damaged electric blankets and elderly people are most at risk.

What are the danger signs?

• The fabric is worn or frayed.
• There are scorch marks.
• The tie-tapes for attaching the blanket to the bed are damaged or missing.
• The flex is worn or damaged.
• Any connections, wiring, plug connections 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 never touch each other.
• Always make sure that you use your blanket in line with the manufacturer's instructions and have it tested at least every two years.
• The blanket displays an old BEAB safety mark (see below for description).

Old BEAB Safety Mark



If your electric blanket displays the old British Electrotechnical Approval Board (BEAB) safety mark (above) it is over 10 years old and will not comply with the latest safety standards.


New BEAB safety mark



If your blanket carries the new BEAB mark (above) it was designed to meet current safety standards.


For further information please contact us.

Contact information

• email: ts.es@renfrewshire.gov.uk
• phone: 0141 840 3183
• call in or write to us at:
  Renfrewshire Council
  Environmental Services
  Trading Standards
  Renfrewshire House
  Cotton Street
  Paisley
  PA1 1BR