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Nearly a third of heated items fail Oxfordshire safety checks

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 15 Oct, 06:03 · Archive

An Oxfordshire safety campaign found that 32.5 per cent of nearly 1,000 electrically heated items tested were unsafe.

An Oxfordshire safety campaign has found that 32.5 per cent of nearly 1,000 electrically heated items tested were unsafe. The annual scheme, led by Oxfordshire County Council's trading standards team and supported by Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service, tested electric blankets, throws, heat pads and foot warmers. Although this is below the national average failure rate of roughly 44 per cent, the results prompted warnings from the fire service.

Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service attributed the rise in popularity of heated items to the cost of living crisis and their availability on online markets, which have made them cheaper and easier to purchase. The blanket testing scheme runs over two weeks each year, with support from district and city councils, Age UK, ODS, Better Homes and other community partners. Unsafe items are collected and sent for recycling.

Common signs of a faulty electric blanket include scorch marks, frayed wires and discolouration. Electrical Safety First advises against using electric blankets more than 10 years old and recommends purchasing replacements from reputable retailers. The campaign will take place again next autumn, subject to funding approval.

Nearly a third of heated items fail Oxfordshire safety checks
Image: Oxford Mail

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In this story: Oxfordshire County Council · Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service · Age UK · Electrical Safety First · Oxfordshire

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