Free Electric Blanket and Portable Heater testing with Trading Standards
Stay safe and warm this winter with FREE of charge ELECTRIC BLANKET & PORTABLE HEATER testing run by HERTFORDSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL Trading Standards and Fire & Rescue Services.
Testing will take place at the following locations:
Bishops Stortford Library, The Causeway CM23 2EJ
- Monday 17 October 2022 10:00am – 5:00pm
County Hall, Pegs Lane, Hertford SG13 8DE
- Tuesday 18 October 2022 9:30am – 4:30pm
Watford Central Library, Hempstead Road WD17 3EU
- Wednesday 19 October 2022 9:30am – 4:30pm
Welwyn Garden City Library, Campus West AL8 6AJ
- Thursday 20 October 2022 9:30am – 4:30pm
To book a slot for testing please call: 01707 292429
You can also attend without an appointment on a first come, first served basis.
General electrical product safety advice:
- Register your appliance at registermyappliance.org.uk and check for recalls
- Make sure your electrical appliance has a British or European safety mark
- Do not power heating devices from an extension lead, use wall sockets only
- Turn heaters off before bed or when you’re not using the room
- Don’t leave appliances unattended with young children and/or animals
- Always follow the manufacturers operating and maintenance instructions
Tips to use electric blankets safely:
- Store electric blankets flat, rolled up or loosely folded to prevent damaging the internal wiring
- Unplug blankets before you get into bed unless it has a thermostat control for safe all-night use
- Never use an electric blanket if you have an airflow pressure-relief mattress or use emollient creams. Ask for non-flammable alternatives of these items instead
- If your blanket gets wet, don’t use it, and never switch it on to dry it
- Do not buy second-hand electric blankets
- Check electric blankets regularly for wear and tear and replace at least every 10 years
Tips to use portable heaters safely:
- Make sure heaters are maintained and in good working order
- Don’t take risks with old heaters – get it tested by a qualified electrician or buy a new one.
- Where appropriate, secure heaters against a wall to stop them falling over, or fit wall-mounted heaters
- Keep heaters well away from clothes, curtains and furniture and never use them for drying clothes. Emollient users are at higher risk.
- Always sit at least one metre away from a heater as it could set light to your clothes or chair
- Before attempting to move your heater, turn it off and allow it to cool first
- Only use gas or paraffin heaters in well-ventilated areas. Heaters consume oxygen so you could suffocate if a room is not properly aired.