Keeping Safe and Warm in Bed This Winter
The Ministry of Consumer Affairs' Energy Safety Service has some tips for using your electric blanket this winter.
- Firstly, check your electric blanket each year, regardless of how new it is. Five years of regular use is about the expected safe life of an electric blanket. If it has been subject to high use, or spills, consider replacing your blanket sooner than every 5 years. Before using your electric blanket for the first time each year, check for damage and wear. Check again each time you change the sheets. Inspect the control switch, cord, and plug, and look for any kinks, worn wires, scorch marks, or breaks in the heating element.
- When putting the blanket on your bed, ensure it lies flat, as creasing can damage the heating elements. Secure the blanket firmly using the attached ties. Pins or sharp objects should not be used.
- After inspecting your blanket, turn it on for 15 minutes at the highest setting (don't leave the room) and then turn it off. Run your hand over the blanket and feel for hot spots. A hot spot means the heating coil has been kinked or damaged. This could lead to fire or electric shock so you need to replace it with a new one.
- Only use an electric blanket to warm the bed. Switch it off before you get in to bed.
- Make sure the cord is extended, not coiled, and in a clear area where it won't get damaged.
- Avoid putting clothes or other things (apart from bed linen) on the bed while an electric blanket is on. This could cause the blanket to overheat and may start a fire. Be especially careful of pets lying on top of the bed. Never leave an electric blanket unattended for long periods of time when it is switched on.
- If an electric blanket gets wet, dry it thoroughly according to the manufacturer's instructions. Never drink in bed or place a hot water bottle in your bed when you are using your electric blanket.
- Electric blankets should not be used with young children until they stay dry through the night. If the blanket is faulty, any dampness could cause an electric shock.
- In summer, store your blanket rolled (in corrugated cardboard, if possible) or leave it flat on your bed or in a dry area where no objects will be placed on it. Folding your blanket is likely to damage the heating elements.
Hot Water Bottles
The Ministry of Consumer Affairs has the following tips for using your hot water bottle safely.
- When shopping for a hot water bottle, look for compliance with a standard such as the BS 1970:2001. This is the most up-to-date standard and the numbers are sometimes moulded into the neck. Also take time to make sure the screw top fits snugly.
- Before using your hot water bottle, check for signs of wear such as splits or aging in the rubber, and loose thread in the tops. Test it with cold water first to make sure there are no leaks.
- Do not use boiling water to fill your hot water bottle - after time this reduces the durability of the rubber, and also creates a risk of burns. For extra safety cover it with a towel or hottie cover.
- Do not overfill your bottle - this puts pressure on the bottle and they can burst.
- After filling your bottle, shake it upside down to check that the screw top fits snugly.
- A wheat bag is not a good substitute for heating a bed. Wheat bags must always have plenty of free air around them because they continue to heat and can spontaneously ignite.
Thanks to Ministry of Consumer Affairs
Contact for Enquiries
The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry
Pastoral House
25 The Terrace
PO Box 2526, Wellington
Tel: 0800 00 83 33
Fax: +64 4 894 0720
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