Bedroom Safety

Electric heaters and electric blankets/duvets are the appliances most usually used in the bedroom.

Electric blankets and duvets

Great care should be taken with electric blankets and electric duvets, especially where elderly or infirm people are concerned.

A wide range of extra-safe electric blankets is now available for all-night use. It is very important however, to carefully read and follow the manufacturers' instructions for the individual blanket you use.



There are three basic types of electric blanket now available:

  1. The over-blanket or Duvet that can be left switched on all night
  2. The pre-heating underblanket that must always be switched off before getting into the bed
  3. The extra-safe under-blanket that can be left on all night - but subject to strictly following the user instructions

The following guidelines apply to the use of all electric blankets:

  • DO NOT put heavy items such as coats, pillows or thick bedding on the bed when the blanket is switched on.
  • DO CHECK regularly for obvious signs of wear or damage, such as scorch marks, frayed flexes, deep/sharp creases or loose connections.
  • DO NOT attempt to repair a defective blanket or duvet; return it to its service agent or supplier.

Electric Heaters in Bedrooms

Wall-mounted panel radiators, portable fan heaters, convectors and oil-filled radiators are the safest heaters to use in bedrooms. Whatever heater you use keep it away from bedclothes, clothing and curtains to avoid any risk of fire.

Never drape clothes over heaters.

Clean out fluff and dust from convector and fan heaters from time to time with a vacuum cleaner.