Updated products PROTECCIÓN LABORAL 72 | 3oTrimestre12 52 Fire resistant and long lasting The raw material of this blanket is fire- proof Tecstar® synthetic fiber, inherently flame retardant, which offers great and important advantages over other fibers of the market, such as aramid, mineral fibers (fiberglass, etc.). In comparison to other products supposedly homologues, the fire blanket FireBlank® proves, among others, the following advantages: -Inherent fireproof qualities, unchanging over time. -Its high thermal resistance allows their users to cover and ease the escape through the fire lines (corridors, rooms, stairs) with a reduced risk of suffering burns. -For its softness, light weight and high level of protection, its use is recommended in areas with disabled people (nursing homes, kindergartens, hospitals...) where evacuation is always slower than desired, and the burning risk increases exponen- tially. Its composition, with antibacterial proper- ties, makes it resistant to microbiological growth, allowing the coverage and the transport of people with burns at high risk of infection. Unique Features Century Proas underlines that the fire blanket FireBlank® is the “only on the market that combines all the advantages that the product should provide. Unlike other uncertified products available in the Spanish market, the credentials of Fire- Blank® are: -Non-flamable (neither generates toxic fumes). -It is totally harmless, does not produce skin or respiratory tract irritation. -Maintenance-free, there has no mecha- nism to be controlled or need for periodic revisions or refills. -The acquisition cost is very low with no ulterior maintenance costs. -Durability. It does not deteriorate even remaining outdoors, it keeps unchanged in cold, hot, dry, wet, salty, environments. -Unaffected to attack by fungi and bacte- ria, is rot resistant (remains inert), no rust at all. -It provides excellent thermal insulation for any emergency, including the protec- tion of wounded. -Ease of use by anyone. Plenty of advantages Carlos Ramos points out that FireBlank® “is an essential complement to the classical systems for fire firefighting, especially to fire extinguishers, never an alternative to them”. There are various advantages: -FireBlank® is ideal for situations in which, besides extinguishing a small fire, an additional reserve of protection is need- ed to extinguish and to escape from large fires due to burning of elements around the starting point of the fire. -It plays as a screen approach in fire. It allows users to go through some major fires (fire escape possibility). -It allows the extinction of fires that start in kitchens, appliances, etc., thus avoiding damages to adjacent devices or equipment (not the case with other extinguishing devices); particularly useful in laborato- ries and places with electrical and elec- tronic equipment. -Unlike extinguishers, allows its applica- tion to people, which may be crucial. Using it directly on persons may prevent the spread of fire due to panic. In addition, is always ready for use (other equipment mechanism operated could not be activat- ed when required). -Extremely easy to use. It does not require training nor complex instructions (deploy & use), anyone can run it effectively. A per- son himself can put out a fire in his body covering with the fireproof blanket, some- thing that is impossible with a fire extin- guisher. Market needs standardization Currently we can find in the market a number of fire blankets that do not meet regulations and also, unfortunately, most are not effective, becoming very danger- ous. In Europe, due to the greater culture of fire blankets, the non-compliant and danger- ous ones for the users are being removed already. At the RAPEX network of danger- ous products a list of products which have been already removed is available. In Spain we begin to be aware of the exis- tence of the blanket and the benefits of its application. Nonetheless it is alarming the attitude of some dealers who do not reject putting into the market products which lack certification and are dangerous. We can’t forget that marketing dangerous products is regulated by RD 1801/2003, Directive 85/374 and Law 22/1994 of June 6, with criminal responsibility of both manufacturers and distributors of safety products. It is necessary to emphasize the impor- tance of launching into the market only safe products. That will only succeed with the involvement of all the implied players, manufacturers, distributors, control agen- cies and authorities. Tecstar fiber The ‘personality’ of FireBlank® derives from its constituent material, the synthetic fiber Tecstar®, from polyacrylate reticulat- ed, with high resistance properties to flames, high temperatures and chemicals. Tecstar® is specified for severe applica- tions due to it is resistant to oxidizing agents, bases and acids in high concentra- tions without affecting its physical or mechanical properties, unlike other fibers such as aramids, polyesters, polyamides, etc. Comprehensive information on the fiber is available at the web of Century Proas, as well as the manufacturer’s one (www.tecstar-fiber.com). Manta de fibra de vidrio ensayada, incapaz de contener el fuego. Peligrosa para el usuario PARA MÁS INFORMACIÓN, CONTACTE CON: comercial@prensa-tecnica.com