Can fire blankets deteriorate over time?

[nipper]

I bought a 'new' (unused) NCMA fire blanket off ebay and have just noticed on the front cover that the date says 1997 Kitemark Certified. All the BSEN1869 and kitemarks are on there, but was just a little alarmed to see this date....?!!!
I suppose I should get it out to check it, but then it probably won't go back in the case.

[bexcee]

Mine says the same and I only got mine (brand new) in 2008 so I think that's just the legislation that it has be conform to.
Don't get it out - you're right it won't go back in!!

[charleyfarley]

I hope not as mine has been on the wall since 1999, thankfully we haven't had to use it.

Carol xx

[christine e]

1997 is the date of the standard not the date the fire blanket was made. Mine says 1997 after the standard and I have had it about 2 or 3 years. It does say to check every 12 months but I know that mine has not been used.

Christine

[rickysmiths]

You do need to check them. We have all our Fire equipment in our Scout hut checked every year and 2 years ago I let them in. I was chating to the guy and he was so horrified that I had had my Fire Blanket for 20 years, not ever used! He gave me a new one!! It has BS EN 1869 Kite Mark on it but there is no date with it.

I think the only thing that has changed between now and my 20yr old one is the size the old one was smaller. They have to be 1.2m x 1.2m in size.

[birch24]

Mine says 1997 and I got it last year.