🔍 I. Core Details of the EN 1869 Standard
Definition and Scope
Fire Blanket: A flexible sheet material used to extinguish small fires through suffocation.
Scope of Application: Disposable, single-person fire blankets suitable for controlling small fires (such as cooking oil fires and incipient electrical equipment fires) and for wrapping the body to aid escape.
Electric Shock Protection: Limits the risk of electric shock from accidental use on energized equipment.
Key Updates (2019 Edition)
Clarifies that fire blankets are not reusable, reinforcing the safety principle of single-use design.
Expands testing requirements to cover product sizes from the smallest to the largest. The standard structure consists of 22 pages of specifications covering material, design, testing, and marking requirements.
🧺 II. Applicable Product Types
Material and Design
Base Material: 100% fiberglass fabric (can be silicone-coated for enhanced temperature resistance).
Temperature Rating: Standard 550°C, custom models up to 1000°C (reusable).
Accessories: Flame-retardant cotton handle, nylon drawstring, and PVC box/soft bag packaging.
Dimensions and Specifications
Common Sizes, Thickness, Weight Range, Applicable Applications
1m×1m, 1.2m×1.2m, 0.4–0.43mm, 430–1800g/㎡, Kitchens, laboratories, small equipment
1.8m×1.2m, 1.8m×1.8m, Ships, multi-person escape
Typical Applications
Kitchen oil fires, initial electrical equipment fires, welding protection.
Enclosed human body escape (requires ≥ 1.2m×1.2m)
🔬 III. Test Methods
Preconditioning
Samples must be unpacked and unfolded, then conditioned for 48 hours in an environment at 20±10°C and 60±10% humidity.
Core Performance Testing
Fire Extinguishing Test:
Use 3L of cooking oil to simulate a fire and verify suffocation effectiveness.
This test covers both the smallest and largest product sizes to ensure full compliance.
Electrical Safety Test: Evaluates the ability to limit the risk of electric shock when accidentally covering live equipment.
Material Integrity: Checks for fiber loss, gaps, and high-temperature stability (e.g., 550°C).
Certification Requirements
Requires testing by organizations such as SGS/TUV, and complies with EN 1869:2019 and ASTM F1989-05.
⚠️ IV. Usage and Maintenance Precautions
Installation Location
Avoid heat sources (e.g., stoves) to prevent inaccessibility in the event of a fire.
Attach to a conspicuous, easily accessible wall or drawer.
Operation Procedure
Use both hands to pull out the handle or drawstring;
Shake out the fire blanket and hold it as a shield;
Completely cover the fire source until the flames are suffocated.
Replacement and Disposal
Mandatory Disposal Conditions: After use, damaged packaging, obvious damage, or missing accessories.
Recommended Replacement Period: 5 years (even if unused).
Limitations
Suitable only for small, initial fires (e.g., a 3L oil fire). If the fire gets out of control, wrap the person to escape.
💎 Summary
EN 1869:2019 is the cornerstone standard for fire blanket safety. Its core focus is on regulating the design, testing, and use of disposable products. When selecting a fire blanket, be sure to select the appropriate size for the application (e.g., 1.8m x 1.2m is suitable for ships). Regular inspections should be performed and the blanket should be stored in an area free from heat sources. Manufacturer customization capabilities (e.g., a 1000°C heat-resistant silicone coating) can expand its application in specialized scenarios.
